---
title: how to create an ensurance agent
canonical_url: https://ensurance.app/guide/how-to-create-an-ensurance-agent
markdown_url: https://ensurance.app/guide/how-to-create-an-ensurance-agent.md
subtitle: from NFT to autonomous account in under 10 minutes
category: how-to
---

# how to create an ensurance agent

*from NFT to autonomous account in under 10 minutes*

An ensurance agent is an autonomous account that can hold assets and act on behalf of what matters. Creating one involves minting an NFT under a group namespace, then configuring its mode and mandate.

## tl;dr

**To create an agent:**

1. Go to [/agents/create](/agents/create)
2. Choose a group (`.ensurance`, `.basin`, etc.)
3. Enter your agent name (becomes `agentname.group`)
4. Mint the agent (creates NFT + wallet)
5. Activate and configure mode (manual, automated, autonomous)

Your agent now has its own Ethereum wallet and can hold assets, receive proceeds, and execute strategies.

---

## before you begin

**You need:**
- A user account (wallet or email login)
- Some ETH on Base for gas fees
- A clear purpose for your agent

**You will get:**
- An ERC-721 NFT (your agent identity)
- An ERC-6551 tokenbound account (your agent's wallet)
- A unique name within your chosen group

---

## step 1: choose your group

Go to [/agents/create](/agents/create) and select a group. Your agent will be named within this namespace.

| Group | Best For |
|-------|----------|
| `.ensurance` | Ecosystem services: climate, water, pollination |
| `.basin` | Place-based: watersheds, bioregions |
| `.syndicate` | Strategy: coordinated investment approaches |
| `.natural-asset` | Property-level: specific natural assets |
| `.bioregion` | Regional: landscape-scale stewardship |

The group defines your agent's context. Choose based on what your agent will represent or do.

---

## step 2: name your agent

Enter a name that reflects your agent's purpose.

**Format:** `agentname.groupname`

**Examples:**
- `climate-stability.ensurance`
- `upper-colorado.basin`
- `water-security.syndicate`
- `elk-meadow.natural-asset`

**Tips:**
- Keep it descriptive but concise
- Use lowercase with hyphens
- Check availability before minting
- The name is permanent

---

## step 3: mint the agent

Click mint and confirm the transaction in your wallet.

**What happens:**
1. An ERC-721 NFT is created (your agent identity)
2. An ERC-6551 tokenbound account is computed (your agent's wallet)
3. Your agent appears in your account

**Cost:** Gas fees only (typically < $1 on Base)

---

## step 4: activate the agent

After minting, your new NFT appears as a **potential agent**. You need to activate it.

1. Go to [/agents/mine](/agents/mine)
2. Find your agent in the "potential" section
3. Click "Activate"

This moves your agent to **staging** for configuration.

---

## step 5: configure mode

In staging, choose how your agent will operate:

### manual mode

**What it means:** You control everything. Every action requires your explicit approval.

**Best for:**
- Direct control of assets
- Learning how agents work
- Sensitive operations

**Where agent lives:** Owner wallet (your external wallet) 🟢

### automated mode

**What it means:** You plus scheduled programs. Trading scripts, rebalancing, yield harvesting run automatically.

**Best for:**
- Trading strategies
- Regular operations
- Portfolio management

**Where agent lives:** Operator account (server wallet) 🔵

### autonomous mode *(coming soon)*

**What it means:** You plus AI. Large language models make decisions based on real-time conditions.

**Best for:**
- Complex adaptive strategies
- Dynamic response to conditions
- AI-guided stewardship

**Where agent lives:** Operator account (server wallet) 🔵

---

## step 6: set mandate (for manual mode)

If you choose manual mode, define your agent's mandate:

| Field | What It Is | Example |
|-------|------------|----------|
| **Purpose** | What this agent exists to do | "Fund climate stability ecosystem services" |
| **Mandate** | Specific constraints or goals | "Hold $ENSURE and climate-related certificates" |
| **Place** | Geographic context (optional) | "Colorado River watershed" |

This metadata helps you and others understand what the agent represents.

---

## step 7: start operating

Your agent is now **active**. What you can do:

| Action | Where |
|--------|-------|
| View holdings | `/agent/[chain]/[contract]/[tokenId]` |
| Send transactions | Operate tab |
| Change mode | Manage tab |
| Fund the agent | Send tokens to its TBA address |

---

## understanding agent stages

| Stage | What It Means | Status |
|-------|---------------|--------|
| **Potential** | NFT in wallet, not activated | Waiting for activation |
| **Staging** | Activated, configuring mode | Setup in progress |
| **Active** | Fully configured, operational | Ready to use |
| **Blocked** | Collection not approved | Cannot activate |

All stages visible at `/agents/mine`.

---

## understanding agent modes

| Mode | Who Can Trigger Actions |
|------|------------------------|
| **Manual** | Only you via UI |
| **Automated** | You via UI + scheduled programs |
| **Autonomous** | You via UI + AI |

**Important:** You can always control your agent via UI, regardless of mode. Mode adds automation—it never removes your control.

---

## understanding wallets

As a user, you have two wallets:

| Wallet | What It Is | Visual |
|--------|------------|--------|
| **Owner wallet** | Your external wallet (MetaMask, etc.) | 🟢 Green |
| **Operator account** | Server wallet created for you | 🔵 Blue |

**Where agents live depends on mode:**
- Manual → Owner wallet 🟢
- Automated/Autonomous → Operator account 🔵

**Switching modes may transfer the agent NFT.** The app handles this automatically.

*Email-only users: Your agents always live in your operator account.*

---

## frequently asked questions

### can I have multiple agents?

Yes. You can have as many agents as you want under different groups.

### can I change my agent's mode later?

Yes. Go to the manage tab and select a new mode. If switching between manual and automated, the app may transfer your agent NFT between wallets.

### can I change my agent's name?

No. Agent names are permanent onchain identifiers.

### what happens if I transfer my agent NFT?

Whoever owns the NFT controls the tokenbound account. If you transfer the NFT, you transfer control of the agent and all its assets.

### can multiple users control one agent?

The NFT owner controls the agent. For shared control, the owner wallet could be a multisig.

### what can my agent hold?

Anything: ETH, ERC-20 tokens, ERC-721 NFTs, ERC-1155 certificates. The tokenbound account is a full Ethereum wallet.

### how do I fund my agent?

Send tokens to your agent's TBA address. Find it on the agent detail page.

---

## next steps after creation

| Action | Why It Matters |
|--------|----------------|
| Fund your agent | Agents need tokens to transact |
| Configure scripts (automated) | Set up trading or rebalancing |
| Define mandate (manual) | Clarify purpose and constraints |
| Connect to natural assets | Link to what you are ensuring |

---

## ready to create?

[Create your agent now →](/agents/create)

[View your existing agents →](/agents/mine)

[Learn more about what agents are →](/guide/what-is-an-ensurance-agent)

[Explore existing agents →](/agents)

[Talk to our team →](/contact?from=guide&topic=create-agent)