How blockchain is democratizing AI

The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technologies represents a revolutionary shift in how AI is developed, accessed and monetized. Traditionally, the development of powerful AI models has been controlled by large companies and elite research institutes with vast resources. Building these models requires immense computing power, huge data sets, and significant funding – obstacles that often limit the participation of smaller players and independent developers. However, with blockchain technology, this dynamic is changing. Decentralized frameworks allow a more diverse range of contributors, from seasoned developers to everyday users, to access and benefit from AI.

The global AI market is expected to reach $1,339 billion by 2030, up from an estimated $214 billion in 2024. This rapid growth emphasizes the vast scope of AI, with applications ranging from assistants voice to content generation. Decentralizing AI development ensures that these innovations reflect a wide range of perspectives and needs, from individual users to small businesses. Blockchain’s transparent and collaborative framework enables AI models to be created, funded and managed through decentralized networks, enabling open innovation on a global scale. Rather than a few tech giants controlling AI development, blockchain-based AI democratization allows developers and end users to shape the evolution and use of AI.

Democratizing AI using blockchain

Integrating blockchain with AI could potentially democratize not only access to AI development, but also the use of AI applications by the general public. Decentralized platforms enable collaborative development and secure, transparent access to AI models, expanding opportunities for anyone with the skills to contribute to AI education. Additionally, blockchain transparency helps ensure that data used in AI models is verifiable and traceable, reducing the risks of bias or manipulation. For the everyday user, this opens up access to AI tools such as chatbots and predictive software, allowing them to use AI solutions in various aspects of daily life.

Blockchain also introduces new financing models for AI. Tokenization of AI models enables fractional ownership, allowing individuals to invest in and benefit from the revenue generated by these models. This ownership structure promotes community-driven innovation, making AI a more inclusive tool that reflects diverse needs and interests. The growing adoption of AI in business further highlights its potential impact: 64% of companies already say AI increases productivity, and nearly three-quarters have implemented AI for at least one function. As AI technology becomes more widely accessible, it can address a broader spectrum of applications and everyday challenges, from managing personal finances to improving healthcare outcomes.

Pioneering AI tokenization: ORA protocol

Co-founded by Kartin Wong, ORA Protocol (formerly Hyper Oracle) is one of the flagship projects in this space, at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into blockchain. ORA introduced the concept of Initial Model Offerings (IMO), a revolutionary way to tokenize AI models, allowing investors and developers around the world to own a part of the AI ​​ecosystem. ORA leverages blockchain technology to create a marketplace where AI models can be bought, sold and developed through a decentralized network. This not only makes AI models more accessible, but also ensures that the process is transparent and secure.

“Blockchain brings a level of transparency and collaboration that AI desperately needs,” says Kartin Wong. “Through symbolic models, we are able to bring the power of AI to the masses, enabling a more democratic and inclusive development process.”

Practical use cases for ORA are already starting to show the potential of this model. For example, ChatOLM, a decentralized AI chatbot, uses ORA technology to distribute AI inference across a decentralized network. This makes it censorship-resistant and accessible to anyone with an internet connection, demonstrating the power of decentralized AI for applications of free speech and open information sharing. Another use case is ORA’s work on creating “fact-finding AI models”, designed to maintain the neutrality of political discourse by ensuring that AI results are resistant to manipulation or external censorship. This is particularly relevant in the current context, given the recent US presidential election, and has serious implications for sectors such as journalism, research and government accountability. This fills a critical need at a time when more than 75% of consumers are expressing concerns about misinformation from AI.

Other players on the field

Although the ORA protocol is a major force in AI tokenization, few other projects are also making progress in this area. Sentient, for example, aims to equip enterprises with AI solutions integrating blockchain technology to ensure security, scalability and collaborative AI development. By offering enterprise-grade AI services, Sentient bridges the gap between enterprise use cases and decentralized AI technology.

Similarly, Sahara AI is building a decentralized AI blockchain platform aimed at creating an open and collaborative economy. Sahara’s platform allows users to monetize their personal knowledge and contribute to the development of AI through decentralized governance and transparent revenue sharing, bringing more individuals into the fold of AI innovation.

However, what sets ORA apart is its position as a verifiable, active, revenue-generating Oracle protocol, while many other projects are still in early stages of development. Additionally, unlike other projects building layer 1 blockchains, ORA’s protocol is versatile and capable of running on any blockchain, providing broader scalability and cross-chain integration.

The future of AI and blockchain

The merger of AI and blockchain technologies paves the way for a future in which AI tools are not only more innovative and secure, but also more inclusive. By lowering the barriers to AI development, blockchain enables global collaboration and the emergence of revolutionary models in every corner of the world. Wong envisions an AI ecosystem in which “innovation is driven not by a few technology monopolies, but by the global community of developers and innovators who are invested in making AI a force for good.”

As decentralized AI continues to gain traction, its impact on retailer and consumer usage is set to expand. Voice search, for example, is already widely adopted, with half of U.S. mobile users using it daily, according to UpCity. This reflects the growing presence of AI in everyday life, paving the way for new blockchain-based solutions that offer users AI tools designed around inclusiveness and accessibility.

However, the rise of AI has also prompted governments around the world to begin to recognize the need for robust regulation of AI as it becomes more integrated into society. Regulatory frameworks such as the EU AI law and the White House’s draft AI Bill of Rights are designed to ensure that AI technology is deployed responsibly, putting the emphasis on security, transparency and accountability. The EU AI law, for example, classifies AI applications by level of risk, setting strict requirements for high-risk AI systems, such as those used in healthcare or law enforcement. At the same time, the White House plan calls for protections to prevent harmful biases and ensure the rights of individuals in automated decision-making processes. In the context of blockchain-based decentralized AI, these regulations serve as crucial guidelines that may shape how decentralized AI models are developed and deployed. By prioritizing user rights and ethical AI practices, these regulations align with the democratizing mission of projects like ORA, Sentient, and Sahara AI, which strive to create inclusive and transparent AI ecosystems on blockchain networks.

The future of decentralized AI could reshape sectors such as healthcare, education and government, providing access to powerful and equitable tools. As innovative projects continue to pave the way for democratized and collaborative AI, they demonstrate how blockchain can help create an AI ecosystem that empowers not only developers but also the everyday user, who will benefit from the integration of AI into everyday aspects of life. By expanding access to AI through decentralization, blockchain technology helps ensure that the benefits of AI are accessible to everyone.