[Crypto projects](https://revain.org/projects/) › Kava

# Kava (KAVA): how it works, supply and reviews

## In short

- **Type**: Layer-1 blockchain with an Ethereum co-chain and a Cosmos co-chain linked by a translator module
- **Inflation**: Zero since 31 December 2023 (Kava 15 upgrade)
- **Risks and caveats**: Since inflation ended, staking rewards depend on the community pool, fees and foundation allocations rather than new issuance.
- **Checked**: 28 October 2026

## Key facts

- **Ticker**: KAVA
- **Official site**: [kava.io](https://www.kava.io/)
- **Source code**: [github.com/Kava-Labs/kava](https://github.com/Kava-Labs/kava)

Key facts checked on 28 October 2026 against official sources.

## What is Kava

Kava is a layer-1 blockchain built with the Cosmos SDK that runs two connected environments: an Ethereum-compatible (EVM) co-chain and a Cosmos co-chain. KAVA is the native token used for staking, governance and network security.

## Network and consensus

| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Layer-1 blockchain with an Ethereum co-chain and a Cosmos co-chain linked by a translator module |
| Consensus | Proof of stake on the Tendermint Core BFT engine; the top 100 validators produce blocks |
| Smart contracts | Yes; Solidity contracts run on the EVM co-chain |
| Interoperability | Connected to the Cosmos ecosystem through IBC since 19 January 2022 |

## Supply and issuance

| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Inflation | Zero since 31 December 2023 (Kava 15 upgrade) |
| Maximum supply | Fixed: circulating supply equals maximum supply, and no new KAVA can be created |
| Staking rewards | Staking rewards are paid from the community pool, funded by fees, native project emissions and interim Kava Foundation allocations |

## What KAVA is used for

- Staking by validators to secure the network, with slashing for downtime or double signing
- Voting on governance proposals and network parameters
- Funding ecosystem incentives for projects on both co-chains

## Who develops and governs Kava

- **Governance**: Kava DAO of stakers and validators, using on-chain proposals for parameters and community-pool spending
- **Foundation**: Kava Foundation provides interim allocations to support network operations
- **Developer**: Kava Labs maintains the node software on GitHub
- **Open source**: Yes; released under the Apache-2.0 license

## History

| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 19 January 2022 | Kava connects to the Cosmos ecosystem through IBC. |
| May 2023 | Governance Proposal 141 passes, setting the path to zero inflation. |
| 7 December 2023 | Kava 15 upgrade goes live on mainnet. |
| 31 December 2023 | KAVA inflation set to zero permanently; supply becomes fixed. |

## Security and audits

- Validators that fail to keep high uptime or that double-sign transactions can have their staked KAVA slashed.

## Risks and caveats

- Since inflation ended, staking rewards depend on the community pool, fees and foundation allocations rather than new issuance.
- KAVA also exists as a BEP-2 token on Binance Chain, which must not be sent directly to the Kava chain.
- Staked KAVA can be slashed if a validator misbehaves or goes offline.

## Official links

- Website: [www.kava.io](https://www.kava.io/)
- Docs: [docs.kava.io/docs/intro](https://docs.kava.io/docs/intro)
- Source code: [github.com/Kava-Labs/kava](https://github.com/Kava-Labs/kava)

## Questions and answers

**What is Kava (KAVA)?**

Kava is a Cosmos SDK layer-1 blockchain with an EVM co-chain and a Cosmos co-chain. KAVA is its staking and governance token.

**Does KAVA have inflation?**

No. Since 31 December 2023 inflation is zero, circulating supply equals maximum supply, and KAVA can only be burned.

**How does Kava reach consensus?**

Kava uses proof of stake on the Tendermint Core BFT engine, with the top 100 validators producing blocks.

**Who governs Kava?**

The Kava DAO of stakers and validators votes on on-chain proposals, including community-pool spending.

## Sources

- [CoinGecko — Kava](https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/kava)
- [CoinPaprika — Kava](https://coinpaprika.com/coin/kava-kava/)
- [Kava docs — Intro to the Kava Network](https://docs.kava.io/docs/intro)
- [Kava docs — FAQ: The Basics](https://docs.kava.io/docs/faq/basics)
- [Kava docs — Governance Overview](https://docs.kava.io/docs/governance/overview)
- [Kava — Kava 15: KAVA Zero Inflation (14 November 2023)](https://kava.io/news/kava-15-kava-zero-inflation)
- [GitHub — Kava-Labs/kava](https://github.com/Kava-Labs/kava)

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Page updated: 2026-10-31

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Source: https://revain.org/projects/kava/