In the rapidly evolving world of decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN), one protocol is making waves by pivoting from gaming to artificial intelligence (AI) services. Aethir, a decentralized Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) network founded in 2022, is harnessing the power of distributed computing to fuel the AI revolution.
Aethir’s Journey: From Cloud Gaming to AI Compute
According to co-founder Mark Rydon, Aethir began by offering idle GPUs from data centers to bolster cloud gaming platforms. However, the team quickly realized that the real value lay in providing enterprise-grade GPU compute for the burgeoning field of AI.
We started Aethir within a gaming context, but we quickly realized that the enterprise-capable GPU cloud we were building had massive relevance to AI sectors. AI runtime customers will pay a lot more than gamers, and the demand for compute in AI is just incredible.
– Mark Rydon, Aethir Co-Founder
This strategic shift positions Aethir at the forefront of the $205 billion AI server industry, as estimated by market research firm TrendForce. By offering a decentralized marketplace for on-demand GPU compute, Aethir enables businesses and researchers to access cutting-edge computing power without the burden of owning and maintaining hardware.
Navigating Geopolitical Challenges
Aethir’s decentralized approach to GPU compute has drawn attention from Chinese researchers eager to access advanced chips like Nvidia’s H100, which are restricted by U.S. export controls. However, Rydon emphasizes that Aethir strictly adheres to these regulations.
We don’t accept high performance computing [requests] from places like China. You can’t if you have H100s. They’re not meant to be in China. We geofence and don’t allow that compute to onboard.
– Mark Rydon
To ensure regulatory compliance, Aethir implements a Web2 layer that includes service agreements, performance standards, and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes. While this may seem at odds with the permissionless ethos of Web3, Rydon believes it is necessary for facilitating large-scale enterprise deals.
Empowering the Future of AI
As AI continues to transform industries across the globe, the demand for high-performance computing will only intensify. By decentralizing access to cutting-edge GPU compute, Aethir is democratizing participation in the AI revolution and enabling researchers and businesses to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
With its focus on efficiency, scalability, and compliance, Aethir is well-positioned to become a key player in the rapidly expanding DePIN space. As the protocol continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of AI and decentralized computing, it will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of this exciting field.
