Just yesterday, October 20, Amazon Web Services (AWS), the cloud computing platform that powers much of the internet, experienced a significant outage lasting several hours. The disruption made major websites and apps inoperable, affecting banking services, social networks, etc.
Such incidents reinforce the importance of exploring decentralized models of computing that distribute workloads and risk across many independent nodes. This incident highlights why decentralized solutions like io.net are gaining momentum, setting a clear stage for the company’s latest milestone in decentralized compute.
io.net, a decentralized compute platform for artificial intelligence, has surpassed $20 million in total network earnings. The milestone highlights growing demand for decentralized compute resources as AI developers seek faster, more affordable, and transparent infrastructure solutions.
Foremost AI innovators, including Canva’s Leonardo AI, UC Berkeley, and Sahara AI, already rely on io.net’s distributed GPU network for their compute needs. The growing list of enterprise users demonstrates the platform’s ability to serve diverse and large-scale workloads efficiently.
Since its launch in July 2024, io.net has provided cost-efficient and readily accessible compute power to startups, scale-ups, and enterprises worldwide. The platform enables users to tap into a distributed network of GPUs, offering a viable alternative to centralized hyperscalers.
Addressing the Compute Bottleneck in AI
Developing and deploying advanced AI systems requires vast computational resources. However, traditional cloud providers present several challenges, including long waiting periods, inflexible contracts, and opaque pricing structures. Many developers struggle with vendor lock-ins and lack transparency regarding hardware availability and cost.
io.net addresses these challenges by leveraging decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN). With thousands of GPUs instantly available across its network, the platform allows users to access high-performance compute power at a 70% lower cost than traditional cloud providers while avoiding vendor lock-in tactics. Its blockchain-based framework ensures transparency and trust, offering complete visibility into compute transactions. Moreover, the open-source AI tooling encourages collaboration and innovation across the developer community.
Global Adoption and Economic Impact
Developers and organizations have spent over $20 million on compute services through io.net since its inception. The platform’s network includes a diverse range of GPUs, from enterprise-grade H200 units to consumer-grade 4090 models, deployed across more than 130 countries. This wide distribution enables users to optimize cost and performance for their specific workloads.
According to onchain data, io.net has paid over 101,000 unique workers and distributed more than 49 million $IO tokens, reflecting the platform’s growing economic footprint. These payments represent the value of compute resources contributed by independent providers worldwide, further decentralizing access to infrastructure.
“This milestone demonstrates that decentralized compute is a true enabler of innovation, bringing accessible and cost-efficient GPUs to the scale-ups and researchers pushing forward the frontiers of AI. I am incredibly grateful for the io.net team and our partners’ sustained commitment to transforming how hardware is accessed. We are determined to bring our improved model for developing and deploying AI to innovators the world over.” - Gaurav Sharma, CEO of io.net
Tory Green, Co-Founder of io.net and CEO of the IOG Foundation, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the network’s community-driven growth. “The io.net community has gone from strength to strength in the past year, pioneering novel AI models, agents, and applications with cost-efficient and accessible compute. We’re doubling down on our vibrant ecosystem with extensive funding for exciting projects and ambitious entrepreneurs, ensuring that io.net is home to the world’s top AI builders,” Green said.
Growing Ecosystem and Strategic Initiatives
The milestone follows the IOG Foundation’s announcement of a grant initiative earlier in June. The program aims to distribute 20 million $IO tokens to support startups, researchers, and developers building AI applications. In addition to funding, selected participants will receive free or discounted access to io.net’s compute infrastructure, encouraging the development of innovative models and applications in areas such as large language models and autonomous agents.
With ongoing ecosystem funding, active community participation, and partnerships across the AI landscape, io.net aims to continue driving the evolution of compute accessibility for the next generation of innovators.
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