The fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology promises to drive innovation while advancing decentralized concepts of data privacy and democratic ownership. Decentralized AI can improve efficiency and intelligence in data processing, smart contracts, and network optimization, among others. The resulting systems are not only self-learning, but also capable of predicting and reacting to new information in real time, all without compromising the security of a centralized source.
The universe of decentralized AI projects continues to grow, but some stars shine brighter because of their market share or unique value propositions. The following projects illustrate the potential of AI supported by blockchain technology:
The Best AI-Driven Crypto Projects
SingularityNET (ASI)
- What it is: SingularityNET is a decentralized marketplace for AI services, aiming to create a global AI brain on the blockchain accessible to everyone. Using smart contracts for transactions, SingularityNET allows anyone to create, share and monetize AI services at scale.ü
- Why it matters: SingularityNET democratizes access to AI technologies through its decentralized and open ecosystem that encourages innovation, collaboration, and fair compensation for developers and users.
In March 2024, SingularityNET, Fetch.ai and Ocean Protocol plans announced to merge the tokens to become ASI. The trio also launched an artificial superintelligence alliance, aiming to provide an alternative to existing AI processes controlled by Big Tech.
Recover.ai (ASI)
- What it is: Fetch.ai offers a decentralized machine learning platform for building AI applications and services. At the heart of the platform are autonomous agents capable of performing tasks without human intervention, thereby optimizing efficiency, reducing costs and improving decision-making processes across various industries.
- Why is this important: Fetch.ai’s autonomous agents provide scalable, self-organizing solutions for complex problems across diverse industries, paving the way for more efficient and intelligent systems.
Ocean Protocol (ASI)
- What it is: Ocean Protocol provides a decentralized platform for the exchange of data and data-driven AI models. Individuals and organizations can share and monetize their models and data while maintaining control and privacy, fostering a more open and equitable data economy. The platform controls access to datasets with tokens, which are exchanged by users who want access to this information.
- Why is this important: Ocean Protocol addresses the critical need for secure and transparent data sharing, enabling decentralized data liquidity for AI.
Cash (NMR)
- What it is: Numeraire powers a decentralized, blockchain-backed global network of data scientists who compete to create the best predictive models and improve hedge fund investments. By staking NMR tokens, participants can bet on the performance of their models, encouraging the creation of accurate predictions.
- Why is this important: Numeraire’s new mechanism aligns the interests of data scientists and hedge funds, creating a collaborative but competitive environment that democratizes access to financial modeling.
Matrix AI Network (MAN)
- What it is: The Matrix AI Network aims to create a blockchain-based economy comprising data, computing power and AI models. The network leverages AI technology to optimize blockchain smart contracts to be more efficient, flexible and secure. In 2023, the company formed a strategic partnership with Chinese neuroscience company NeuraMatrix, with the aim of integrating its brain-computer interface (BCI) technology into the Matrix AI platform.
- Why is this important: Matrix AI reduces complexity and skill barriers for blockchain developers and users, and the company is at the forefront of neuroscience-based applications.
Decentralized AI.
DeepBrain Channel (DBC)
- What it is: Aiming to reduce the cost of AI computing, DeepBrain Chain is a distributed GPU cloud computing platform. The decentralized neural network offers a cost-effective, secure and flexible computing platform that leverages blockchain technology to reduce high computing costs associated with AI training and operations while ensuring data privacy.
- Why is this important: DeepBrain Chain claims it can reduce computational costs by 70%, lowering the currently costly barrier to entry into AI development.
Near protocol (NEAR)
- What it is: NEAR Protocol offers software that incentivizes a network of computers to operate a platform that helps developers create dApps. In 2023, the protocol launched NEAR Tasks, an AI marketplace that connects task list, job reviews, and crypto rewards to offer self-service AI models valued through human feedback.
- Why is this important: By integrating NEAR tasks with the NEAR protocol, verified human experts are able to build a reputation and get paid for their work and expertise on the platform.
The chart (GRT)
- What it is: The Graph offers a decentralized protocol for indexing and querying data from multiple blockchains, allowing decentralized applications (dApps) to efficiently access blockchain data without relying on centralized servers. The protocol allows developers to create richer, more reliable dApps with access to real-time data.
- Why is this important: The Graph solves a critical bottleneck in decentralized application development, efficient and scalable querying of blockchain data.
Rendering Network (RNDR)
- What it is: The Render Network offers a distributed GPU rendering solution that connects artists and developers with the computing power they need over the network. This approach democratizes access to high-quality rendering services, reducing costs and increasing efficiency without the need for centralized cloud services.
- Why is this important: Render Network enables creators to complete complex projects quickly and affordably, driving innovation and collaboration within the digital content creation industry.
Bittensor (TAO)
- What it is: BitTensor offers a decentralized marketplace for machine learning intelligence. By treating artificial intelligence as a tradable economy, the Bittensor Protocol’s open and accessible network fosters innovation from a diverse global community of developers.
- Why is this important: BitTensor encourages the rapid diffusion of artificial intelligence, meaning fewer people need to turn to centralized resources for AI development.
The future of decentralized AI projects
As we stand on the cusp of a new digital revolution, the synergy between AI and blockchain technology promises to redefine the boundaries of the two technologies. Promote future innovation, Flare researchers have introduced a new approach to combining AI with blockchain technology that could lead to safer and more accurate AI: consensus learning (CL).
CL uses blockchain technology to encourage decentralized collaboration between AI models for collective intelligence where individual models can contribute their ideas while maintaining data privacy. Each network participant creates an AI model based on their own private data and publicly available information for data diversity. Participants then share their ideas via a secure consensus/gossip protocol, where models can also be updated based on feedback from their peers. Over the course of iterative discussions on the protocol, a consensus gradually emerges, a unified decision reflecting the collective knowledge of the network.
The future of decentralized AI relies on an approach that fosters trust between participants working to create AI models and share data, a crucial element in ensuring the integrity and accuracy of new AI systems. ‘AI.
Featured image credit: Igor Omilaev/Unsplash
