Aethir, a decentralized public infrastructure network (DePIN) firm, is launching a $100 million Aethir Ecosystem Fund aimed at supporting gaming projects. The fund will be backed by the Aethir Foundation, providing financial assistance to the artificial intelligence (AI) and gaming sectors. Through grant programs, the fund plans to accelerate the adoption of Aethir’s decentralized compute platform, enabling startups and established enterprises to scale their projects more easily. Aethir has also introduced Aethir Catalyst, a grant program within the ecosystem that will distribute 336,000,000 ATH tokens over the next year, split equally between AI and gaming projects.
In June, Aethir launched its cloud network on the Ethereum mainnet, utilizing DePINs, which are blockchain-based protocols for creating and operating the physical hardware infrastructure of the network in a decentralized manner. Aethir’s cloud computing infrastructure platform allows data centers, cloud providers, and crypto mining firms to contribute idle graphics processing unit (GPU) resources to its network. This launch signifies Aethir’s commitment to providing vital infrastructure for developers to focus on innovation without being limited by access to compute power, particularly crucial in the evolving industries of AI and gaming that require high computational resources.
The cornerstone of the newly launched Aethir Ecosystem Fund is the Aethir Catalyst, an independent $20 million grant program that aims to support over 100 projects by providing financial aid through grants or subsidies to companies heavily reliant on GPU compute. This initiative aims to reduce barriers to compute power for AI and gaming innovators, enabling promising companies to thrive without hindrances. Aethir’s strategic partnerships with industry players, through the Catalyst program and other grant programs in partnership with XAI and XPLA, are designed to catalyze advancements in both AI and gaming sectors.
Mark Rydon, co-founder at Aethir, emphasized the significance of Aethir Catalyst in democratizing access to GPU compute for AI and gaming innovators. By allocating $20 million to this fund, Aethir aims to ensure that promising companies have the resources needed to thrive in compute-intensive industries, ultimately driving innovation and reducing barriers to compute power for all. The fund launch comes at a critical time when AI and gaming are increasingly reliant on high computational power, positioning Aethir as a key infrastructure provider in these rapidly evolving industries. Through its Ecosystem Fund, Aethir seeks to establish strategic partnerships with startups and enterprises to shape the future of AI and gaming sectors.
