Decentralizing AI: An Overview

The combination of blockchain and AI is gaining significant market attention. With ChatGPT amassing hundreds of millions of users quickly and Nvidia’s stock soaring eightfold in 2023, AI has firmly established itself as a dominant trend. This influence is spilling into adjacent sectors like blockchain, where AI applications are being explored.

Currently, crypto plays a complementary role in AI, offering significant potential for growth. Most organizations are still in the exploratory phase, focusing on the tokenization of computing power (cloud and marketplace), models (AI agents), and data storage.

Decentralized crypto technology doesn’t directly boost efficiency or reduce costs in AI training but facilitates asset trading, attracting previously unused computing power. This is profitable in today’s compute-scarce environment. Tokenizing models enables decentralized community ownership or usage, reducing barriers and offering an alternative to centralized AI. However, decentralized data remains challenging to tokenize, requiring further exploration.

While the market hasn’t reached a consensus on AI and crypto, the ecosystem is shaping up. Here are a few categories we will review today: Infrastructure-as-a-Service Cloud, computing marketplaces, model tokenization and training, AI agents, data tokenization, ZKML, and AI applications.

Infrastructure-as-a-Service Cloud

As the AI market grows, GPU cloud computing projects and marketplaces are among the first to benefit. They aim to incorporate unused GPU resources into centralized networks, lowering computing costs compared to traditional services.

These cloud services aren't considered decentralized solutions but are integral parts of the web3 + AI ecosystem. The idea is that GPUs are scarce resources and hold intrinsic value.

Key Projects:

• Akash Network: Decentralized cloud computing marketplace based on Cosmos SDK, using Kubernetes for orchestration and reverse auction pricing for cost reduction. Focuses on CPU and GPU computing.
• Ritual: AI infrastructure network integrating AI models into blockchain protocols. Its Infernet platform enables smart contracts to access models directly.
• Render Network: Decentralized GPU rendering platform focusing on both rendering and AI computing. Moved to Solana for better performance and cost.
• NetMind.AI: AI ecosystem providing a marketplace for computing resources, chatbot, and life assistant services. Supports a wide range of GPU models and integrates Google Colab.
• CUDOS: Blockchain compute network similar to Akash, focusing on GPU computing via Cosmos SDK.
• Nuco.cloud: Decentralized computing cloud service based on Ethereum and Telos, offering a range of solutions.
• Dynex: Blockchain for neuromorphic computing, using Proof-of-Useful-Work for efficiency.
• OctaSpace: Decentralized computing cloud, operating on its own blockchain for AI and image processing.
• AIOZ Network: Layer 1 decentralized compute platform for AI, storage, and streaming.
• Phoenix: Web3 blockchain infrastructure for AI computing and data-driven networks.
• Aethir: Cloud infrastructure for gaming and AI, based on Arbitrum.
• Iagon: Decentralized storage and computing marketplace on Cardano.
• OpFlow: Cloud platform focusing on AI and rendering, using NVIDIA GPUs.
• OpSec: Emerging decentralized cloud platform aiming to build the next-generation supercomputer.

Computing-resource marketplaces

Decentralized computing-resource marketplaces utilize user-provided GPU and CPU resources for AI tasks, training, and inference. These marketplaces mobilize unused computing power, rewarding participants while reducing barriers to entry.

These GPU computing marketplaces often focus on the narrative of decentralization rather than service utility. Projects like io.net and Nosana, leveraging Solana and DePin concepts, show a huge growth potential. Investing early in GPU markets during peak demand phases can offer high returns through incentives and ROI.

Key Projects:

• Cuckoo AI: A decentralized marketplace that rewards GPU miners serving AI models with daily ERC20 payments. It uses blockchain smart contracts and focuses on transparency, privacy, and modularity.
• Clore.ai: A GPU rental platform using PoW. Users can rent GPUs for AI training, rendering, and mining tasks. Rewards are tied to the amount of their token held.
• Nosana: An open-source, Solana-based GPU cloud computing provider. Focuses on AI inference and is developing connectors for PyTorch, HuggingFace, TensorFlow, and community libraries.
• io.net: An AI cloud computing network leveraging Solana blockchain technology. Offers cost-efficient GPU resources, supporting batch inference and parallel training.
• Gensyn: An L1 protocol for deep learning model training. Aims to improve training efficiency through a trustless, distributed system. Focused on reducing training costs and increasing accessibility.
• Nimble: A decentralized AI ecosystem that combines data, computing power, and developers. Aims to make AI training more accessible and has a decentralized, composable framework.
• Morpheus AI: A decentralized computing marketplace built on Arbitrum. Helps users create AI agents to interact with smart contracts.
• Kuzco: A distributed GPU cluster for LLM inference on Solana. Offers efficient local model hosting and rewards contributors with KZO points.
• Golem: An Ethereum-based CPU computing marketplace that’s expanded to GPUs. One of the earliest peer-to-peer computing networks.
• Node AI: A GPU cloud marketplace offering affordable GPU rentals through EyePerformance.
• GPU.Net: A decentralized GPU network providing infrastructure for generative AI, Web3, and high-end graphics rendering.
• GamerHash: A platform utilizing gamers' spare computing power for crypto mining while introducing a play-to-earn model for low-end devices.
• NodeSynapse: A GPU marketplace offering Web3 infrastructure, GPU computing, server hosting, and a unique revenue-sharing model for token holders.

