Web3 infrastructure provider Ankr unveils Neura blockchain for AI startups

Web3 infrastructure provider Ankr has unveiled the upcoming launch of its Neura blockchain. 

Neura is designed to address three major challenges for AI startups: satisfying GPU demands, handling data and obtaining funding, according to a statement shared with The Block.

The protocol allows AI models to access on-demand computing power via a decentralized GPU marketplace, a decentralized storage system for AI data, and smart contracts that control AI access, assets and actions. 

“Neura offers a superior operating system for the neural networks of AI models, supercharging them with trusted data, scalable access to GPU resources, smart contract automation, and new economic models more capable of handling by-the-second demands of future AI apps and payments,” Ankr co-founder and CEO Chandler Song said. “The convergence of Web3 and AI will be one of the most important events for both industries.”

How Neura works

Built on the Cosmos SDK and compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine, Neura handles AI model data by integrating with off-chain storage solutions such as Celestia, EigenLayer, IPFS, and Arweave.

Neura also leverages the security of the Bitcoin network through an integration with the Bitcoin staking protocol Babylon. Ankr Network’s ANKR will be the primary token for Neura, used for computing power payments, purchasing AI tokens, GPU provider incentives, AI developer rewards and staking, according to the team.

The team added that implementing token standards like ERC-404 and ERC-7641 will enable fractional ownership and transparent revenue sharing in the ecosystem, facilitating “Initial Model Offering” token sales for projects via crowdsourced capital raises.

Ankr is among several projects seeking to leverage the integration of AI and crypto. In January, imgnAI closed a $1.6 million seed round led by Hack VC to support a "digital companion" launch. Bagel Network, a decentralized data platform aiming to support machine learning models, also recently raised $3.1 million in a pre-seed round led by CoinFund.