At the IO Summit 2024, io.net announced three major breakthroughs, launching the world’s largest AI computing network, IOG (Internet of GPUs), and showcasing collaborations with Aptos and Solana. These innovations are set to revolutionize the future of AI, computing, and encryption technologies.
Ahmed Shadid, the founder and CEO of io.net, shared the latest achievements of io.net at the summit, emphasizing the importance of computing power and presenting a bold vision: to make accessing GPU computing power as simple and seamless as accessing the internet. io.net is dedicated to building a computing-centric ecosystem, offering a suite of tools and services for building, training, and deploying machine learning models at scale on the blockchain.
Aptos and Solana, as key partners of io.net, provide high-performance blockchain infrastructure and decentralized computing capabilities, supporting io.net in expanding its AI computing network globally. Through decentralized cloud computing solutions, io.net bridges the current gap between computing resources supply and demand, providing lower-cost, higher-performance computing services.
Furthermore, io.net also introduced the BC8 project, the world’s first fully decentralized end-to-end machine learning model, utilizing io.net’s IOG infrastructure for training and inference. IO.VENTURES, io.net’s investment arm, is also driving the growth of machine learning startups by providing GPU computing power in exchange for equity and token distribution.
Ahmed Shadid, the founder and CEO of io.net, kicked off the summit by introducing io.net’s mission and vision, expressing excitement about the team’s achievements. He emphasized that io.net has gathered the world’s top engineers to push the boundaries of technology and enter uncharted territories. Together with the team, he is prepared to disrupt the AI computing industry and announced three major breakthroughs that will change AI, computing, and cryptocurrencies.
In today’s digital world, computing power is vital for driving technological advancements, reshaping industries, and empowering innovators to create a world we have yet to see. Ahmed posed a simple yet profound question: What if accessing GPU computing power was as simple and seamless as accessing the internet? This is the birth of the Internet GPU (IOG). IOG is the world’s largest AI computing network, and Ahmed believes the world needs fair, democratic, and permissionless access to AI computing.
He further pointed out that in the current digital age, computing power is not just an asset or commodity; it is equivalent to digital oil. China’s spending on semiconductors has surpassed that of oil, highlighting the importance of digital infrastructure. Computing currently consumes 70% of startup funds. io.net is building a computing-centric ecosystem, offering a suite of tools and services for building, training, and deploying machine learning models at scale on the blockchain, all powered by Aptos and Solana. Users can deploy models for real-time inference or efficiently train and fine-tune models. In short, Io represents the currency of computing power, unlocking computing resources globally like the dollar is the standard for all transactions. io.net aims to be the universal computing exchange medium for large AI startups and enterprises.
Ahmed also mentioned that approximately 90% of computing resources worldwide are idle, scattered across consumer devices, data centers, and crypto mines. io.net aims to leverage these idle computing resources, unlocking vast economic potential.
The collaboration between Aptos and io.net: Driving the fusion of AI and blockchain
Avery Ching, the co-founder and CEO of Aptos Labs, introduced the collaborative vision between Aptos and io.net, emphasizing io.net’s potential to treat computing power as a currency, creating a new way for AI products and services to interact. Aptos network is an ideal partner for io.net, built on the Move language, providing a more secure, faster, and higher-performance blockchain infrastructure, allowing io.net to focus on innovation rather than dealing with blockchain infrastructure issues.
Aptos has demonstrated its capability to process over 25,000 transactions per second and processed 2 billion transactions in a day, 13 times higher than the transaction volume supported by Visa network. Aptos also plans to expand to over 1 million transactions per second. With this parallel architecture, Aptos is a trusted partner for io.net to expand its IR products in the future.
In addition to scalability and speed, both Aptos and io.net recognize that the future of AI will inevitably collide with web 3 and decentralization. Maintaining open access and decentralized content ownership is a key part of the future of AI. Decentralized physical infrastructure networks like io.net are laying the foundation for ensuring global access to AI products and services. At the same time, both parties are committed to setting new standards for responsible AI.
Aptos and io.net are working together to build data-linear use cases, such as Proof of Compute, and exploring how blockchain can provide transparent and immutable records for assets and works developed by AI. This collaboration provides an opportunity for developers to accelerate innovation at the intersection of AI and Web3, and Avery expressed their excitement to build the future together with io.net.
Leading the new era of AI computing through decentralized cloud computing
Tory pointed out that the current computing demand is 2.5 times the supply, and the computing demand for AI doubles every 3.4 months, widening the supply-demand gap.