Model tokenization and training

Model tokenization and training involve converting AI models into valuable assets and integrating them into blockchain networks. This approach allows for decentralized ownership, data sharing, and decision-making. It promises improved transparency, security, and monetization opportunities while creating new investment channels.

The crucial factor is recognizing projects with real innovation and technical challenges. Simply trading ownership or usage rights of AI models isn't true innovation. The real advances come from verifying model outputs effectively and ensuring secure, decentralized model operation.

Key Projects:

• SaharaLabs: Focuses on privacy and data sharing with tools like Knowledge Agent and Data Marketplace, helping secure data operations and draw clients such as MIT and Microsoft.
• Bittensor: Builds a decentralized protocol for AI models to exchange value. It uses validators and miners to rank responses and enhance the overall quality of AI-driven applications.
• iExec RLC: A decentralized cloud computing platform that ensures resource security via Proof-of-Contribution consensus while managing short-term computational tasks.
• Allora: Rewards AI agents for accurate market predictions, utilizing consensus mechanisms to validate agent forecasts in a decentralized network.
• lPAAL AI: Provides a platform for creating personalized AI models that can handle market intelligence, trading strategies, and other professional tasks.
• MyShell: Offers a flexible AI platform for chatbot development and third-party model integration, incentivizing developers through native tokens.
• Qubic: Leverages proof-of-work consensus for AI training, with the Aigarth software layer facilitating neural network creation.

AI Agent

AI agents, or intelligent agents, are entities capable of autonomous understanding, memory, decision-making, tool use, and performing complex tasks. These agents not only guide users on "how to" perform tasks but actively assist in completing them. Specifically, this refers to AI agents that interact with blockchain technology for activities like trading, offering investment advice, operating bots, enhancing decentralized finance (DeFi) functionalities, and performing on-chain data analysis.

Such AI agents are closely integrated with blockchain technology, enabling them to generate revenue directly, introduce new trading scenarios, and enhance the blockchain user experience. This integration represents an advanced narrative in DeFi, creating profit through trading activities, attracting capital investment, and fostering hype, which in turn drives a Ponzi scheme-like cycle of investment.

Key Projects:

• Morpheus: A decentralized AI computing marketplace built on Arbitrum that enables the creation of agent AIs that operate smart contracts. The project is led by David Johnston, who has a background in investment and executive leadership. Morpheus focuses on community engagement with a fair launch, security audited staking code, and active development, although updates on AI agent codes are slow and core module progress is unclear.
• QnA3.AI: Provides comprehensive services for information management, asset management, and rights management throughout their lifecycle. Using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) technology, QnA3 enhances information retrieval and generation. The project has quickly grown since its inception in 2023, with significant increases in user engagement and application.
• Autonolas: An open market for creating and using decentralized AI agents, offering tools for developers to build AI agents capable of connecting to multiple blockchains. Led by David Minarsch, a Cambridge-educated economist specializing in multi-agent services.
• SingularityNET: An open, decentralized AI service network that aims to democratize and decentralize general-purpose AI. The network allows developers to monetize their AI services using the native AGIX token and was founded by Dr. Ben Goertzel and Dr. David Hanson, known for their work on the humanoid robot Sophia.
• Fetch.AI: One of the earliest AI agent protocols, which has developed an ecosystem for deploying agents using the FET token. The team is composed of experts from prestigious universities and top companies, focusing on AI and algorithmic solutions.
• Humans.ai: An AI blockchain platform that brings together stakeholders involved in AI-driven creation within a creative studio suite, allowing individuals to create and own their digital likenesses for the creation of digital assets.
• Metatrust: A Crypto-enabled AI agent network that offers a comprehensive Web3 security solution covering the entire software development lifecycle, founded by a globally recognized research team from Nanyang Technological University.
• AgentLayer: Developed by the Metatrust team, this decentralized agent network utilizes OP Stack and EigenDA to enhance data efficiency and overall performance and security.
• DAIN: Building an agent-to-agent economy on Solana, focusing on enabling seamless interactions between agents from different enterprises through a universal API, emphasizing integration with both web2 and web3 products.
• ChainGPT: An AI model designed for blockchain and crypto, featuring products like an AI NFT generator, AI-powered news generator, trading assistant, smart contract generator, and auditor. ChainGPT won the BNB Ecosystem Catalyst Award in September 2023.

