What Is Kernel DAO and How To Get the Airdrop?

Key Takeaways:

• Kernel DAO is a restaking protocol on the BNB Chain powering Kernel, Kelp, and Gain. It is the 4th project to launch on the Binance Megadrop.
• Kernel DAO has raised over 300,000 users and $2 billion in assets deposited. The airdrop for Season 1 is live, and you can check your eligibility on the Kernel DAO airdrop checker.
• If you missed Season 1, you can join Season 2 or the Binance Megadrop where 40,000,000 $KERNEL tokens will be distributed to those who stake BNB and complete some Web3 quests. 

What Is Kernel DAO?

Kernel DAO is a pioneering restaking protocol operating on the BNB Chain. Kernel DAO powers three main protocols; Kernel (restaking on BNB Chain), Kelp Liquid Restaking (rsETH), and Gain (automated rewards farming). Each protocol serves a distinct role in optimizing asset utilization and staking benefits on Kernel DAO.

Through the Kernel platform, users who stake BNB coins directly or through liquid staking tokens enable these assets to participate in Kernel smart contracts. Users involved in this process participate in multiple decentralized applications (dApps) on the network to receive extra reward opportunities.

The purpose of the project is to improve the security and utility of staked assets. Kernel DAO operates on a shared security protocol allowing its users to restake several yield-bearing assets like BNB and BTC. This method allows Kernel DAO users to safeguard their investments while maximizing returns.

Binance recently announced that Kernel will launch on the BNB Chain as the 4th Binance Megadrop project. Kernel will utilize BNB LSTs and restaked BNB as economic security. 

While Kernel is launching on the BNB Chain, it is already live on ten other chains, including Ethereum, BNB Chain, Arbitrum, and Optimism. Kernel DAO already has more than 300,000 users and $2 billion in assets deposited, demonstrating the market’s demand for a secure, efficient restaking protocol. 

Kernel DAO Team

Currently, there are only two known members of the Kernel DAO Team: Amitej Gajjala (Co-Founder) and Dheeraj Borra (Co-Founder). Amitej holds a Bachelor's in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from IIT Madras, as well as an MBA from IIM Calcutta. 

Before KernelDAO, Amitej co-founded Stader Labs with Dheeraj. Dheeraj holds a Bachelor's in Computer Science from IIT Kharagpur and a Master's from The University of Texas at Austin. Together they worked to develop Kernel DAO.

Kernel DAO Token

The Kernel DAO Token, $KERNEL, is designed with a community-first approach, putting emphasis on user empowerment and long-term protocol sustainability. The KERNEL token gives holders restaking capabilities, governance rights, liquidity provision, and ecosystem participation.

The token distribution of $KERNEL reflects its community-first approach. The KERNEL token has a maximum supply of 1,000,000,000 KERNEL tokens. At listing, KERNEL will launch with an initial circulating supply of 162,317,496 KERNEL. The distribution breakdown is as follows:

• Community Rewards & Airdrops (55%): 20% of the total supply is reserved for airdrops and 35% for future rewards.
• Private Sale (20%): This includes completed and future private sale allocations. Private sales of $KERNEL are subject to 24-month vesting after a 6-month lock-up post-TGE (token generation event).
• Team & Advisors (20%)
• Ecosystem & Partners (5%)

Kernel DAO Fundings

In 2024, Kernel DAO announced the successful completion of a private sale round where it raised $10 million. The first Kernel funding round was led by Binance Labs, SCB Limited, and Laser Digital. 

The Kernel funding round also saw participation from 17 capital funds, 10 angel investors, and community figures. In addition, the protocol has also established a $40 million ecosystem fund aimed at expanding and supporting the BNB Chain's restaking infrastructure.

Kernel DAO Roadmap

Kernel DAO has released a roadmap, highlighting key points to achieve over 2025. The roadmap of Kernel DAO for 2025:

• In Q1 2025, Kernel DAO strengthened its DeFi utility, introducing three new vaults on Gain. The team also expanded its DeFi integrations for rsETH.
• In Q2 2025, the Kernel DAO team will work to launch BTC yield opportunities, BTC-focused vaults on Gain, and expand its footprint among centralized exchanges (CEXs). Speaking of exchanges, read on for the 15 best crypto exchanges with the lowest fees. 
• In Q3 2025, Kernel will expand its footprint into the real-world asset (RWA) market. A RWA product will be implemented on Gain. A slashing mechanism will also be implemented within Kernel. 
• In Q4 2025, Kernel will expand its multi-chain offerings. Kernel will get a new blockchain in June while RWA assets within Gain will be scaled.

How To Get Kernel DAO Airdrop?

The Kernel DAO airdrop is the last phase of “Season 1,” which finished on December 31, 2024. As part of the airdrop, 10% of the $KERNEL token supply will be distributed to participants of Season 1. The Kernel DAO employed a partnership with human.tech by Holonym to perform Sybil analysis to avoid token distribution to fake accounts.

Users who accumulated at least 150 Kernel Points or Kelp Grand Miles in Season 1 are eligible to receive 100 $KERNEL tokens for staking ETH worth $100 USD or 0.04 ETH. Season 1 points of unqualified wallets will be moved to Season 2 so participants can earn another chance at future airdrop eligibility. Follow the step-by-step process to get the KERNEL airdrop from Season 1.