Kinetiq is designed to let users stake HYPE tokens while retaining liquidity through derivative tokens like kHYPE.
The project combines on-chain staking with DeFi integration, enabling holders to participate in staking rewards and deploy their liquid staking tokens across supported platforms for additional yield or collateral opportunities.
Below is a structured overview you can use for an article or brief.
Overview
Kinetiq is a liquid staking protocol built on the Hyperliquid blockchain (HyperEVM), a high-performance Layer 1 blockchain optimized for decentralized finance (DeFi) applications.
By leveraging Kinetiq, users can stake HYPE tokens to receive kHYPE, a liquid staking token that retains liquidity while earning staking rewards.
Integrated into Hyperliquid money markets, it has rapidly grown its user base and total value locked (TVL), spurred by innovative incentive mechanisms such as its ongoing airdrop campaign.
What is Kinetiq?
Kinetiq simplifies staking in DeFi by allowing users to stake HYPE tokens and obtain kHYPE tokens, which can be used across multiple DeFi platforms.
This enables liquidity retention rather than locking assets, which is common in traditional staking protocols.
Launched in mid-July 2025,it has attracted significant adoption, achieving over $470 million in HYPE tokens staked and integration with major protocols such as Felix.
How Does Kinetiq Work?
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Users stake HYPE tokens within the Kinetiq protocol.
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In return, they receive kHYPE tokens that represent their staked assets.
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kHYPE tokens can be deployed across supported DeFi platforms, allowing users to earn additional yields or collateralize positions.
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The protocol distributes staking rewards and employs a points system called kPoints to incentivize participation and prepare for token airdrops.
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This liquid staking model facilitates greater capital efficiency and network effects within the Hyperliquid ecosystem.
Kinetiq Airdrop Details
Kinetiq initiated a points-based airdrop campaign starting July 15, 2025, known as the kPoints system:
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Participants earn kPoints weekly by staking HYPE through the Kinetiq protocol and holding kHYPE tokens.
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Points are distributed every Thursday, with snapshots taken Tuesdays to record user balances.
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Users can also deposit kHYPE into the “Earn” section to receive vkHYPE which offers exposure to multiple protocol airdrops and continues to accumulate kPoints.
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The program has matched strong user growth and increased TVL—from $458 million to $2.1 billion within a few months.
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On October 22, 2025, it launched its governance token KNTQ and announced an airdrop of 24% of total KNTQ supply to kPoints holders.
This airdrop structure rewards early adopters and active users while nurturing network growth and token scarcity.
Step-by-Step to Participate in the Kinetiq Airdrop
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Acquire HYPE tokens: Obtain HYPE tokens on supported exchanges or platforms.
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Stake HYPE: Visit the Kinetiq protocol interface on the Hyperliquid blockchain and stake your HYPE tokens to receive kHYPE.
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Earn kPoints: Accumulate kPoints weekly based on your staked HYPE and kHYPE holdings. Points are snapshot every Tuesday.
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Deposit kHYPE into “Earn”: Optionally deposit kHYPE into the “Earn” section to convert to vkHYPE, allowing exposure to additional airdrops.
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Wait for Airdrop: The KNTQ governance token airdrop distributing 24% of supply to kPoints holders will be allocated following the final snapshot (October 16, 2025).
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Claim Tokens: After distribution, claim your KNTQ tokens according to Kinetiq instructions.
Regularly check official Kinetiq channels for updates and ensure your wallet supports Hyperliquid assets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is the Kinetiq airdrop guaranteed?
A1: While the airdrop is announced and ongoing, participation remains speculative with token details evolving. Staying up to date ensures you maximize eligibility.
Q2: Can I unstake HYPE while accumulating kPoints?
A2: Typically, staking must be maintained during snapshots to retain points, so unstaking early might reduce rewards.
Q3: What is the difference between kHYPE and vkHYPE?
A3: kHYPE is the liquid staking token received after staking HYPE. vkHYPE is a variant obtained by depositing kHYPE into the “Earn” pool, providing additional airdrop opportunities.
Q4: Where can I use kHYPE tokens?
A4: kHYPE is usable across supported Hyperliquid DeFi platforms, such as Felix Protocol, for collateral, yield farming, or liquidity provision.
Q5: How can I track my kPoints?
A5: Most interfaces related to Kinetiq provide dashboards showing accrued kPoints and eligibility status.
Conclusion
Kinetiq exemplifies next-generation liquid staking on Hyperliquid blockchain by combining user-friendly staking mechanics, liquidity retention through kHYPE tokens, and a robust incentive system anchored in its kPoints airdrop campaign.
Its recent launch of the KNTQ governance token and large-scale airdrop reinforces community engagement and governance participation.
For DeFi users and HYPE holders seeking to maintain liquidity while participating actively in protocol growth, it offers a promising, well-supported platform.
Participating early in the airdrop by staking and managing kHYPE positions can maximize potential rewards and immersion in this growing ecosystem.
Keep an eye on official updates as the project matures beyond its initial launch phase.
Would you like a detailed guide on wallet setup or automated staking strategies for Kinetiq?