He believes that traditional cloud computing methods are no longer sufficient to meet this demand, but this also presents a huge opportunity. The combined market value of the top three centralized cloud service providers (Amazon, Google, and Microsoft) exceeds $7 trillion, with a significant portion of their value coming from the rise of AI. The demand for computing is so high that last year, China imported more chips than oil. Computing is referred to as the “new oil,” with high costs, such as Chad GPT’s daily operating costs exceeding $700,000. With OpenAI launching a new text-to-video generation platform, Sora, these costs will continue to rise.
Tory pointed out that despite continuous AI innovation, computing resources are in short supply. io.net is bridging this gap with an innovative solution called decentralized cloud computing. io.net’s infrastructure is valued at over $3.5 billion, with more enterprise-grade GPU clusters than Amazon AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. io.net offers on-demand computing services at a fraction of the cost of traditional cloud service providers, aiming to bring AI to global users in a better, faster, and cheaper way.
Ahmed stated that the success of io.net is not possible without the support of technology and web 3 industry giants. io.net has received support from teams like Hack VC, MultipleCoin Capital, OKX Ventures, Aptos Labs, Solana Ventures, M13, and many other leaders, including Solana founder Anatole, Aptos founders Mo and Avery, Yat Siu of Animoca Brands, and Sebastian (co-founder of The Sandbox). Additionally, several senior leaders from top GPU manufacturers support io.net. Through this list of top-tier venture capital and angel investors, io.net raised over $40 million in oversubscribed Series A funding, further driving their mission and execution. Within the first 10 months of establishment, io.net has already become a unicorn company, and this is just the beginning.
Solana and io.net: Building the decentralized future of AI computing
Anatoly, the co-founder and CEO of Solana Labs, reviewed the collaboration journey between the Solana ecosystem and io.net.
Anatoly mentioned that io.net won the Solana grizzlython hackathon and showcased their MVP at the Solana Breakdown conference. io.net chose Solana as a partner because of Solana’s speed, low cost, and scalability. Solana processes millions of transactions per day, costs less than half a cent, and has over 1.5 million active addresses.
Anatoly emphasized that AI is one of the rapidly growing industries, and io.net needs a powerful blockchain partner to support its expansion. Solana’s scalability and Solana Pay’s seamless payment feature will help io.net succeed globally.
Lily, the chair of Solana Foundation, pointed out that in the rapidly evolving Web3 world, finding a platform that not only supports growth but accelerates growth is crucial for pioneers like io.net. Solana is not just a blockchain but also a launchpad for cutting-edge applications and rapidly growing businesses, with strong projects like Orca, Jupiter, Mediora, and Backpack. Solana provides unparalleled support, ensuring that builders have the tools they need for success from day one.
Lily also mentioned that the Solana Foundation collaborates closely with teams like io.net through events, hackathons, and direct support to drive innovation. io.net actively participates in multiple Solana initiatives and collaborates closely with partners like Colosseum to build the world’s largest decentralized AI computing network, redefining the status quo and democratizing AI.
Achieving sustainable development of AI through decentralized computing networks
Ahmed emphasized that io.net is the world’s largest AI computing network and views computing as a currency, making sustainability crucial here. io.net promotes a healthy ecosystem by rewarding IO workers who contribute computing power, enabling AI developers to seamlessly and affordably access the computing power they need, while incentivizing them to build new models and lead cutting-edge technology. This network now belongs to everyone and relies on a supercluster attack protection system called IOG Cortex, deployed on every IO worker node.
Ahmed likened io.net’s network to an ant colony, where all worker nodes coordinate like ants, continuously completing tasks. The IOG framework allows engineers to use open-source computing power, meaning the Python code you run on your laptop can automatically run on the GPU internet. This network not only serves over 100 million users with extremely low latency but also coordinates tasks distributed across thousands of GPU clusters in 139 countries, creating a cloud service for ML model inference.
io.net utilizes the core open-source technology ray.io; without it, many basics like Chat GPT, Uber, Instacart, would not be possible.Products relying on AI will no longer be sustainable. io.net has taken this technology to a new level, creating the world’s most advanced, scalable, and secure distributed computing framework.
io.net: Enhancing AI Application Distribution and Training Efficiency with IOG
Aline Almeida, the Senior Vice President of Engineering at io.net, presented how the io.net platform distributes AI and Python applications across a wide network of GPUs and enhances these capabilities through Internet of GPUs (IOG).
io.net forked Ray to better operate in decentralized networks, providing a more user-friendly experience for application libraries. IOG introduced backend customization for optimal integration with io.net’s unique network, including specialized Outer Scalar and support for graph and scheduling algorithms in the Io Cloud. io.net also improved dashboards, offering Io-specific operational metrics and detailed geographic node information for developers.
