Avail is a modular blockchain platform designed to serve as a data availability (DA) layer for scalable and interoperable blockchain applications. It provides a foundation for rollups, Validiums, appchains, and other off-chain execution environments by ensuring that transaction data is available and verifiable.

The Avail architecture separates transaction execution from consensus, focusing on ordering transactions and guaranteeing data availability. It employs KZG polynomial commitments and erasure coding to create a two-dimensional data availability scheme. This allows light clients to verify data availability efficiently through Data Availability Sampling (DAS), without downloading entire blocks.

Avail's modular design includes three primary components:

• Avail DA: The foundational data availability layer.
• Avail Nexus: An interoperability layer enabling cross-chain communication and proof aggregation.
• Avail Fusion: A shared security layer leveraging multi-asset staking for enhanced network security.

The platform is built using the Substrate framework and utilizes a nominated proof-of-stake (NPoS) consensus mechanism, incorporating BABE and GRANDPA protocols. This setup supports a decentralized validator set and aims to reduce the risk of centralization.

The AVAIL token serves multiple roles within the Avail ecosystem:

Staking: AVAIL tokens are used to secure the network through staking. Token holders can nominate validators or participate in nomination pools, contributing to the network's consensus and earning rewards. There is a 28-day unbonding period for staked tokens.

Governance: AVAIL token holders participate in on-chain governance, including proposing and voting on Avail Improvement Proposals (AIPs) and Avail Transparency Reports (ATRs). A technical committee oversees the governance process, with plans to expand community involvement.

Interoperability: AVAIL facilitates cross-chain interactions through Avail Nexus, enabling seamless communication between different blockchain ecosystems. The token can be bridged to networks like Ethereum using trust-minimized bridges.

Data Availability Verification: AVAIL supports light clients in verifying data availability without downloading full blocks. Through DAS and KZG commitments, clients can efficiently confirm that transaction data is accessible and intact.

Shared Security: In Avail Fusion, AVAIL tokens are used alongside other assets (e.g., ETH, BTC, SOL) for multi-asset staking. This approach enhances the security of the network and connected chains by pooling economic resources.

Avail was co-founded by Anurag Arjun and Prabal Banerjee. Both were previously associated with Polygon, with Anurag serving as a co-founder and Prabal as a research lead. The project originated within Polygon in 2020 and became an independent entity in 2023.

Anurag Arjun has a background in building scalable blockchain solutions, while Prabal Banerjee has experience in cryptography and blockchain research. Their combined expertise has shaped Avail's focus on data availability, interoperability, and modular blockchain architecture.

Avail has secured funding from investors to support its development and growth.