In a highly anticipated development in the Web3 and decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem, Berachain’s liquid staking protocol, Infrared, has officially revealed the details surrounding the IR token airdrop and its Token Generation Event (TGE) scheduled for December 17, 2025. This announcement captures the attention of early community members, dedicated protocol users, and participants in the Boyco pre-deposit event. As the event approaches, many contributors are seeking clarity on eligibility, token utility, claiming procedures, and long-term implications for governance and economic participation.
Note: This blog post is informational and should not be interpreted as financial advice. Always do your own research and consult professionals before making investment decisions.
Understanding the Infrared Protocol Within Berachain’s Ecosystem
Berachain is a Layer-1 blockchain that uses a Proof-of-Liquidity (PoL) consensus mechanism to align incentives between liquidity providers, validators, and developers. While its native token, $BERA, has already drawn significant attention through previous airdrops and ecosystem growth, Infrared represents a liquid staking layer that supports both $BGT and $BERA tokens. This positions Infrared as a key infrastructure component for enabling liquid staking within the broader ecosystem. (CoinMarketCap)
Liquid staking protocols allow users to stake tokens while retaining liquidity through derivative tokens that represent staked positions. In the case of Infrared, users interact with staking mechanisms and community activities that lead to token rewards—specifically the new IR token. This approach contributes to deeper liquidity, increased network participation, and opportunities for decentralized governance.
To learn more about the overarching Berachain network and its architecture, see this comprehensive guide on the Berachain ecosystem. (BitPinas)
Airdrop Announcement: What Has Been Revealed
Infrared publicly confirmed that claims for the IR token airdrop will open on December 17, 2025 at 08:00 UTC. The announcement reflects careful planning to reward long-term users and active participants who contributed to the protocol’s earlier growth phases. (PANews)
Effectively, this airdrop serves as both a token distribution event and a community incentive, encouraging sustained engagement and participation. The airdrop targets three distinct groups:
- Early community members who consistently used Infrared during the protocol’s points program.
- Participants of the Boyco pre-deposit event, a coordinated initiative that encouraged users to deposit in anticipation of protocol launches.
- Active community participants, including users engaged in Discord conversations, surveys, events, testnet activity, and protocol promotion. (PANews)
This wide eligibility spectrum reflects Infrared’s community-centric approach, intending to recognize contributions that go beyond simple token holding.
Token Generation Event (TGE) on December 17, 2025
The Token Generation Event (TGE) is a critical milestone for any new cryptocurrency initiative. In the case of IR token, the TGE marks the point at which tokens become officially minted and claimable by eligible individuals. These tokens are not only distributed but are also activated for use within the protocol’s governance and staking systems.
From the available details:
- IR tokens will be claimable beginning December 17, 2025, at 08:00 UTC.
- All claims will permanently close on January 12, 2026.
- Before the official TGE, users had the opportunity to pre-deposit via participating centralized exchanges. (KuCoin)
Pre-deposit windows were open from December 13 to December 15, 2025, permitting users to register and secure eligibility through exchanges. Users had to submit their ID through the official Infrared website and select participating centralized exchanges to complete their pre-deposit commitments. (KuCoin)
Participating exchanges included Bitget, Gate, and KuCoin, providing accessible entry points for users across major trading platforms. (PANews)
IR Token Functions and Utility: Beyond the Airdrop
IR tokens serve multiple roles, making them much more than a simple reward. The Infrared team designed the token to align protocol participation with tangible utility, promoting long-term engagement and governance involvement.
1. Staking and Governance Rights
Once users receive IR tokens, they can stake them to earn sIR, which grants governance voting rights. Staking is a pivotal mechanism in decentralized ecosystems because it empowers token holders to influence key decisions, protocol upgrades, fee structures, and more. The governance model ensures that active participants have a voice in shaping Infrared’s evolution.
2. Revenue Sharing Through Buybacks
IR tokens also provide access to revenue sharing mechanisms. A portion of the protocol’s fees flows into a designated “Red Fund” that supports periodic buybacks. Buybacks can potentially increase token scarcity or capture value for the community by reducing circulating supply. This mechanism directly ties protocol success to token economics, aligning incentives between users and the platform.
3. Protocol Efficiency and Issuance Coordination
Additionally, IR tokens help optimize protocol efficiency and income through controlled token issuance. By incentivizing activity that contributes to network health and utility, this mechanism supports sustainable growth and robust ecosystem participation.
Combined, these functions elevate IR tokens from a simple incentive to a dynamic tool for community governance, economic participation, and ongoing protocol refinement. (PANews)
How to Claim Your IR Tokens
Claiming the IR tokens involves multiple steps, depending on whether you participated through centralized exchanges (CEX) or intend to claim directly via Infrared’s website after the TGE.