IOG simplifies the distribution of AI applications through direct interfaces with the Io Cloud and code templates, making AI scaling feasible not only for large corporations’ engineers but also accessible to AI creators worldwide. io.net’s clusters can scale to thousands of GPUs, offering robust computing power for tasks ranging from confidential computing and zero-knowledge operations to AI model training and tuning, supporting decentralized agents and achieving low-latency model inference. This is an open-source journey, with global collaboration shaping the future of decentralized AI.
Aline also demonstrated how to use the IUG package in practice to train computer vision classification models and adjust their hyperparameters for improved accuracy. By connecting to an IOG supercluster with 1000 GPUs, io.net can complete 1000 different configurations of training in 1 hour instead of 41 days. This showcases the powerful capabilities of distributed computing, not only providing faster speeds but also reducing costs by 90%.
Finally, Aline announced that the IOG SDK Python package will be released to the public next quarter and invited interested users to join the waiting list for the beta version.
io.net: Redefining the User Experience of AI Cloud Computing Platforms
Mahar Jilani, the Chief Experience Officer at io.net, shared how io.net is leading the future of Web3 through innovative design, creating the world’s largest AI computing network. He emphasized that technology alone cannot shape the future; it is people who truly shape the future, with design being the core connecting people and technology. io.net is committed to providing a superior user experience, enabling engineers to easily deploy the most advanced clusters in the world.
The Io Cloud platform of io.net boasts 100 times more GPUs than major players in the crypto market, nearly on par with Google Cloud, Amazon AWS, and Microsoft Azure. Engineers can deploy a cluster with 20,000 GPUs in 90 seconds, offering end-to-end solutions from model training to inference.
Mahar demonstrated how to deploy clusters using the Io Cloud, allowing engineers to choose powerful options such as Ray, Mega Ray, and Kubernetes, as well as select GPU models and connection speeds as needed. io.net also supports clusters with Apple chips, enabling millions of Apple device owners to contribute computing power and earn rewards. The entire process is simple and straightforward, with no KYC required; users only need to make selections, and io.net handles the rest.
io.net’s cloud services are up to 80% cheaper than major market players, providing the same performance, quality, and reliability while significantly reducing costs.
io.net: Transforming GPUs into Global Assets for AI Computing
Gauvrav Sharma, the Chief Technology Officer at io.net, introduced io.net’s revolutionary platform aimed at democratizing GPU computing power and making it a global standard. The IOG (Internet of GPUs) platform of io.net allows GPU owners to connect their devices to the network, turning GPUs into valuable assets that generate stable income.
Whether in large data centers, mines, or with professional miners, anyone with underutilized GPUs can join io.net and become part of the digital oil driving the AI revolution. io.net breaks traditional boundaries through the revolutionary principles of Web3, empowering global users. Gauvrav likened io.net’s GPU network to an ant colony, maximizing the utilization of each GPU like ants, allowing anyone to join this worker community no matter where they are.
Gauvrav demonstrated how to connect and monitor devices. Users can connect new devices through an intuitive process, selecting the operating system (Mac, Linux, or Windows) and device type (GPU or CPU), running scripts to download and install Docker and all drivers, and finally executing Docker commands to connect the device. On the device page, users can monitor device activity and reputation scores (driven by online time), monitor and withdraw accumulated earnings on the earnings and rewards page. Users can connect their Solana wallet to io.net to claim rewards and view the computing tasks their devices participate in and the earnings they have made.
BC 8: Leading a New Era of 3D Content Creation with Decentralized AI
Basen Oubah introduced BC 8, the world’s first fully decentralized end-to-end machine learning model that leverages io.net’s IOG (Internet of GPUs) infrastructure for training and inference. BC 8 is a model of decentralized AI, utilizing Aptos as a payment railway, handling inference computation costs, model owner royalties, and proofs of computation records, generating 500,000 images per day and 2 million transactions.
BC 8 supports third-party model integration hosted on io.net’s decentralized cloud. BC 8’s journey began with a model powered by stable diffusion technology, trained on a 10 TB dataset, setting a new benchmark for text-to-image realism, adopted by tens of thousands of community members for generating role images for social media identities.
