Gridcoin is a blockchain-based computer network that rewards volunteer computing for science through the BOINC platform. BOINC is a platform that allows volunteer computing for conducting scientific research. The Gridcoin blockchain is secured by the proof-of-stakeprotocol, which ensures that minimal processing resources are used. Gridcoin is a distributed computer network, which refers to a computer network spread across different networks and provides a single data communication network.

As the whitepaper states, Gridcoin aims to offer an incentive mechanism called GRC Research Mint that generates a predefined amount of GRC, the native token of the Gridcoin blockchain. These GRCs are distributed to the participants or computing volunteers based on their relative processing contributions. GRC is a protocol-defined inflationarycryptocurrency. 

Gridcoin aims to establish a platform for research, science, and data analysis according to the interest of the network’s participants. The whitepaper of Gridcoin states that idle processing potential (IPP) refers to the product of the processing power of computing devices and the proportion of unused processing over time. Individuals direct their IPP of the Gridcoin network to the research projects they deem beneficial and contain a high value in science and research. This is aimed to provide greater resources for efficiently conducting research projects. 

The Gridcoin value is based on the open-source nature of the network. According to the whitepaper, anyone can view, access, modify, and copy Gridcoin software. Individuals well versed with the programming language of C++ can audit, extend, and maintain the Gridcoin software. Therefore, the open-source nature of the software empowers contributors and programmers to address issues in the network. 

The Gridcoin network also aims to offer open data accessible through web-based blockchain explorers and wallet software. Gridcoin supports the open publishing of data that allows people to analyze and experiment with such data. 

Gridcoin operates based on decentralization, whereby the network participants make the decisions and there is an absence of centralized processing. Therefore, the decentralization of the Gridcoin network allows diversity and more extensive participation in the decision-making process.