NEAR Protocol has always been an outlier in the crypto world. Founded by a team of AI and Big Tech veterans, NEAR’s origins are not rooted in the typical crypto native background. This unique beginning has shaped its journey and vision, positioning NEAR at the intersection of AI and blockchain.
The Origins and Vision of NEAR
NEAR started as an AI-focused initiative, aiming to teach machines how to code. Engaging contributors from developing countries, the founding team turned to crypto for efficient payment solutions. This led to an incidental yet pivotal foray into blockchain, addressing scalability, affordability, and usability to support their AI ambitions.
Despite numerous changes in leadership and narratives, NEAR’s core vision has remained consistent since day one: creating "a world where people are in control of their assets, data, and power of governance." This vision, established by founders Illia Polosukhin and Alexander Skidanov in 2017, has always aimed to decentralize control and empower individuals.
NEAR’s Unique Approach
Unlike many blockchain projects, NEAR has eschewed chain maximalism and tribalism. Instead, it fosters a collaborative, multi-chain culture, focusing on onboarding one billion people to the Open Web, rather than confining them to the NEAR ecosystem. This inclusive approach reflects in the deliberate choice of naming it NEAR Protocol, highlighting the broader aim of a user-owned internet.
The Convergence of AI and Blockchain
As AI technology progresses, the vision of decentralizing AI through web3 becomes increasingly clear. NEAR’s latest initiatives emphasize this convergence. The NEAR AI Hub collaborates with various AI projects, advancing the user-owned AI vision, which aligns with NEAR’s mission from the beginning.
The recently announced NEAR AI R&D underscores NEAR’s transition from a quirky crypto project to embracing its identity as a leader in AI. Among various initiatives, one native project stands out: Developer AI. This original NEAR AI vision focuses on operational excellence and product development, essential for realizing the future of the Open Web.
Developer AI: A Game Changer
The core challenge in advancing the Open Web is the scarcity of developer talent. NEAR’s solution, Developer AI, aims to democratize application development, enabling anyone with an idea to create decentralized, scalable applications without significant capital or technical knowledge. This initiative could potentially transform NEAR into a powerhouse of innovation, producing thousands of applications daily.
Closing Thoughts
NEAR’s journey from AI origins to blockchain innovation exemplifies a unique blend of technological foresight and collaborative culture. As NEAR continues to evolve, its focus on decentralizing AI and empowering individuals remains steadfast, promising a future where technology truly serves the greater good.