Decentralizing Compute: The New Frontier in AI and Blockchain
The concentration of compute power in the hands of a few private entities has emerged as a critical chokepoint in artificial intelligence development. Much like the early days of electricity, where centralized utilities controlled access, today's AI breakthroughs hinge on a handful of server farms. This dynamic creates a rigged tournament rather than an open race for innovation.
Treating compute as infrastructure—akin to electricity or broadband—could democratize access. Transparent pricing, open scheduling, and fair set-ashes WOULD level the playing field. The current system, where training slots are allocated through exclusive deals, stifles competition and slows progress.
Distributed compute networks NEAR renewable energy sources offer a compelling solution. This approach reduces grid strain, lowers costs, and makes centralized capture more difficult. When more participants can experiment freely, iteration speeds multiply, unlocking breakthroughs across the ecosystem.