Telegram Launches TON as a Central Hub for Decentralized AI Inference

Telegram CEO unveils decentralized Cocoon network.

Summary: Telegram has introduced a new decentralized network called Cocoon that focuses on private AI inference on the TON blockchain. This initiative, led by CEO Pavel Durov, will not only utilize the platform's vast user base but also reward GPU owners for processing AI tasks.

Key Takeaways:

Telegram's new Cocoon network aims to process AI queries privately on the TON blockchain.
The network connects developers needing computational power with GPU owners.
Telegram plans to be the first significant client on Cocoon, catering to its one billion users.
The onboarding process for developers and GPU owners is now open.
AlphaTON Capital has announced strategic support for Cocoon's infrastructure.

Introduction to Cocoon: A New Era for AI on TON

On October 29, during the Blockchain Life conference in Dubai, Telegram CEO Pavel Durov revealed Cocoon, a decentralized network designed to handle artificial intelligence queries securely on the TON blockchain. This project seeks to tap into Telegram's immense user base to create a new economy for private AI inference.

Durov explained that Cocoon will link developers who need computational resources with GPU owners ready to lend their processing power. In return, these GPU owners will earn Toncoin tokens for completing inference tasks. Telegram intends to be Cocoon’s inaugural large-scale user, utilizing parts of its own AI workloads and promoting this new platform to its global audience of over a billion users.

Background and Vision for the Project

This announcement in Dubai was not Telegram's initial foray into the world of AI. Durov hinted at the project a few weeks prior during an October visit to Kazakhstan, where he announced a dedicated AI laboratory. He indicated that Telegram had spent several months crafting technology that merges blockchain and artificial intelligence, seeing it as essential for offering transparent and private AI services to its vast user base.

Onboarding Participants for the Network

For Cocoon to operate effectively, it needs a solid pool of participants. The onboarding process is currently live, as stated in its official channel. Developers interested in utilizing the network can now directly message the channel, detailing the AI models they intend to implement, such as DeepSeek or Qwen. They must also share their anticipated daily query volume and the average token size for both inputs and outputs.

On the other hand, GPU owners aiming to earn TON tokens for their computational contributions will need to supply specific details about their hardware capabilities. This includes the number of available GPUs, their models, VRAM capacity, and expected uptime.

AlphaTON Capital's Commitment to Cocoon

Shortly after the announcement, AlphaTON Capital declared its strategic investment in high-performance GPU infrastructure to assist in the rollout of Cocoon. The Nasdaq-listed company, recognized for its strong involvement in the TON ecosystem, plans to deploy advanced GPU fleets across global data centers, establishing the computational foundation for the network.

CEO Brittany Kaiser described the launch as a "pivotal moment in the convergence of blockchain technology, data protection, and artificial intelligence," emphasizing the firm's commitment as a "cornerstone contributor" to the ecosystem. Executive Chairman Enzo Villani stressed that “privacy and security are paramount in the AI era,” noting that Cocoon's design addresses a critical need in the market.