The Avalanche token (AVAX) performs various tasks within Avalanche's Proof of Stake blockchain network. The Avalanche token functions as a rewards and payment system for users. The network is designed to be an open-source platform for launching highly decentralized applications, enterprise deployments, and decentralized financial instruments. The Avalanche ecosystem is meant to be smore scalable and interoperable than other blockchain platforms. Unlike Bitcoin and many other networks, transaction fees are “burnt” in order to increase token scarcity. This process is offset by the release, or “minting,” of new coins.
Avalanche was launched by Ava Labs, whose founder Emin Gün Sirer is a veteran computer scientist that has been very influential in the Blockchain space. Gün Sirer is a computer science professor at Cornell University and has written extensively about scaling blockchain networks.

Parity Technologies is an influential blockchain development company that offers a variety of open-source software solutions for creating and using decentralized technologies. Some of their solutions include Ethereum and Bitcoin clients, cross-chain technologies, smart contracts, testnets, and cryptocurrency wallets. The company was created by Gavin Wood, the co-founder of Ethereum.

FOAM is developing a blockchain-based location service protocol for embedding physical locations in Ethereum smart contracts. The FOAM network will use radio beacons and will provide incentives for decentralized location services that will be given by network participants. Users will stake tokens to become zone anchors, that will work with radio beacons to return location data to the network. FOAM's Proof of Location protocol will be used to confirm consensus on the location of objects and entities in space and time.