Blockchains / io.net
IO

io.net

IO

Decentralized GPU network aggregating compute resources for AI and machine learning

Infrastructure gpuaidepincompute
Launched
2024
Founder
Ahmad Shadid
Website
io.net
Primitives
1

Technology Stack

Introduction to io.net

io.net aggregates GPU computing power from multiple sources into a unified network for AI and machine learning workloads. By combining capacity from data centers, crypto miners, and other GPU providers, io.net creates a decentralized alternative to centralized cloud providers like AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure.

The platform gained attention during the AI compute crunch, positioning itself as a solution to GPU scarcity. Rather than building new infrastructure, io.net leverages existing underutilized capacity, creating a marketplace where supply meets demand more efficiently than traditional cloud models.

How io.net Works

GPU Aggregation

Network design:

  • Multiple supply sources
  • Unified access layer
  • Standardized interface
  • Distributed infrastructure

Supply Sources

Compute providers:

  • Data center partners
  • Crypto mining facilities
  • Enterprise surplus
  • Individual providers

IO Cloud

User interface:

  • Deploy GPU clusters
  • AI model training
  • Inference workloads
  • On-demand scaling

Technical Specifications

MetricValue
BlockchainSolana
GPU Network1M+ GPUs claimed
Use CasesAI/ML workloads
Cluster TypesOn-demand, reserved
TokenIO

The IO Token

Utility

IO serves multiple purposes:

  • Payments: Compute services
  • Staking: Network participation
  • Rewards: Supplier incentives
  • Governance: Protocol decisions

Tokenomics

Economic model:

  • Compute payments in IO
  • Supplier rewards
  • Staking mechanics
  • Burn mechanisms

Staking Economics

Participation incentives:

  • Stake to provide compute
  • Reward distribution
  • Slashing conditions
  • Network security via nodes

IO Cloud Platform

Cluster Deployment

User workflow:

  • Select GPU type
  • Choose cluster size
  • Deploy workloads
  • Pay per use

Supported GPUs

Hardware variety:

  • NVIDIA A100, H100
  • RTX 4090, 3090
  • Various generations
  • Multiple configurations

Use Cases

AI applications:

  • Model training
  • Fine-tuning
  • Inference
  • Research computing

Supply Network

Data Center Partners

Enterprise suppliers:

  • Established facilities
  • Professional operations
  • Reliable uptime
  • Quality standards

Mining Facility Conversion

Crypto miners:

  • Repurposed mining GPUs
  • Existing infrastructure
  • Economic transition
  • Capacity reallocation

Render Network Integration

Partner network:

  • Render GPUs accessible
  • Cross-network supply
  • Expanded capacity
  • Ecosystem synergy

DePIN Positioning

The GPU Thesis

Market dynamics:

  • AI demand explosive
  • GPU supply constrained
  • Cloud costs high
  • Decentralization opportunity

Cost Advantages

Economic benefits:

  • Underutilized capacity
  • No new infrastructure build
  • Competitive pricing
  • Market efficiency

Challenges

Reality checks:

  • Quality consistency
  • Enterprise requirements
  • Competition from giants
  • Execution complexity

Competition and Positioning

vs. Centralized Cloud

ProviderGPUsPricingFlexibility
io.netAggregatedLowerHigh
AWSOwnedPremiumHigh
Google CloudOwnedPremiumHigh
Lambda LabsOwnedModerateMedium

vs. Other DePIN

Competitive landscape:

  • Akash: General compute
  • Render: Graphics focus
  • Aethir: Gaming + AI
  • Golem: Distributed compute

io.net Differentiation

Key advantages:

  • Scale claims
  • AI/ML focus
  • Partner network
  • Aggregation model

Enterprise Readiness

Requirements

Business needs:

  • Uptime guarantees
  • Security standards
  • Support services
  • Compliance

Current State

Platform maturity:

  • Developing enterprise features
  • Quality improvements
  • Documentation
  • Support scaling

Skepticism and Concerns

Capacity Claims

Questions raised:

  • GPU count verification
  • Actual availability
  • Quality distribution
  • Utilization rates

Competition

Market realities:

  • Cloud giants dominant
  • Price competition
  • Enterprise trust
  • Execution challenges

Token Economics

Sustainability questions:

  • Revenue vs. rewards
  • Long-term viability
  • Market dynamics
  • Value capture

Recent Developments

Token Launch

IO distribution:

  • Exchange listings
  • Airdrop execution
  • Trading volume
  • Price discovery

Network Growth

Infrastructure expansion:

  • GPU additions
  • Partner integrations
  • Feature launches
  • Customer onboarding

Market Strategy

Target Customers

User segments:

  • AI startups
  • Research institutions
  • Developers
  • Enterprises (growing)

Go-to-Market

Approach:

  • Developer-first
  • Free tier access
  • Partnership-driven
  • Community building

Future Roadmap

Development priorities:

  • Scale: Network expansion
  • Quality: Enterprise readiness
  • Products: New features
  • Ecosystem: Partnerships
  • Decentralization: Protocol development

Conclusion

io.net represents an ambitious attempt to create a decentralized alternative to cloud GPU providers, addressing the AI compute shortage through aggregation rather than new infrastructure build. The scale claims and partnership network create a compelling narrative.

However, significant questions remain about actual capacity availability, quality consistency, and enterprise readiness. Competing with AWS and Google Cloud requires not just lower prices but reliability and support that enterprises expect.

For AI developers seeking alternative compute and for GPU owners looking to monetize capacity, io.net offers a marketplace—though due diligence on actual availability and quality is essential before committing critical workloads.