Gensyn is a layer-1 blockchain built on Polkadot, designed to provide a decentralized computing network specifically for machine learning (ML) applications. Leveraging the unused processing power of GPUs, TPUs, and CPUs from various sources, the platform aims to offer developers affordable access to high-performance computing resources. Individuals and organizations contributing their computational power to the network are rewarded based on their contributions, fostering a sustainable ecosystem where everyone can participate in and benefit from the growth of the ML industry.
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How Gensyn Works: A Decentralized Approach to Machine Learning
Training machine learning models requires significant computational resources, particularly GPUs. The current GPU rental market is dominated by large corporations, resulting in high costs and limited accessibility for smaller companies. Gensyn addresses this challenge by creating a distributed computing network that connects devices ranging from data centers to personal computers, offering a more cost-effective and flexible alternative. Built on an open-source architecture, the platform involves four key components: Submitters, Solvers, Verifiers, and Whistleblowers.
- Submitters: Typically technicians, developers, or researchers who require computational power from Gensyn to build ML models. They specify their requirements, including model type, parameters, and budget.
- Solvers: Individuals or organizations with surplus computing resources who contribute to the Gensyn network. Solvers accept tasks from Submitters and, upon completion, receive proof-of-learning as evidence of their contribution.
- Verifiers: Entities responsible for verifying the accuracy and quality of the computational work performed by Solvers using the provided proof-of-learning.
- Whistleblowers: Monitor the Verifiers to ensure the integrity of the verification process and prevent fraud.
In essence, Gensyn connects those who need computing power (Submitters) with those who have it to spare (Solvers). Verifiers act as independent auditors ensuring the quality of the work, while Whistleblowers oversee the entire process for transparency and fairness.
Gensyn claims its model can reduce computing costs by up to 80% and increase computational power by 10-100x compared to traditional providers. This not only democratizes access to resources for developers but also fosters innovation and diversity within the ML industry. However, it’s important to note that the platform is still under development at the time of writing.
Gensyn’s Roadmap: From Testnet to Mainnet
Gensyn’s development roadmap consists of three primary phases: testnet, canarynet, and mainnet.
- Testnet: A testing phase designed to encourage user participation, identify bugs, and refine the platform. An airdrop program for early users is planned during this phase.
- Canarynet: Following the testnet, a beta version will be launched as a parachain on the Kusama blockchain.
- Mainnet: The official launch of the mainnet on Polkadot, including the Token Generation Event (TGE).
Gensyn Team, Investors, and Partners: A Strong Foundation
The Team
Gensyn is built by a team with extensive experience in technology, led by:
- Ben Fielding: Co-Founder of Gensyn, holding a PhD in Computer Science from Northumbria University and significant experience in AI and Machine Learning.
- Harry Grieve: Co-Founder of Gensyn, with a background in Quantitative Economics and experience as an angel investor in AI-related projects like Modulus Labs.
Investors and Partners
Gensyn has raised a total of $50.6 million across three funding rounds:
- Series A: $43 million from a16z, CoinFund, Maven 11 Capital, and others.
- Seed: $6.5 million from Eden Block, Galaxy, CoinFund, and others.
- Pre-Seed: $1.1 million from 7percent Ventures, Entrepreneur First, Id4 Ventures, and others.
Beyond leading the Series A funding round, a16z has also announced a strategic partnership with Gensyn, aiming to collaboratively build a more accessible and scalable AI infrastructure for the broader community.
Similar Projects in the Decentralized Computing Space
- Uplink: Provides a global infrastructure for connecting to the internet at lower costs, regardless of location.
- BlockMesh: A protocol leveraging users’ surplus bandwidth to support the development of the AI industry.