Data tokenization

The intersection of AI and cryptography in the data sector holds significant potential, as data and computing power are foundational resources for AI. While decentralized computing can sometimes reduce efficiency, decentralizing data is reasonable because data production is inherently decentralized. Thus, the combination of AI and blockchain in the data sector offers substantial growth potential.

A major challenge in this field is the lack of a mature data marketplace, making effective valuation and standardization of data difficult. Without a reliable valuation mechanism, projects struggle to attract capital through token incentives, potentially breaking the "flywheel effect" even for high-potential projects.

Key Projects:

• Synesis One: A crowdsourcing platform on Solana where users earn tokens by completing micro-tasks for AI training. Collaborating with Mind AI, the platform supports various data types and robot process automation. Mind AI has agreements with GM and the Indian government, raising $9.5 million in funding.
• Grass.io: A decentralized bandwidth marketplace enabling users to sell surplus bandwidth to AI companies. With over 2 million IP addresses, only active users earn rewards. They have raised $3.5 million in seed funding led by Polychain and Tribe Capital.
• GagaNode: A next-generation decentralized bandwidth market addressing IPv4 shortages using Web 3.0 technology. It is compatible with multiple platforms, including mobile, and the code is open-source.
• Ocean Protocol: Allows users to tokenize and trade their data on Ocean Market, creating data NFTs and data tokens. Founder Bruce Pon, formerly with Mercedes-Benz, is a lecturer on blockchain and decentralization technologies, supported by a global advisory team.

AI Application

Combining AI capabilities with current crypto businesses opens up new avenues for enhancing efficiency and functionality across various sectors like DeFi, gaming, NFTs, education, and system management.

DeFi

• inSure DeFi: A decentralized insurance protocol where users buy SURE tokens to insure their crypto assets. It leverages Chainlink for dynamic pricing.
• Hera Finance: An AI-driven cross-chain DEX aggregator integrated with multiple chains, such as Ethereum, BNB, and Arbitrum.
• SingularityDAO: An AI-powered DeFi protocol offering investment management. Partnering with SingularityNET, they secured $25M to scale their AI tools and ecosystem.
• Arc: Offers an AI-driven DeFi ecosystem via Reactor and DApp. Acquired Lychee AI, joined Google Cloud's AI Startup Program, and released AI-powered ARC Swaps.
• AQTIS: An AI-supported liquidity protocol aiming to establish a sustainable ecosystem with $AQTIS akin to gas on Ethereum.
• Jarvis Network: Utilizes AI algorithms to optimize trading strategies for crypto and other assets. Their native token JRT circulates actively.
• LeverFi: A leveraged trading protocol developing an AI DeFi solution with Microsoft. Secured $2M from DWF Labs for AI investment management.
• Mozaic: An auto-farming protocol blending AI concepts and LayerZero technology.

Gaming

• Sleepless AI: Uses AI blockchain for a virtual companion game. The first game, HIM, features unique SBT characters on-chain. Binance launched Sleepless AI's token via Launchpool.
• Phantasma: A gaming-focused layer 1 blockchain offering smartNFTs and AI smart contract encoders.
• Delysium: An AI-driven Web3 gaming publisher with an open-world framework. They offer Lucy, an AI Web3 OS, and enable AI-Twins creation for interactive gaming.
• Mars4.me: An interactive 3D metaverse project supported by NASA data. Secured long-term funding from DWF Labs.
• GamerHash: Leverages excess computing power during high-end gaming for crypto mining. Their Play&Earn feature provides tasks for lower-spec computers.
• Gaimin: Founded by an eSports team, it combines cloud computing with gaming to build a dApp that provides extra GPU rewards.
• Cerebrum Tech: A generative AI, gaming, and Web3 solution provider. Recently raised $1.8M for gaming and AI expansion.
• Ultiverse: A metaverse gaming platform that raised funds from Binance Labs to launch its AI-driven open metaverse protocol, Bodhi.

NFT

• NFPrompt: An AI-driven platform where users can generate NFT art. Binance's Launchpool supports NFP staking for rewards.
• Vertex Labs: A Web3 and AI infrastructure provider with blockchain, AI computation, and Web3 brands like Hape Prime.

Education

• Hooked Protocol: Offers social educational games and has Hooked Academy, an AI-driven educational tool backed by ChatGPT.

System

• Terminus OS: A Web3 OS based on blockchain-edge-client architecture, designed for AI-era proof of intelligence. ByteTrade secured $50M in funding for its development.

Conclusion

The fusion of AI and cryptocurrency is opening up groundbreaking opportunities across various sectors, from cloud computing and AI applications to data tokenization and zero-knowledge machine learning. This combination of technologies is already showcasing its transformative power. With more innovative projects on the horizon, the future of AI and crypto will be diverse, intelligent, and secure.

We're eager to see new collaborations and cutting-edge technologies that will expand the reach of AI and blockchain into even broader applications.