Gradient Network Raises $10M to Launch Decentralized AI on Solana

Gradient Network has secured $10 million in seed funding to develop decentralized AI infrastructure, with Pantera Capital, Multicoin Capital, and HSG (formerly Sequoia Capital China) leading the round. The Singapore-based startup aims to revolutionize AI by decentralizing its operations, moving away from centralized data centers to a global network of user devices.

Gradient is building two core protocols: Lattica and Parallax. Lattica is a peer-to-peer communication protocol similar to Bitcoin or BitTorrent, enabling direct data transfers between devices without relying on centralized servers. The company claims Lattica has already supported over 1.6 billion connections across 190 regions. Meanwhile, Parallax allows AI models to run on distributed devices by breaking large language models into smaller segments. This shift would enable local data processing, improving privacy and reducing reliance on tech giants like OpenAI and Amazon.

Gradient’s infrastructure runs on the Solana blockchain, chosen for its high-speed transactions and low fees. Solana also handles the incentive and coordination layers, rewarding users who contribute computing power. This crowdsourced model positions Gradient as a potential game-changer in decentralized AI, alongside competitors like SingularityNET, Bittensor, and Gensyn.

The startup says its approach could dramatically cut costs compared to traditional cloud computing while mitigating data privacy concerns. By processing data closer to its source, Gradient minimizes the need to transmit sensitive information to centralized servers. Critics point to challenges like network latency and task coordination, but Gradient is optimistic its architecture will scale effectively.

Gradient plans to debut both protocols this week and promises more developer tools and research in the future. As AI’s centralization faces growing scrutiny, Gradient is betting that decentralized intelligence is the next frontier.