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What is io.net (IO)?

Learn how io.net (IO) enables decentralized AI compute for Web3. Discover how this network transforms idle GPU resources into a permissionless cloud for machine learning, research, and beyond. 

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io.net (IO) is a decentralized compute network that seeks to revolutionize access to GPU infrastructure by turning idle computing power into a permissionless and scalable cloud platform. Instead of relying on centralized cloud providers like AWS or Google Cloud, io.net aggregates underutilized GPUs from data centers, crypto miners, and individual contributors into a decentralized GPU network optimized for artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and high-performance computing.

Powered by the IO token, the protocol incentivizes resource providers to contribute their hardware to the network, while offering AI developers and enterprises a potential for lower costs, scalable, and censorship-resistant alternative to traditional cloud services. io.net bridges Web3 and AI infrastructure—enabling open access to compute resources critical for the next generation of decentralized apps and intelligent systems.

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io.net (IO) History

io.net was founded to address one of the most pressing bottlenecks in AI development: access to affordable, scalable GPU compute. Traditional cloud services can be expensive, often oversubscribed, and centralized—leaving smaller developers and researchers with limited access to critical infrastructure.

Launched on the Solana blockchain, io.net leverages Solana’s high throughput and low fees to power a distributed GPU network. In 2023 and 2024, io.net gained traction by onboarding thousands of GPU providers and partnering with leading AI projects. The project held its highly anticipated token launch in 2024, introducing IO as the native utility and governance token.

Today, io.net offers compute solutions for a variety of use cases—including LLM training, generative AI inference, and decentralized AI agents. Within the Web3 ecosystem, it is one of several platforms contributing to AI-related infrastructure. 

io.net (IO) Project Details

io.net is a decentralized cloud compute protocol built for AI, machine learning, and high-performance tasks. It transforms unused GPU resources into an on-demand network that anyone can access, offering the potential for lower costs compared to traditional services. Here’s what makes io.net noteworthy:

  • Decentralized GPU Marketplace: io.net turns idle GPUs into rentable infrastructure. Providers compete to offer compute power, enabling dynamic pricing and a permissionless ecosystem where developers can rent GPUs based on cost, performance, and availability.
  • Powered by Solana: By operating on Solana, io.net benefits from high-speed finality, minimal gas fees, and seamless integration with other Web3-native tools and platforms.
  • Compute Layer for AI: io.net is not just cloud storage or generic compute—it’s tailored for AI. With support for containerized workloads, model inference, and training pipelines, io.net provides a plug-and-play solution for deploying AI workloads across distributed GPUs.
  • Token Incentives: The IO token is used for payments, staking, and governance. Providers earn IO tokens for contributing verified compute power, while users spend IO to access GPU resources. This token-driven economy aligns incentives across all participants. 

How io.net (IO) Works

io.net connects GPU providers and AI developers through a decentralized protocol that ensures compute integrity, uptime, and scalability. Here’s a breakdown of how the system operates:

  • Compute Supply Side: Individuals and data centers can onboard idle GPUs to the network using io.net’s lightweight node software. Once verified and benchmarked, these nodes become part of the active compute pool, earning IO tokens for uptime and job completion.
  • Compute Demand Side: Developers can rent GPU compute by paying in IO tokens. They submit jobs—ranging from AI model inference to full LLM training—and the network dynamically allocates resources from available nodes.
  • Verification & Auditing: io.net uses real-time benchmarking, performance monitoring, and containerized environments to ensure that compute providers fulfill tasks reliably and securely.
  • Interoperability & Scalability: The protocol is interoperable with popular machine learning frameworks (like PyTorch and TensorFlow) and supports integrations with decentralized orchestration tools—making it a flexible solution for both Web2 and Web3 developers. 

What is IO Used For?

The IO token plays a central role in the io.net ecosystem. Its main functions include:

  • Payment for Compute: Users pay IO tokens to rent GPU time and run AI workloads.
  • Staking & Collateral: Providers may stake IO tokens to participate in higher-tier compute jobs, ensuring reliability and performance.
  • Incentives: IO tokens are rewarded to GPU providers, infrastructure operators, and contributors to protocol growth.
  • Governance: IO token holders can participate in protocol upgrades, network policy decisions, and resource allocation frameworks. 

Key Takeaways

  • io.net (IO) is a decentralized protocol that democratizes access to GPU compute for AI and high-performance workloads.
  • It connects idle GPU resources from around the world to build a permissionless cloud for developers and enterprises.
  • The IO token is used for payments, incentives, staking, and governance—fueling an open marketplace for decentralized computing.
  • io.net runs on Solana, leveraging its speed and scalability to handle compute requests efficiently and cost-effectively.
  • As demand for AI infrastructure grows, io.net provides a Web3-native platform designed to support developers and offer an alternative to centralized cloud providers. 

 

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide investment, legal, accounting, tax, or any other advice and should not be relied on in that or any other regard. The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of cryptocurrencies or otherwise. Ndax is a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF). Please refer to the CIPF for coverage qualification criteria. 

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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide investment, legal, accounting, tax or any other advice and should not be relied on in that or any other regard. The information contained herein is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of cryptocurrencies or otherwise.