> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://dna-6.gitbook.io/docs.dna.living/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://dna-6.gitbook.io/docs.dna.living/dnai-tokenomics-from-ecosystem-incentives-to-systemic-coordination-layer/credit-based-contribution-and-epoch-mining-mechanism.md).

# Credit-Based Contribution & Epoch Mining Mechanism

#### **Credit Definition**

Credit is a **non-transferable, non-redeemable accounting unit** used within the DNAi protocol to measure and quantify individual health data contributions. Credit does **not** represent a token, asset, or payment instrument. It has no monetary value, cannot be transferred, traded, or exchanged, and does not grant governance or financial rights on its own. 

The **sole function of Credit** is to determine a participant’s proportional share of $DNAi token distribution within each mining epoch, based on their verified contribution relative to the platform-wide total. By separating contribution measurement (Credit) from value capture ($DNAi), DNAi ensures that data contribution remains transparent, non-speculative, and resistant to manipulation.

#### **Epoch-Based Mining Mechanism**

DNAi employs an **epoch-based mining model**, where token distribution occurs in discrete, time-bound cycles.

* Each epoch lasts **7 days**.
* At the end of every epoch, a predefined amount of $DNAi is allocated for distribution.
* Token rewards are distributed **proportionally**, based on each participant’s Credit share relative to the total Credits generated across the network during that epoch.

#### **Reward Claiming**

Token rewards are **not automatically credited** to user wallets. Participants must actively **claim** their $DNAi rewards after each epoch. This design reinforces user agency and prevents unintended token distribution. Unclaimed rewards are **not burned, reallocated, or redistributed**. Instead, they remain permanently held within the protocol’s public reward pool address, ensuring full transparency and preventing dilution or discretionary reuse. Rewards are calculated based on data category, contribution continuity, and epoch participation. This mechanism aligns long-term network sustainability with participant responsibility, while preserving the integrity of the emission schedule.