Layer 1 · Proof of Entropy Minima · Live since 2025
Quai
QUAI
Quai is a Proof of Work Layer 1 built by Dominant Strategies, using a multi-chain hierarchy and a consensus mechanism called Proof of Entropy Minima. It has two native assets, QUAI and QI.
Quai is a Proof of Work Layer 1 from Dominant Strategies that runs as a hierarchy of merge-mined chains rather than a single chain, which lets it process transactions in parallel for higher throughput. Its mainnet launched on January 29, 2025, and it uses a consensus mechanism called Proof of Entropy Minima. Here is how it works and what it is used for, not the price.
On-chain DEX liquidity
$97,282
Liquidity across DEX pools on Quai. Updated Jun 8, 2026. Source: GeckoTerminal.
Quai uses Proof of Entropy Minima, a Proof of Work design based on Nakamoto consensus. Instead of picking the longest or heaviest chain, PoEM measures the intrinsic entropy each block removes from the hash space, which the project says removes the forking that happens when two miners find a block at once. The result is fast finality without the block contention of plain Proof of Work. Miners merge-mine across the chain hierarchy, with every miner securing the top-level Prime chain.
Consensus: Proof of Entropy Minima (PoEM)
Quai uses Proof of Entropy Minima, a Proof of Work design based on Nakamoto consensus. Instead of picking the longest or heaviest chain, PoEM measures the intrinsic entropy each block removes from the hash space, which the project says removes the forking that happens when two miners find a block at once. The result is fast finality without the block contention of plain Proof of Work. Miners merge-mine across the chain hierarchy, with every miner securing the top-level Prime chain.
Multi-chain hierarchy
Quai is organized as one Prime chain, three Region chains, and nine Zone chains. The Prime chain is mined by every miner for security, while Region and Zone chains carry more throughput at lower difficulty.
Proof of Entropy Minima
PoEM is the consensus mechanism. It ranks blocks by the entropy they remove from the hash space rather than by chain length, which the project says eliminates block contention and gives fast finality.
QUAI and QI
Quai has two native assets. QUAI is the primary token used for gas and as a store of value, while QI is an energy-based unit emitted as a mining reward and designed to track the cost of producing it.
EVM compatibility
Quai supports Ethereum Virtual Machinesmart contracts, so developers can deploy EVM applications, alongside UTXO-based transactions used for the QI asset.
Ecosystem & usage
What Quai is used for.
The ecosystem is built around Proof of Work mining, EVM applications, and the dual QUAI and QI asset model.
Quai is mined with Proof of Work. Miners merge-mine across the chain hierarchy and every miner secures the Prime chain, earning QUAI and QI as rewards.
Smart contract applications
Developers deploy Ethereum Virtual Machine contracts on Quai to build decentralized applications that settle on its multi-chain network.
Payments and transfers
QUAI is used to pay gas and move value across the network, with QI serving as an energy-based unit emitted through mining.
Quai is a Proof of Work Layer 1 built by Dominant Strategies. It runs as a hierarchy of merge-mined chains and uses a consensus mechanism called Proof of Entropy Minima. Its primary native token is QUAI.
What consensus does Quai use?
Quai uses Proof of Entropy Minima, a Proof of Work design that ranks blocks by the entropy they remove from the hash space rather than by chain length, which the project says removes forking and gives fast finality.
What are QUAI and QI?
QUAI is the primary token, used for gas and as a store of value. QI is an energy-based unit emitted as a mining reward and designed to track the cost of producing it.
When did Quai launch?
Quai Network launched its mainnet on January 29, 2025, with a multi-chain network of one Prime chain, three Region chains, and nine Zone chains.
Can I hold QUAI in Zypto App?
Not yet. QUAI isn't in Zypto App at the moment. You can hold it in any self-custodial wallet, and you can ask us to add Quai using the "Request Quai" button above.
