# MintGate Overview

> MintGate is the staker-exclusive launch and creator-growth platform of the Hazels ecosystem, open only to wallets with an active six-month staking position.

MintGate is the staker-exclusive launch and creator-growth platform of the Hazels ecosystem. Hazels sources and evaluates selected free-mint NFT projects before introducing them to eligible Hazels stakers.

> **INFO:** **NFT launchpad for Hazels stakers only.**

## Core principles

| **Principle** | **MintGate rule** |
| --- | --- |
| Access | Available exclusively to active Hazels stakers |
| Staking period | Every staking position is locked for exactly six months |
| Project model | Only free-mint NFT projects are accepted |
| Mint allocation | At least one free mint per eligible staker wallet |
| Selection | No FCFS, raffle or competitive allocation |
| Project contribution | Approximately 50–100 project NFTs |
| USDC distribution | Net realised proceeds distributed after 100% mint completion |
| Creator campaigns | Open to all eligible staker-creators |
| Creator threshold | No minimum follower count or Social Score |
| Reward cap | A maximum of five staked NFTs affects reward weight |
| Ecosystem token | No ecosystem token is required or used |

## Staker eligibility

- At least one Hazels NFT is actively staked.
- Each position is locked for a fixed six-month term.
- The position is active at the project snapshot.
- The lock covers the announced settlement date.
- The wallet completes the free mint on time.
- Applicable compliance requirements are satisfied.

Additional NFTs may be staked in separate six-month positions. MintGate reward weight increases up to five active NFTs. Ownership without active staking does not provide MintGate access.

## What stakers receive

- Free-mint access to every MintGate project.
- Project-funded USDC distributions.
- Access to paid mindshare campaigns.
- Creator development through the Hazels academy programme.