Crypto treasuries, tokenization, and prediction markets are emerging as alternative engines for scientific and medical innovation
A growing wave of biotech and scientific organizations is turning to blockchain technology and crypto treasury models to support early-stage research. This shift—often referred to as decentralized science (DeSci)—is challenging traditional funding systems that can slow breakthroughs for years. Through staking revenues, tokenization, and community-driven prediction markets, these emerging models aim to unlock faster, more transparent pathways for scientific progress.
Crypto Treasuries Enter Scientific Research
Portage Biotech, now operating as a Toncoin (TON) treasury company, is one of the clearest examples of this transformation. By generating revenue from staking to secure the TON network and investing in digital ecosystem projects, the company plans to route part of its crypto-driven income directly into cancer research.
AlphaTON CEO Brittany Kaiser explained that tokenization models are at the center of this strategy. She noted that the team is studying multiple frameworks, saying:
“We’re examining case studies—from tokenizing intellectual property to tokenizing company equity and even future research profits—to understand what truly decentralizes scientific development.”
Kaiser added that removing traditional financial barriers is essential for accelerating cures and making research more accessible.
Strategic advisor Anthony Scaramucci echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Portage’s approach stands out. “Many crypto treasury companies discard their original business entirely. Here, the operating biotech vertical becomes a powerful advantage,” he said.
This merging of digital-asset revenue streams with real-world medical research marks a meaningful shift in how science can be funded.
Prediction Markets as a Funding Engine
Another emerging model comes from Ideosphere, a DeSci startup building prediction markets tailored for scientific research. These platforms allow communities to bet on hypotheses, creating a market-driven evaluation system.
Co-founder Rei Jarram explained the potential impact:
“If you create prediction markets around early-stage research, you turn them into marketplaces of ideas that bring in actual capital.”
According to Jarram, researchers post hypotheses, traders speculate, and the market spread becomes funding for the scientist—a radically different way to reward innovation.
AI, Blockchain, and Community Research Models
In September, Bio Protocol secured $6.9 million in new funding to expand its AI-native, blockchain-powered research network. Its backers believe it could become a decentralized engine for drug discovery. Arthur Hayes described it as a platform capable of redefining how scientific knowledge is produced and validated.
Together, these models illustrate how decentralized science is evolving into a legitimate parallel ecosystem for funding discovery—faster, more open, and community-aligned.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Cryptocurrency trading involves risk and may result in financial loss.