Proof of Utility (PoU)

If you’re not deeply into blockchain, terms like Proof-of-Work, Proof-of-Stake, or Proof-of-Utility can sound confusing.

The key thing to understand is Proof-of-Utility (PoU) and why it’s different: instead of wasting energy on meaningless puzzles (Proof-of-Work) or earning passive rewards just for locking up tokens (Proof-of-Stake), PoU rewards real, useful work.

On Proto Layer, that means running compute tasks, storing data, or managing secure access. When a task is completed, it’s verified and added to the next block—turning real utility into part of the chain. That’s how blocks are “mined” and how contributors earn $PROTO.

It’s a system designed to reward those who create actual value.