Boundless is reorienting its ZKP network towards AI computing: a new trend or a forced measure?

Startup Boundless, which previously focused on zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP) for Bitcoin, is making a strategic pivot. Its network, comprising approximately 4,000 GPUs, will now be used for inference of AI models. This decision, announced by CEO Shiva Shankar, marks a shift from purely cryptocurrency-related tasks to the broader field of high-performance computing.

Initially, the Boundless platform acted as a coordinator and verifier, connecting Ethereum, Base, and Bitcoin. However, now, as initial tests show, using cheap computing power, including consumer-grade graphics cards and equipment previously purchased for mining, allows reducing inference costs by nearly 50% compared to major cloud providers. This is especially noticeable for asynchronous tasks.

It is important to note that the company is not completely abandoning ZKP, but details of further work in this direction are not disclosed. Instead, Boundless is introducing a new mechanism for its ecosystem: the native token ZKC will play a key role in the AI segment. Operators wishing to join the network will need to stake ZKC, with the stake size being "tied to potential revenue."

This move is a clear indicator of a general trend in the crypto industry: a shift in focus from pure blockchain computing to AI. While some miners are repurposing their capacities for AI data centers (like TeraWulf, which raised $3.5 billion for Anthropic), Boundless is integrating AI directly into its decentralized infrastructure.

My analysis: Boundless's decision looks pragmatic. The ZKP computing market is still narrow, while demand for AI inference is growing exponentially. However, success will depend on whether the company can ensure stable quality and security of computations on cheap but less reliable equipment. Using the ZKC token as collateral is an interesting mechanism that could create additional demand for the coin but also increases risks for operators. Ultimately, this is not just a change of focus but an attempt to capitalize on accumulated infrastructure in a rapidly growing sector.