BC 8’s latest innovation is in generating 3D models from text, usable in AAA game engines like Unreal Engine 5, Unity Engine, CRI Engine, and Frostbite, opening up infinite possibilities for creators. Users can simply visit the BC 8 AI website, upload an image or input prompts to generate a 3D model in seconds and choose to enhance its quality.
In the future metaverse, whether gamers looking for new weapon skins or Blender designers envisioning unique shapes, BC 8 meets these needs and exceeds expectations. BC 8 is a community-driven platform that provides a fair competitive environment for content creation, truly shaping the digital future. Basen also mentioned that Aptos’s AV will further introduce their collaboration.
Aptos: Powering Blockchain Backbone for Decentralized AI and Game Development
Avery Ching introduced how io.net deployed their generative AI product BC 8 on the Aptos blockchain. Each inference transaction is recorded on the Aptos blockchain, seamlessly processing payments and providing proofs of computation records. Since its launch, BC 8 has been processing nearly 500,000 transactions per day, showcasing Aptos’s advantages in speed and scalability. BC 8 is just the beginning; future new machine learning models will generate high-quality 3D models and AAA game assets, redefining the game development industry.
The Aptos blockchain provides instant, secure, and scalable proof of computation in the background for these operations. Avery emphasized that this is just one of the many use cases supported by Aptos, with hundreds more to come in the future. The Aptos ecosystem will offer a suite of tools and services for building, training, and deploying machine learning models on the chain, supporting payments for tens of thousands of on-chain models, making Aptos the backbone of Internet GPUs. Each product will be supported by its native token on Aptos, driving the growth and adoption of all on-chain AI products.
Physical Infrastructure of io.net: Etch Data Center
Hidde Hoogland introduced the Etch data center of io.net, part of the world’s largest GPU distributed computing network. She guided us through the server room, which can accommodate up to six cold aisle containment units with a total of 120 racks. The Etch data center primarily utilizes the GPU computing power leased through the Web3 and io.net platform.
The data center has 2 MW of redundant power connections, with each cold aisle containment unit connected through power strips under raised floors. Perforated floor tiles between racks allow fresh air to reach the GPUs. These clusters are filled with GPUs leased through the io.net platform, providing services to customers and generating revenue.
Hidde also showcased the battery backup room, which can sustain data center operations for at least 2 hours in case of a local power grid outage. These battery systems are charged by the data center’s solar roof, providing enough energy in the summer to achieve net neutrality.
Investment Arm of io.net: IO.VENTURES Driving Development of AI Startups
Hashim Alnabulsi, the Managing Partner of IO.VENTURES, introduced IO.VENTURES as the investment arm of io.net dedicated to advancing machine learning startups. AI startups typically allocate over 80% of raised funds to computing power, with even smaller projects consuming over $500,000 per month, severely hindering AI development. io.net proposes a better solution.
IO.VENTURES’ proposal is to provide GPU computing power to startups in exchange for equity and token distribution, a more cost-effective approach than traditional venture capital, returning significant value to GPU suppliers. With io.net’s decentralized AI computing, IO.VENTURES aims to foster the development of rapidly growing AI and machine learning startups by investing.
Hashim also introduced a bolder plan: creating the IO.VENTURES Mega GPU Fund. Unlike traditional funds relying on a few limited partners, IO.VENTURES can access the entire io.net network, unlocking $35 billion worth of computing power. This grassroots movement connects global idle GPU supplies with innovators, unleashing unlimited potential while democratizing AI.
IO.VENTURES aims to expand globally through decentralized investment, focusing on challenging projects that align with its vision and aim to disrupt industries. Hashim calls on the world’s bravest AI talents to join this transformative journey. IO.VENTURES plans to establish connections with global partners, including accelerators, research institutions, large enterprises, and progressive public sector projects, creating an unprecedented supportive ecosystem.
The future for IO.VENTURES is both challenging and exciting, as they look forward to meaningful collaborations with groundbreaking projects to embark on this journey of transformation.
io.net: Making Dreams Come True for a New Era of AI
Ahmed Shadid expressed his excitement for io.net realizing dreams. Just a few months ago, io.net was just a dream, but today, that dream has become a reality, developing faster than anyone’s expectations.
Today’s event announced the launch of several important products: IO Coin, IO Cloud, IO Worker, and most importantly, the introduction of the Internet of GPUs (IOG), empowering all of us to build and create a better world. Ahmed also previewed the upcoming IOG Python framework, set to be released later this year.
He called on everyone to join this revolution, visit io.net now, and together change the world.
