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description: What is Ocean Protocol?
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# Explore

Ocean Protocol is a **decentralized data exchange protocol** that empowers you to monetize and share your data with others on-chain. ⛓️ By leveraging **blockchain technology** and **smart contracts**, Ocean Protocol offers **open-source tools** to securely publish NFTs of your data and algorithms to seamlessly collaborate, trade, and innovate with others.&#x20;

<figure><img src="../.gitbook/assets/ocean-jelly-hyperrealistic.jpeg" alt="" width="375"><figcaption><p>A vast ocean of data awaits you...</p></figcaption></figure>

Let's embark on a journey of discovery and explore the possibilities that await you with Ocean Protocol! Get a glimpse into some of the things you can do - the opportunities with our protocol are vast and ever-evolving. Together, we can dive deeper and uncover even more ways to leverage the power of decentralized data.&#x20;

<figure><img src="../.gitbook/assets/penguin-diving.gif" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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<summary><mark style="color:purple;">Build Your dApp</mark><br><br><strong>Building a</strong> <a href="https://oceanprotocol.com/templates"><strong>dApp</strong></a> <strong>on top of Ocean Protocol provides you with a powerful framework to create decentralized applications that leverage the capabilities of the protocol. By utilizing Ocean's technology stack, you can tap into a robust ecosystem designed for data exchange and collaboration.</strong></summary>

When building a dApp on top of Ocean Protocol, you gain access to a wide range of features and functionalities:

1. **Data access and discovery**: Utilize Ocean's data marketplace infrastructure to access diverse and valuable data sets. Leverage the data discovery mechanisms to help users find relevant data assets for their applications.
2. **Data interoperability**: Seamlessly integrate and interact with various data sources using Ocean's standardized data representation formats. Ensure compatibility and easy data integration within your dApp.
3. **Data privacy and security**: Leverage the cryptographic capabilities of Ocean Protocol to ensure privacy and security of sensitive data. Implement access controls, encryption, and secure data-sharing mechanisms within your dApp.
4. **Provenance and transparency**: Leverage the transparency and immutability of the blockchain to establish data provenance. Build trust among users by providing an auditable record of data sources, usage, and transactions.
5. **Tokenized incentives**: Utilize datatokens (ERC20) within your dApp to incentivize data providers and consumers. Design token economies that align with the specific requirements of your application, encouraging participation and value creation.
6. **Community participation**: Leverage the community-driven nature of Ocean Protocol to foster collaboration, feedback, and innovation. Engage with the Ocean community to share ideas, contribute to the ecosystem, and gather insights to enhance your dApp.

These are a few examples of what can be built on top of Ocean.

1. [Ocean Waves](https://waves.oceanprotocol.com/) - Music NFTs [marketplace](https://github.com/oceanprotocol/waves)
2. [Ocean Market](https://market.oceanprotocol.com) - Decentralised data [marketplace](https://github.com/oceanprotocol/market)
3. [Autobot](https://autobotocean.com/) - Tokengated [data farming](https://df.oceandao.org/) intelligence app
4. [Ocean Gate](https://tokengate.oceanprotocol.com/) - Tokengated content [marketplace](https://github.com/oceanprotocol/token-gating-template)
5. [Acentrik Market](https://market.acentrik.io/) - Enterprise decentralized data marketplace



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<summary><mark style="color:orange;">Build Your Data Marketplace</mark><br><br>With Ocean Protocol, you have the flexibility to create and launch your own data marketplace tailored to your specific requirements. Utilize the protocol's infrastructure and tools to establish a platform where data providers and consumers can connect and transact. </summary>

You can choose from two options:

1. **Fork the** [**Ocean Marketplace**](https://github.com/oceanprotocol/market) **and customize it**: You have the ability to fork the existing [Ocean Marketplace](https://github.com/oceanprotocol/market) codebase and customize it according to your needs. This allows you to leverage the foundational infrastructure and functionality already built by Ocean Protocol while tailoring the user interface, features, and branding to align with your marketplace vision. Follow this [tutorial](../developers/build-a-marketplace/) to learn how to do it.
2. **Build your marketplace with Ocean components**: Alternatively, you can build your data marketplace from scratch using Ocean Protocol's modular components. Ocean provides a comprehensive set of building blocks, such as the [**Aquarius**](https://github.com/oceanprotocol/aquarius), [**Provider**](https://github.com/oceanprotocol/provider), Ocean [contracts](https://github.com/oceanprotocol/contracts), and Ocean libraries([**ocean.js**](https://github.com/oceanprotocol/ocean.js) & [**ocean.py**](https://github.com/oceanprotocol/ocean.py)), which you can integrate into your own marketplace development. This empowers you to create a unique and customized data marketplace experience while leveraging the underlying capabilities and standards provided by Ocean Protocol.

