Bittensor (TAO), launched in March 2023, is the native token of the Bittensor Layer 1 (L1) blockchain, an open-source protocol creating a decentralized machine learning network. Bittensor enables collaborative AI model training, rewarding participants with TAO based on their contributions’ informational value. Its subnet architecture supports specialized AI tasks, fostering a trustless market for artificial intelligence. TAO powers governance, staking, and access to the network’s AI resources, with a $2.7 billion total value locked (TVL).

Key Features

  • Decentralized AI: Connects AI models globally, rewarding miners and validators for training and evaluating models.
  • Subnets: 66+ active subnets host specialized AI tasks, from language models to image generation, with validators allocating TAO rewards.
  • High Scalability: Processes ~10,000 transactions per second (TPS) with low latency, optimized for AI workloads.
  • Ecosystem: Includes tokens like NEURALAI, tao.bot, and PURR, with subnets listed on CoinGecko’s Bittensor Ecosystem category.

TAO Token

  • Purpose: Used for staking, governance, rewarding AI contributions, and accessing network data.
  • Supply: Circulating supply of ~8.8 million TAO, with a max supply of 21 million.
  • Contract Address: Native to Bittensor L1, Coingecko CMC

Who Are the Founders of Bittensor?

Bittensor was co-founded by Jacob Steeves and Ala Shaabana under Opentensor Foundation. Steeves, a machine learning expert, and Shaabana, a blockchain developer, aimed to democratize AI through a decentralized, incentivized network. The team, based in Canada, remains focused on open-source development, rejecting venture capital to prioritize community governance.

What Makes Bittensor Unique?

TAO and Bittensor stand out for their AI-blockchain integration:

  • Incentivized AI Market: Rewards miners for valuable AI model contributions, creating a competitive, transparent intelligence market.
  • Subnet Architecture: Specialized mini-networks optimize for specific AI tasks, evaluated by validators for TAO distribution.
  • rsTAO Staking: Offers ~29% APY, allowing stakers to retain price exposure while earning yields.
  • Institutional Interest: Attracts family offices and TradFi, with BitGo’s 2024 partnership enabling institutional staking.

Bittensor’s 70,000+ active users and subnet growth drive its DeAI (Decentralized AI) leadership.

TAO Network Upgrades (2025)

  • Subnet Expansion: Reached 66+ active subnets, with new additions listed on CoinGecko, fueling speculation of a subnet entering the top 100.
  • rsTAO Staking (Q1 2025): Launched with 29% yield, boosting participation and network security.
  • Institutional Staking: BitGo and Yuma’s partnership brought TAO staking to institutions, enhancing adoption.
  • Community Sentiment: X posts are bullish, citing TAO’s 60% rally and subnet APYs of 100%+, with predictions of $1,000 by 2025.

How Is TAO Secured?

TAO and the Bittensor L1 are secured through:

  • Proof-of-Stake: Validators and stakers secure the network, earning TAO rewards.
  • Subnet Validation: Validators rank model outputs, ensuring quality and distributing TAO fairly.
  • Token Incentives: Rewards align participant interests, decentralizing control.
  • Governance: TAO holders vote on protocol upgrades, ensuring community-driven security.

Conclusion

Bittensor (TAO) powers a groundbreaking L1 blockchain, merging decentralized AI with blockchain to create a trustless intelligence market. Its subnet architecture, high yields, and institutional interest position it as a DeAI leader.