As the market's enthusiasm for the combination of AI and blockchain continues to rise, a large number of attempts to "move AI applications on-chain" have emerged in the industry. However, despite this trend attracting much attention, true "on-chain AI" still faces significant technical bottlenecks. High throughput, low latency, and cost optimization that matches the high computational demands of AI applications remain barriers that traditional blockchain architectures cannot break through.
For example, focusing on data availability (DA) as a core issue, before Ethereum's Danksharding upgrade, its throughput was only 0.08 MB per second. Even more advanced solutions like Celestia and EigenDA only reach about 10 MB per second. However, training AI models and real-time inference usually require data throughput of 50 to 100 GB per second. This magnitude of difference makes existing on-chain solutions seem inadequate when facing resource-intensive AI applications.
For this reason, 0G proposed their unique solution: a decentralized operating system designed for AI and on-chain applications, which not only bridges the gap between performance and cost but also opens up new possibilities for the entire industry.
Explore 0G: The core engine of the next on-chain AI revolution
Completely different from traditional Web2 AI platforms, the technology architecture of 0G breaks out of the limitations of centralized servers. By introducing a modular Data Availability Layer (DA), decentralized storage, and a service framework that supports on-chain AI, it separates data publishing and storage, significantly enhancing the system's throughput and performance.
This architecture is not only applicable to AI but can also support on-chain games, high-frequency DeFi, and future data markets. For example, an on-chain game with 5,000 users requires a DA throughput of 16 MB per second for state updates, which the 0G system can easily handle. According to the latest demo, the 0G operating system consists of three key components:
1. 0G Service Marketplace
0G's service marketplace is a decentralized peer-to-peer market connecting developers and AI service providers. Service providers can list various AI services, such as model inference, fine-tuning, and data processing. Service providers can flexibly price their services based on model complexity, resource needs, and validation requirements. Developers (users) can browse and choose models and services that best suit their AI applications while enjoying various validation options, including OPML, TeeML, and ZKML.
2. 0G Storage Network
The 0G storage network is a decentralized storage solution designed for high-performance AI needs, with key features including: high performance and scalability, supporting fast uploads and downloads of large-scale datasets through advanced sharding and erasure coding technologies, with data transfer speeds of up to 5 GB per second. Flexible development interfaces, providing SDK and CLI tools, allowing developers to efficiently manage storage operations with just a few lines of code, such as uploading or downloading ultra-large AI models like Llama-70B.
3. 0G Compute Network
As the core of dAIOS, 0G's compute network provides a set of open, efficient, and verifiable computing services, covering the verification of GPU computing power and the execution of AI inference services. GPU service registration and verification: Service providers can quickly register their GPU resources, such as NVIDIA H200, and list their inference services on the marketplace for developers to choose from. Flexible verification options: Developers can choose different verification methods (such as TeeML or ZKML) based on their needs to ensure the trustworthiness and security of the computing.
Currently, 0G has launched its testnet Newton and released the V2 version, based on a Cosmos proof-of-stake chain, which can provide higher scalability and interoperability, introducing new data availability services and committee modules.
Let's turn to the team background and financing situation. 0G's technical support comes from its core development entity Zero Gravity Labs, and all four founders have achieved outstanding accomplishments in their respective fields.
Co-founder Michael Heinrich has worked at top global companies such as Microsoft, SAP, and Bridgewater, and later founded a Web2 company valued at over $1 billion, Garten. His business acumen and technical expertise have laid a solid foundation for the development of 0G.
The other three founders of the team—Thomas Yao, Ming Wu, and Fan Long—also have deep expertise in blockchain, artificial intelligence, and systems engineering. Ming Wu and Fan Long were core developers of the globally recognized blockchain project Conflux, achieving significant breakthroughs in high-performance distributed systems and decentralized protocols. The four founders came together with a common vision to create an infrastructure that serves decentralized AI applications, fundamentally changing the limitations of traditional Web3 architecture.
The four co-founders of Zero Gravity, from left to right, are Fan Long, Thomas Yao, Michael Heinrich, and Ming Wu.
In addition to a strong founding team, the core contributors of the 0G Foundation also include technical leaders from top academic institutions and companies around the world. These contributors include: 8 PhDs in computer science from world-renowned universities such as MIT, Stanford, and Tsinghua, one of whom is one of the world's top cryptography experts; 5 international Olympiad gold medalists in informatics; senior experts from top tech and financial companies such as Airbnb, Amazon, Apple, Chainlink, LinkedIn, Microsoft, McKinsey, and Bridgewater.
The financing background of Zero Gravity Labs is also noteworthy, as it announced the completion of a $35 million Pre-Seed round in March this year, led by Hack VC, with participation from Animoca, Delphi Digital, Blockchain Builders Fund, and OKX Ventures.
A comprehensive analysis of node sale details from price to distribution
Returning to the beginning, with the market's increasing enthusiasm for the combination of AI and blockchain, the booming market of AI concept coins has attracted countless traders' attention.
For example, the recently launched AI Meme coin ACT on Binance saw its price surge over 15 times in a short period, with its market cap skyrocketing from $20 million to $300 million. At the same time, a series of AI-related tokens such as WLD, IO, RENDER, and ARKM also achieved price increases ranging from 10% to 20%. This strong performance further validates the market's confidence in the future potential of the AI sector.
