Oasis protocol gives grant to Take My Ape - a proof-of-concept platform for NFT rentals using a system called Liquefaction.
Author: Sahil Thakur
A new research initiative is pushing the boundaries of digital ownership. With backing from the Oasis Protocol Foundation, researchers at Cornell Tech have unveiled Take My Ape – a proof-of-concept platform for NFT rentals using a system called Liquefaction.
The project demonstrates how users can temporarily rent high-profile NFTs, like Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) tokens, while enjoying full access to their perks. During the rental period, borrowers can authenticate into members-only spaces by signing messages—just as if they held the NFT in their own wallet.
The Take My Ape initiative builds on a late 2024 research paper introducing Liquefaction, a novel wallet framework that renders blockchain assets “liquid.” The approach allows temporary control of tokens without requiring full transfer of ownership or private keys.
Under the guidance of Professor Ari Juels and led by researcher James Austegen, the Cornell Tech team developed the concept in collaboration with IC3 and Oasis.
The project’s mechanics rely heavily on Sapphire, the Oasis blockchain’s privacy layer. Sapphire’s Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) ensure that wallet keys remain private—even from asset owners—while enabling time-bound permissions. This secures NFT privileges for renters without putting the original asset at risk.
While Take My Ape focuses on NFT ticketing and access, Liquefaction’s scope is broader. The system could apply to:
By abstracting control away from ownership, Liquefaction introduces a flexible model for asset utility across Web3.
This work signals a shift in how digital ownership might function in the future. For NFT holders, it could mean new income streams through temporary rentals. For platforms and DAOs, it opens the door to advanced access control systems. Just as important, the use of Sapphire’s TEEs adds a crucial privacy and security layer—making temporary access viable without trust assumptions.
As Liquefaction matures, more real-world blockchain assets may become liquid, programmable, and shareable—without ever being fully transferred.
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