Ankr launches public testnet Neura, the AI-focused Layer-1 blockchain

Blockchain Ankr Network's AI-focused Layer-1 uses ANKR as native token for Neura, which is expected to take place later this year.

Web3 infrastructure provider Ankr has officially launched the Neura public testnet, the Layer-1 blockchain focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Neura, first introduced in March 2024, will allow developers to build decentralized application (dApps) that combine AI, cloud computing, and blockchain technology. The development team says Neura is designed to help AI startups solve challenges such as raising capital, GPU resources and efficient data storage.

Built on the Cosmos SDK and compatible with Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), Neura processes AI model data by integrating with off-chain storage solutions such as Celestia, EigenLayer, IPFS, and Arweave. Neura also leverages the security of Bitcoin network through integration with Bitcoin staking protocol - Babylon.

The Neura team previously mentioned that the implementation of token standards such as ERC-404 and ERC-7641 will enable partial ownership and transparent revenue sharing within the ecosystem, facilitating "Initial Model Offering" token sales of projects through crowdfunding.

As part of its "Road to Mainnet" initiative, Ankr also announced that it will hold an "AI Innovators competition", with a total prize pool of USD 100,000 ANKR tokens for selected projects

The competition is aimed at developers and AI researchers to build decentralized AI models/applications on the blockchain using Neura's bridge decentralized GPU marketplace.

Kev Silk, Neura's Senior Product Manager said:

"We are excited to announce the launch of Neura's public testnet. In conjunction with the AI Pioneer competition, we look forward to the emergence of groundbreaking projects leveraging Neura's cutting-edge capabilities."

Ankr's Token will serve as Neura's native token, integrating a reward system for ANKR holders ahead of the mainnet launch scheduled later this year.

"Holders of ANKR tokens will be prioritized to participate in and invest in these developments, experiencing firsthand the transformative potential of AI models and applications built on Neura," Silk added.

Recently, more and more projects want to build a protocol that combines AI and crypto. The move was further prompted by the co-founder Ethereum Vitalik Buterin through a January 2024 blog post, which outlined 4 ways to combine encryption money with artificial intelligence.

Since then, it has led to countless AI + Crypto projects exploding, most notably the "merger" of three prominent AI crypto projects, SingularityNet (AGIX), Fetch.ai (FET) and Ocean Protocol (OCEAN). Ankr is one of several projects that are also looking to leverage the integration between AI and crypto.

In January, a crypto AI platform called "ImgnAI" raised 1.6 million USD of a seed round VC leading by Hack. Bagel Network, a decentralized data platform aimed at support Machine Learning (ML) models, has also raised 3.1 million USD in a Pre-Seed round leading by CoinFund.

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