Mechanism Institute is a research hub dedicated to advancing onchain mechanisms. We document, invent, remix, compose, and deploy mechanisms that improve human institutions. Our three pillars are:
The Mechanism Library
Our library maps the onchain design space across seven fundamental functions.
- Fundraising: Coordinating the flow of capital into a system.
- Allocation: Distributing scarce resources among participants.
- Value Capture: Retaining and monetizing generated value.
- Rewards & Penalties: Shaping incentives to influence behavior.
- Exchange: Facilitating the transfer, trade, and pricing of assets.
- Governance: Structuring permissions and decision-making rules.
- Data: Managing information flow, integrity, and access.
Research
We investigate how mechanisms can solve complex problems across prediction markets, public goods, governance, sybil prevention, p2p commerce, network sovereignties, impact measurement, and more.
Collaborations
We partner with researchers and institutions looking to understand and apply onchain mechanisms to new domains. Our work has been financially supported by Gitcoin and Optimism, and we actively collaborate with BlockchainGov on research and library maintenance.
If you are interested in working with us, reach out at hello@mechanism.institute.