AI and Blockchain: Grayscale Analysts Predict Explosive Growth in Demand for Public Networks
The rapid development of artificial intelligence is opening up entirely new horizons of application for public blockchains. This is not just about trivial transfers, but also about fundamental changes in how digital agents interact with the economy. My analysis shows that we are on the threshold of forming an entire class of services where distributed ledgers will become critical infrastructure.
Payments as the main catalyst
The most obvious growth driver is payment infrastructure. AI assistants performing tasks on behalf of users require programmable wallets with the ability to self-custody and spend funds. This will inevitably create demand for solutions for micropayments, cross-border settlements, automated trading, and risk management. In this context, open networks like Ethereum and Solana are particularly promising, as they ensure round-the-clock operation of programmable transactions without intermediaries.
Verifiable records and identification
The second key direction is the creation of verifiable records of algorithm operations. As AI is delegated an increasing number of responsible tasks, companies will need to record which specific models, data, and rules were used in decision-making. Here, the public blockchain acts as an ideal independent ledger that guarantees the transparency and immutability of this information. A similar mechanism is also applicable for identifying both humans and the agents themselves, as well as for storing their reputation profiles. The World project is indicative in this regard, as it is already implementing such principles in practice.
Decentralization of computing power
The third factor is related to the growing concentration of computing resources and capital in the hands of a few corporations. Decentralized networks offer an alternative: participants can provide their computing power while simultaneously participating in the ownership and governance of the infrastructure. This not only reduces the risks of monopolization but also creates new economic models.
However, it is worth acknowledging that the practical benefit of such a symbiosis is still debatable. Researchers from the IC3 consortium rightly point out that many arguments about the advantages of blockchain for AI require more substantial evidence. For example, a record in the ledger only confirms the fact that data existed at a certain point in time, but does not guarantee the correctness of the model itself.
It is telling that major players already see potential in this direction. In July, analysts at Franklin Templeton called AI agents one of the possible catalysts for the growth of crypto payments, emphasizing that blockchain could become the foundation for settlements between autonomous programs without constant human oversight.
My conclusion: AI and blockchain are forming a mutually beneficial alliance where each technology enhances the other. However, the market still has to go from theoretical concepts to real products, and it is the speed of this transition that will determine who ends up among the leaders of the new digital economy.