Blockchain Meets Artificial Intelligence

IoTeX has unveiled the Real-World AI Foundry, a global initiative that combines blockchain and artificial intelligence to create open and decentralised systems. Announced at the R3al World AI Summit during the Singapore Token2049 conference, the project brings together leading partners including Vodafone, the Blockchain Association, Filecoin, Theta Network and Aethir.

The Foundry positions itself as a direct response to what IoTeX describes as “closed-source, costly, and controlled” centralised AI models. Instead, it promotes collaboration, transparency and incentives for contributors.

Data as the Core of Real-World Models

At the centre of the initiative are Real-World Models (RWMs). These intelligent systems are trained on live data gathered from machines, sensors and human input. RWMs are designed to interpret cause and effect, adapt to new conditions and provide real-time solutions in fields such as mobility, energy, healthcare and robotics.

An IoTeX spokesperson said the Foundry represents “the first open ecosystem of RWMs, governed collectively to ensure interoperability, accountability, and alignment with human values.”

Incentives for Contributors

The Foundry uses blockchain technology to record contributions securely, while cryptocurrency rewards encourage global participation. Users who provide data, computing power or validation are compensated each time an AI agent or model accesses their verified streams.

IoTeX’s network of more than 40 million connected devices will serve as an initial source of live data. Device owners can choose to join as trusted providers using ioID, a decentralised identity protocol that confirms authenticity without exposing personal information. Encryption and zero-knowledge proofs will safeguard privacy.

Contributors including data providers, infrastructure partners and model developers will be rewarded based on the quality and demand for their inputs, with all activity monitored through onchain registries.

Governance and Collaboration

The governance framework for the Foundry will begin with working groups established by its Alignment Partners. Over time, the system will expand to include token-based voting and other decentralised mechanisms, ensuring no single organisation gains control of the ecosystem.

This collaborative approach aims to foster transparency and collective oversight, addressing concerns about accountability in rapidly advancing AI systems.

Growing Momentum for Decentralised AI

IoTeX’s announcement follows a string of recent investments in decentralised AI. In August, Swarm Network secured 13 million US dollars to develop a verification protocol that transforms offchain data into verifiable onchain records. The protocol has already supported fact-checking for more than three million posts via Rollup News.

Earlier in April, Nous Research raised 50 million US dollars in a Series A round led by Paradigm. The startup is developing open-source AI models using decentralised infrastructure on Solana, positioning itself as a competitor to established players such as OpenAI.

These developments highlight growing interest in alternatives to centralised AI systems, as both companies and users push for greater transparency, security and participation in shaping the future of intelligent technology.