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<summary><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>Build with and on top of Ocean</strong></mark><br><br>Unleash your creativity and build innovative solutions with Ocean Protocol's technology. Utilize the extensive range of tools, libraries, and APIs to create applications, products, and services that leverage the power of decentralized data.</summary>

Seamlessly integrate with Ocean's ecosystem, contribute to the protocol's growth, and join a vibrant community of developers and entrepreneurs shaping the future of data-driven solutions.

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<summary><mark style="color:green;">Buy or Sell Data</mark><br><br>Within the Ocean ecosystem, users have the possibility to publish and sell data or explore and purchase data. Data is published in the form of interoperable <a href="https://github.com/ethereum/EIPs/blob/master/EIPS/eip-721.md">ERC721</a> data NFTs and <a href="https://github.com/ethereum/EIPs/blob/7f4f0377730f5fc266824084188cc17cf246932e/EIPS/eip-20.md">ERC20</a> datatokens. The platform acts as a decentralized exchange (DEX) specifically designed for data transactions. Every action, including publishing, purchasing, and consuming data, is securely recorded on the blockchain, creating a tamper-proof audit trail.</summary>

For data scientists and AI practitioners, Ocean presents opportunities such as increased access to a broader range of data, including private data, crypto-secured provenance for data and AI training, and potential income streams from selling and curating data.

To showcase these capabilities, Ocean developed a demonstrator marketplace known as the [Ocean Market](https://market.oceanprotocol.com/).

The following guides will help you get started with buying and selling data:

* [Publish an NFT](../user-guides/marketplace-publish-data-asset.md)
* [Download an NFT](../user-guides/marketplace-download-data-asset.md)
* [Host Assets](../user-guides/asset-hosting/)

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<summary><mark style="color:purple;">Earn Rewards</mark><br><br>The <a href="../rewards/df-background.md">Data Farming</a> initiative is a key feature of Ocean Protocol that empowers participants to earn <a href="../rewards/">rewards</a> while contributing to a decentralized data economy. By staking Ocean tokens and actively participating in data markets, users play a vital role in enhancing the availability and accessibility of valuable data assets</summary>

Through the Data Farming initiative, you are incentivized to lock Ocean tokens for [veOcean](../rewards/veocean.md). By staking your tokens, you not only support the growth and sustainability of the ecosystem but also earn a share of the generated incentives💰. The Data Farming initiative offers participants a unique opportunity to earn [rewards](../rewards/) while making a meaningful impact in the data marketplace.&#x20;

Participating in the Data Farming initiative demonstrates a commitment to the principles of **fairness**, **transparency**, and **collaboration** that underpin Ocean Protocol. It allows you to actively engage with the ecosystem, promoting innovation, and driving the evolution of the decentralized data economy.

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<summary><mark style="color:red;">Data Challenges</mark><br><br>Ocean <a href="https://oceanprotocol.com/challenges">Data Challenges</a> offer you a unique opportunity to showcase your skills and creativity in the world of data. These organized events and competitions encourage <a href="../data-science/">data scientists</a>, researchers, and developers like yourself to explore and innovate using Ocean Protocol.  </summary>

By participating in Ocean Data Challenges, you can tackle real-world problems, leverage data assets, and utilize the technologies within the Ocean ecosystem. Not only do you have the chance to compete for recognition and prizes, but you also contribute to driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and making a positive impact in the data space.

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<summary><mark style="color:blue;">Become an Ambassador</mark><br><br>Becoming an <a href="https://oceanambassadors.community/">Ocean Ambassador</a> presents a unique opportunity to actively contribute to the growth and adoption of Ocean Protocol while being at the forefront of the decentralized data revolution.</summary>

As an Ocean Ambassador, you become an advocate for the protocol, promoting its vision of democratizing data and empowering individuals. By sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm, you can educate others about the benefits and potential of Ocean Protocol, inspiring them to join the ecosystem. As part of a global community of like-minded individuals, you gain access to exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and collaborations that further enhance your expertise in the data economy. As an Ambassador, you play a vital role in shaping the future of data by driving awareness, fostering innovation, and helping to build a more open and equitable data ecosystem. Join the Ocean Ambassador program by completing the [Ocean Academy](https://www.oceanacademy.io/) and become a catalyst for positive change in the world of data.

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This is just the beginning of what Ocean Protocol has to offer. Join us as we explore, innovate, and push the boundaries of what's possible with decentralized data. Together, we can shape a future where data is accessible, secure, and empowers individuals and organizations alike. Let's dive in and discover the endless possibilities of Ocean Protocol :ocean:
