What is Ontology? How It Works & Where to Use It

Overview

Ontology at a glance.

Ontology is a smart contract platform built around digital identity and a two token economy that separates staking from network fees. Here is how it works and what it is used for, not the price.

Total value locked (DeFi)

$4.2M

Value locked in DeFi protocols on Ontology. Updated Jun 8, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.

Native token

ONT

Used for fees and securing the network. See the live ONT price.

How it works

How Ontology works.

VBFT combines proof of stake, a verifiable random function, and Byzantine fault tolerance. A verifiable random function selects which staked nodes propose and verify each block, and at any time a set of consensus nodes voted in by the community participates in producing blocks. This keeps block production close to one second while spreading selection across staked nodes.

Consensus: VBFT (PoS, VRF, BFT)

VBFT combines proof of stake, a verifiable random function, and Byzantine fault tolerance. A verifiable random function selects which staked nodes propose and verify each block, and at any time a set of consensus nodes voted in by the community participates in producing blocks. This keeps block production close to one second while spreading selection across staked nodes.

Dual token model

ONT is the staking and governance token, while ONG is the gas token used to pay transaction fees. Staked ONT generates ONG over time.

VBFT consensus

VBFT uses a verifiable random function to pick block proposers and verifiers from staked nodes, combining proof of stake with Byzantine fault tolerant agreement.

Multiple virtual machines

Ontology supports NeoVM, WebAssembly, and the EVM, so developers can deploy Solidity contracts alongside other contract types on one chain.

Digital identity

Ontology was designed around decentralized identity and data tools, letting users and applications manage verifiable credentials on chain.

Ecosystem & usage

What Ontology is used for.

Ontology is used as a base layer for identity, data, and EVM compatible applications.

DefiLlama

Staking for ONG

Holders stake ONT to take part in consensus and receive ONG, which is then spent on transaction fees.

EVM applications

Because the chain supports the EVM, developers can deploy Solidity contracts using familiar tools such as MetaMask and Hardhat.

Decentralized identity

Applications can issue and verify credentials using Ontology's identity framework rather than a central provider.

Top protocols by TVL · updated Jun 8, 2026

Wing Finance · Lending$4.2M

In Zypto App

Hold, swap and spend ONT.

Ontology is integrated in Zypto App. Hold ONT in self-custody, swap it to any supported asset, and use it across Zypto’s features.

Hold ONT in Zypto How to buy ONT

Be the reason Ontology ships next.

Ontology isn’t in Zypto App yet. Post the request to your followers, chains with the most demand get prioritised.

Request on X

FAQ

Common questions.

What is Ontology?

Ontology is a Layer 1 smart contract platform that uses a dual token model and VBFT consensus. ONT is the governance token and ONG is the gas token.

What is the difference between ONT and ONG?

ONT is used for staking and governance, while ONG is the gas token used to pay transaction fees. Staked ONT generates ONG over time.

How does Ontology reach consensus?

Ontology uses VBFT, which combines proof of stake, a verifiable random function, and Byzantine fault tolerance to select nodes that propose and verify blocks.

Does Ontology support Ethereum smart contracts?

Yes. Ontology supports the EVM alongside NeoVM and WebAssembly, so Solidity contracts can be deployed using standard Ethereum tooling.

Can I hold ONT in Zypto App?

Not yet. ONT isn't in Zypto App at the moment. You can hold it in any self-custodial wallet, and you can ask us to add Ontology using the "Request Ontology" button above.

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