Vana is a data storage platform based on a distributed network, focused on storing privately owned data by users, and supports the building of user-centric AI applications. Its core philosophy is to return ownership and control of data to users, enabling them not only to manage the AI models they participate in but also to profit from the value generated by these models.

Through Vana, developers can access cross-platform data resources to build more personalized applications and use this data to train cutting-edge AI models.

Core features

  • User data sovereignty:
    Users own their data and can fully control its storage, access, and application.

  • Data monetization mechanism:
    Users share in the profits by participating in the training and optimization of AI models, achieving fair distribution of data value.

  • Cross-platform data access:
    Developers can access data from different sources through Vana, breaking down data silos and enabling efficient flow and integration of data.

  • Support for personalized applications:
    The platform provides developers with tools and APIs to support the building of intelligent and personalized AI application scenarios.

How it works

  • User participation and data upload:
    Users upload their data to Vana's distributed network, where the platform encrypts and stores this data.

  • AI model training:
    User data is used to train AI models, with management and profit distribution decided jointly by users and the community.

  • Developer collaboration:
    Developers can access Vana's data resources for developing more efficient, personalized AI applications, while paying for the use of the data, with this revenue distributed to data contributors.

  • Data privacy and security:
    Vana's distributed architecture ensures the privacy and security of user data, with data flow processes being transparent and traceable.

Project progress and future plans


Technological foundation

  • First on-chain training data, 2021:
    VANA introduced the concept of securely storing training data using blockchain, allowing for transparent and traceable use of data in AI model development.

  • Non-custodial data patent, 2022:
    VANA has obtained a patent for non-custodial data management, ensuring that users can maintain ownership and control of their data without relying on centralized entities.

  • Personal server architecture, 2022:
    The project developed an architecture that allows users to securely store and manage data locally, creating an enhanced privacy and data sovereignty personal server ecosystem.

Early adoption

  • Data portability at MIT Hackathon, 2023:
    VANA participated in the MIT Hackathon, demonstrating the potential of its technology in data portability—allowing users to transfer data across platforms without sacrificing control or privacy.

  • User-owned personal AI, 2023:
    VANA has achieved user-owned personal AI models, enabling users to train and own their AI, promoting the decentralization of AI development, and ensuring that user data is not exploited without authorization.

  • Local LLM and personal data, 2023:
    VANA launched a local large language model (LLM), allowing users to run powerful AI models on local devices while utilizing personal data and maintaining full ownership and control.

Scaling and decentralization

  • First data DAO, 2024:
    VANA launched the first decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) for data, establishing a community-governed platform where users can directly control how their data is used and monetized.

  • Decentralized data infrastructure:
    The project aims to further decentralize data infrastructure by supporting multiple independent DAOs that will manage different datasets, reducing reliance on any single entity.

  • 16 independent data DAOs:
    By 2024, VANA plans to establish 16 independent DAOs, each responsible for managing different datasets, ensuring true decentralization of the ecosystem and promoting fairness and transparency.

Mass adoption

  • Connecting 100 million users:
    VANA has set a goal to increase the number of platform users to 100 million, expanding its influence and establishing a large and active community to promote the data sovereignty movement.

  • Aggregating the largest global training dataset:
    The project plans to aggregate the largest global training datasets, sourced from personal data owned by users. This data will support cutting-edge AI models while ensuring privacy and ownership.

  • Training user-owned foundational models:
    VANA plans to establish a user-owned AI foundational model, which will be a public and decentralized model, trained based on aggregated data from users globally.

Growth potential

Vana's innovation lies in connecting the interests of users, developers, and AI applications, building a decentralized data economy system. By empowering users with data sovereignty and providing developers with high-quality cross-platform data, it is expected to have a significant market impact in the fields of AI and Web3.

Summary

Vana is not only a distributed data storage platform but also an important explorer in the intersection of AI and Web3. Its goal is to achieve the decentralization of data ownership while promoting personalization and innovation in AI applications through supporting collaboration between developers and users. If it can effectively address the initial challenges of network cold start and market education, Vana has the potential to become a disruptor in the fields of data economy and artificial intelligence.