However, memes cannot be chased indefinitely, and the lifecycle of most memes is extremely short. For ordinary investors who are not professional traders, chasing these price increases may carry significant risks. Therefore, if you are optimistic about the future of the AI sector, choosing a more long-term investment method may be a more prudent strategy, and node sales represent such a long-term investment option.
Node sales are a relatively novel project investment method, essentially providing necessary support for the operation of a decentralized network through the sale of node licenses, while granting token rewards to node purchasers.
Compared to short-term speculative token trading, the distribution cycle for node rewards is usually longer, providing participants with a relatively stable source of income. For example, in the current node sale of 0G, node rewards will be gradually unlocked in the form of $0G tokens over the next 36 months. This long-term return mechanism offers investors more secure value protection. Additionally, the 0G node sale is divided into multiple tiers, allowing participants to choose their level of involvement, whether opting for low-threshold participation or high-end investment. Most importantly, purchasing nodes allows for a long-term bond with the project's growth, forming a closer relationship with the project itself.
By comparing 0G Tokenomics with other project token distribution models, we can see 0G's significant advantages and generosity in token distribution, especially reflected in the high ratio of allocation for AI Alignment Node and Ecosystem Rewards.
The total supply of 0G Tokens is 1,000,000,000. The total token supply is allocated to four main parts: Backers (early investors): 20%; Team & Advisors: 22%; AI Alignment Node: 15%; Ecosystem Rewards: 43%.
Comparing other node sales projects regarding node and community-related rewards, Carv is 59%, Xai is 57.6%; Sopon and Aither are both 50%. The AI Alignment Node and Ecosystem Rewards together account for 58% of the total token supply, providing users with top-tier rewards.
To ensure network stability, all node license NFTs are non-transferable within the first 12 months, with 33% of node rewards initially claimable at TGE, and the remaining 67% of node rewards will be daily unlocked linearly over the next 36 months, ensuring the robustness of token distribution while providing stable long-term earnings for node holders.
This node sale involves 175,500 nodes, divided into 32 tiers, with specific designs and price gradients as follows:
Tiers: Node sales are divided into 32 different price tiers. Each tier represents a different quantity of nodes and price range.
Number of Nodes: The number of nodes in each tier ranges from 3,000 to 8,000, with the number of nodes decreasing gradually as the tier increases. The lowest tier (Tier 1) has 3,000 nodes, while the highest tier (Tier 32) has only 3,500 nodes.
Node License Price: The price of node licenses is denominated in ETH and increases gradually with the tier. The starting price is 0.05 ETH (Tier 1), rising to 0.97 ETH by Tier 32. The pricing gradient design allows early purchasers to gain significant price advantages.
Tier Implied FDV with 50% Participation: This column displays the implied fully diluted valuation (FDV) if half of the nodes in a tier are sold. For example, the 50% FDV for Tier 1 is $92M, while the 50% FDV for Tier 32 is $1,776M.
Tier Implied FDV with 100% Participation: This indicates the implied FDV when all nodes in a tier are sold. From $183M for Tier 1 to $3,552M for Tier 32, the higher the tier, the more significant the increase in FDV.
It can thus be seen that the prices of low-tier (Tier 1 to Tier 10) nodes are more affordable, providing significant price advantages for the first batch of supporters. The price advantage is significant, attracting early supporters. The price of Tier 1 nodes is only 0.05 ETH, while Tier 10 nodes are priced at 0.175 ETH, with later prices increasing exponentially.
Mid-tier (Tier 11-Tier 20) node prices gradually increase, but the implied FDV growth rate is significant. Suitable for participants with a certain budget who expect medium to long-term returns. High-tier (Tier 21-Tier 32) nodes are scarce, with prices and FDV both reaching a peak. Suitable for users who value scarcity and the long-term value of the network.
A step-by-step guide on how to participate in the 0G node sale
1. Visit the official sales platform
To participate in the node sale, you first need to visit the official 0G sales website. After logging onto the official site, ensure that your wallet is connected and that you have enough payment assets (such as USDC) ready. This is your first step to entering the node sale.
2. Confirm eligibility
Not all users can participate in the node sale. Before officially participating, you need to check whether you meet the participation criteria, especially geographical restrictions and compliance with KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements. Detailed information can be found on the compliance page of the official website.
3. Choose sale type
The 0G node sale is divided into two main phases, each with slightly different rules. Based on their eligibility, users can view the available node tiers and quantities in the corresponding tabs.
The whitelist sale phase will start at 8 PM Beijing time on November 11. It will last for two days and is limited to whitelist users for node purchases.
The public sale phase will start at 8 PM Beijing time on November 13. It is open to all eligible users, but must comply with relevant geographical and regulatory restrictions.
4. Choose tier and quantity
Node sales are divided into 32 tiers, each with different quantities and prices for the nodes. The higher the tier, the more expensive the node license, but the potential rewards are also higher. When choosing a tier, you can select the appropriate number of nodes based on your budget and expected returns.
5. Confirm payment assets and network
Currently, Arbitrum is the main network option (pending final confirmation), with payment methods including USDC or other supported crypto assets. Users must choose the appropriate network and asset to complete the payment.
6. Complete the transaction
After confirming the number of nodes and payment methods, enter the referral code or discount code (if any) to enjoy additional discounts. Then, confirm the transaction in your crypto wallet to complete the purchase.
7. Receive NFT
Node licenses are issued in the form of ERC-721 NFTs. After the purchase is completed, the NFT will be sent to your wallet within 3-6 weeks. These NFTs are your proof of participation in the 0G network and have potential trading value in the future.