Bittensor (TAO) is an ERC-20 token powering a decentralized, blockchain-based machine learning network. Models train collaboratively and are rewarded in TAO for their informational value. Bittensor is an open-source protocol leveraging a distributed ledger to develop and distribute AI technology efficiently. It promotes open access/ownership, decentralized governance, and harnesses globally-distributed resources within an incentivized framework. TAO is used to reward models and grant external access to the network. The team behind Bittensor includes founders Jacob Steeves and Ala SHaabana, Director of Marketing Jacqueline Dawn, and Blockchain Architect Saeideh Motlagh.

Bittensor is a decentralised blockchain network designed to enable the collaborative creation, training, and evaluation of artificial intelligence (AI) models. It operates as a peer-to-peer intelligence marketplace where participants, referred to as miners and validators, interact within subnets to produce and assess machine intelligence outputs. Each subnet focuses on a specific AI task or data type, such as text, images, or other modalities, creating a decentralised environment for AI development.

Bittensor’s protocol uses its native blockchain to record interactions, rank participants, and distribute rewards in the form of TAO tokens. Validators evaluate the outputs of miners and assign scores based on performance. The network incentivises participants by rewarding contributions that provide information-theoretic value. This design fosters an open ecosystem for AI research and development without relying on centralised authorities.

TAO is the native cryptocurrency of the Bittensor network and has multiple use cases:

  • Incentives and Rewards: Validators and miners are rewarded with TAO tokens based on their contributions within subnets, including generating or evaluating AI outputs.
  • Staking: Participants stake TAO tokens to support the security and operation of subnets. Stakers earn rewards proportional to their contributions and the performance of the subnet.
  • Governance: TAO token holders can vote on governance decisions that affect the network, such as protocol updates or changes to incentive mechanisms.
  • Transaction Fees: TAO tokens are used to pay transaction fees for activities on the blockchain.
  • Subnet Deployment: Subnet operators utilise TAO to establish and maintain subnets, including computational infrastructure and reward distribution.