CEX Pre-Deposit Claiming (Completed)
For users who participated in the pre-deposit period:
- Visit the official Infrared website.
- Submit your user identification.
- Choose a participating exchange (Bitget, Gate, or KuCoin).
- Complete any necessary account verification or requirements for token allocation.
- Confirm the information before the window closes. (PANews)
Non-Exchange Claims (Post-TGE)
Once the TGE is live (December 17, 2025):
- Visit the Infrared claim portal on the official website.
- Connect a compatible wallet that supports IR token distribution.
- Follow the verification steps to confirm eligibility.
- Initiate your claim and confirm the transaction.
Be aware that all claims close permanently on January 12, 2026, after which no additional tokens will be issued. (PANews)
For the official claim page and updates, refer to the Infrared official portal:
↳ https://infrared.finance
Community Engagement and the Broader Impact
It is important to place the IR token airdrop within the wider context of Berachain’s ecosystem development. Throughout 2025, the network has been evolving rapidly, expanding community engagement, and deploying tools that reinforce participation incentives.
Infrared’s airdrop strategy reflects a deliberate shift toward rewarding active contributors and engaged users rather than passive holders alone. This trend aligns with broader decentralization goals, making networks resilient and community driven.
In addition to the Infrared airdrop, the Berachain ecosystem has witnessed other developments, including:
- Significant funding rounds that bolster protocol development and infrastructure growth. (CoinMarketCap)
- Expanded DeFi utility through liquid staking offerings, liquidity provisioning, decentralized exchanges, and other ecosystem tools. (BitPinas)
- Record participation in testnets and integrated platforms, demonstrating strong developer and user interest in the PoL model. (PANews)
These complementary developments not only highlight Berachain’s ambition but also underscore the role that incentive mechanisms—like the IR token airdrop—play in fertilizing future growth and collaboration.
Lessons and Expectations for Participants
For many early users, this event is an opportunity to be recognized for contributions to the Infrared protocol. However, it is also a reminder that participation alone may not guarantee significant allocation—token economics and eligibility criteria vary based on individual actions and community standards.
Looking ahead, the IR token’s governance and staking mechanics could create new opportunities for users to participate in protocol evolution. Whether through influencing fee models, adjusting economic parameters, or shaping future incentive programs, IR token holders will likely play a central role.
At the same time, users should remain mindful that crypto incentives can be volatile and speculative, and token airdrops carry risks alongside potential rewards.
External Resources and Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of Berachain and Infrared’s role within the ecosystem, consider visiting the following sources:
- Infrared opens token airdrop claims beginning December 17, 2025 — Phemex report:
https://phemex.com/news/article/infrared-opens-token-airdrop-claims-on-december-17-44720 (Phemex) - Infrared’s airdrop details and token launch announcement via KuCoin:
https://www.kucoin.com/es/news/flash/infrared-announces-ir-token-airdrop-details-for-berachain-ecosystem (KuCoin) - Background on Infrared’s funding and ecosystem position: Framework Ventures lead Series A:
https://coinmarketcap.com/academy/article/infrared-raises-dollar14-million-in-series-a-funding-for-berachain-liquid-staking-protocol (CoinMarketCap) - Overview of the Berachain ecosystem and key components:
https://bitpinas.com/learn-how-to-guides/berachain-ecosystem-guide-bera-token (BitPinas)
Closing Summary
In summary, Berachain’s Infrared Protocol has issued full details about the IR token airdrop and its official Token Generation Event on December 17, 2025. Early community members, active participants, and those engaged in the Boyco pre-deposit event are positioned to receive IR tokens, which carry staking, governance, and revenue-sharing utilities.
The event represents a significant milestone for both Infrared and the broader Berachain ecosystem, reinforcing the network’s focus on decentralization, community participation, and strategic incentive alignment.
As the TGE approaches and token claims become available, users should stay informed through official channels and prepare to participate in both the claiming process and governance activities that will shape the next phase of Infrared’s development.
Sources:
- Infrared Token Airdrop Details & TGE Announcement (official) — Phemex News:
https://phemex.com/news/article/infrared-opens-token-airdrop-claims-on-december-17-44720 (Phemex) - Infrared Airdrop & Token Launch (KuCoin) — KuCoin Flash News:
https://www.kucoin.com/es/news/flash/infrared-announces-ir-token-airdrop-details-for-berachain-ecosystem (KuCoin) - Infrared Series A Funding Overview — CoinMarketCap Academy:
https://coinmarketcap.com/academy/article/infrared-raises-dollar14-million-in-series-a-funding-for-berachain-liquid-staking-protocol (CoinMarketCap) - Berachain Ecosystem Guide — BitPinas Learn How To:
https://bitpinas.com/learn-how-to-guides/berachain-ecosystem-guide-bera-token (BitPinas)
