Bittensor is an open network, with its own blockchain, where participants around the world compete to deliver AI work. Those who deliver the best work are rewarded in TAO, the network's cryptocurrency. Bittensor is often named as the leading example of decentralised AIDecentralised AIAI that is developed, run or sold on open networks rather than controlled by a few companies. Bittensor and NEAR are examples..
How does Bittensor work?
The network is split into up to 128 subnetsSubnetAn independent part of a larger network with its own rules and task. In Bittensor, each subnet is a market for one kind of AI work., each a market for one kind of work, such as running AI models or providing computing power. In each subnet, so-called miners do the work and validatorsValidatorA participant on a proof-of-stake network who locks up their own crypto as a stake to create and check blocks in return for rewards. score it. The scores decide how the rewards are shared.
Jacob Steeves and Ala Shaabana founded Bittensor, and the current main network has run since March 2023.
TAO
There will never be more than 21 million TAO, the same maximum supplyMaximum supplyThe largest number of units of a cryptocurrency that can ever exist under its rules, such as 21 million for bitcoin. as bitcoin, and no coins were allocated in advance. Issuance was halvedHalvingThe event roughly every four years when the number of new bitcoin that miners receive for each block is cut in half. for the first time on 15 December 2025. TAO can also be used for StakingStakingLocking up crypto on a proof-of-stake network to help confirm transactions, in return for rewards paid in the same crypto. to earn a share of the rewards.
What to keep in mind
The network's rules are complex and change regularly. A large share of staked TAO sits with a few validators. The price of TAO swings a lot.
Everything in Myntkaup Learn is written and regularly reviewed by the Myntkaup editorial team. It is for education and is not investment advice. Editorial policy. Updated 4 November 2026.