STEM is the token responsible for sustaining all living things in the Upland Metaverse. STEM is the third resource token to be introduced to Upland after UPX and Sparklet. Upland started by introducing structures, map assets, and other inanimate objects like cars and karts; all of which are created using Sparklet. Living objects like animals, ornamental plants, and all living creatures will be powered STEM.
STEM is permanently available in the Upland Store at a base rate of $1 = 1,000 STEM. Purchasing larger amounts can be done at discounted rates. This token is ever-inflationary be design. Also STEM is not tradeable. Think of it as fuel, it exists to create Life. Unlike UPX, STEM isn’t pegged to anything, and Upland may adjust how much STEM it costs to ensure gameplay stays balanced as Life expands.
To maintain the health of plants, players will need to spend STEM. Learn more about plant health and wellbeing.
Prior to the introduction of life and STEM, the PROTEM token was used to simulate life. This was an integral part of the totems feature which was the first simulation of life forms. In April 2026, Upland converted all PROTEM to STEM. Learn more about the history of protem here.
Upland is also working closely with the Species Foundation, which will support the creation of all the living items that can be utilized not only within Upland, but across many metaverses. Learn more about the Species foundation in the video at the bottom of this page.