KEYTAKEAWAYS
- Gonka introduces a Layer 1 blockchain for community-owned AI infrastructure, combining decentralized compute with innovative consensus and incentive design.
- Backed by major investors, Gonka aligns mining rewards with real AI workloads, bridging blockchain security and machine learning applications.
- With community-led milestones, one-click mining, and growing GPU adoption, Gonka is redefining how decentralized AI networks scale and collaborate.
CONTENT
Gonka is building a decentralized, community-driven AI infrastructure that merges blockchain and computation, empowering global users to shape the future of AI ownership and access.
We are delighted to have had the opportunity to interview Gonka, an emerging force reshaping the decentralized AI landscape. In this exclusive conversation with CoinRank, co-founders David and Daniil Lieberman shared their insights into how Gonka is building a community-driven AI infrastructure — one that challenges the dominance of centralized systems and redefines how computing power is shared and utilized.
COMMUNITY-DRIVEN INTELLIGENCE
In a world where AI infrastructure is largely controlled by a handful of corporate giants, Gonka is attempting to rewrite the rules. Created by brothers David and Daniil Lieberman, the project envisions an open, community-owned Layer 1 blockchain that democratizes access to computation and governance.
Unlike traditional AI networks directed by top-down leadership, Gonka distributes control among its users. “Gonka is an AI Infrastructure owned and controlled by the community,” the founders explain, emphasizing that participants — from miners to developers — directly shape the network’s evolution. This approach represents a fundamental shift toward collective ownership of technology.
WHY INVESTORS ARE PAYING ATTENTION
Gonka’s design has already drawn attention from leading venture capital firms, including Coatue Management, an investor in OpenAI.
What makes it so compelling to investors?
At its core lies an innovative blend of tokenomics and real-world computing utility. Gonka’s Transformer-based Proof-of-Work model ensures that mining rewards are tied to actual computational output, not wasted energy. In addition, its Sprint-based consensus mechanism organizes compute tasks into meaningful workloads, turning decentralized mining into productive AI power.
This architecture creates a sustainable ecosystem where incentives align naturally between hardware providers and AI innovators. The founders’ track record further reinforces credibility — their previous company was acquired by Snap Inc., and their team at Product Science has a proven history of delivering large-scale, impactful technology.
LOWERING THE ENTRY BARRIER
Gonka understands that true decentralization requires inclusivity. While early participation in mining or app development might still demand some technical skill, the community is making it easier for everyone to get involved.
The project’s Discord server acts as a central hub for onboarding, offering guidance and real-time support for newcomers. For those less technical, Gonka Chat provides a conversational interface to help users learn, contribute, and participate in governance discussions. The team also plans to introduce one-click mining, reducing friction for entry-level users and expanding the ecosystem’s accessibility.
UPCOMING MILESTONES AND GROWTH
Unlike most startups that follow rigid roadmaps, Gonka’s development milestones are defined collectively by its community.
However, the next few months promise significant progress.
The team aims to launch one-click mining and confidential computing within the next two to three months — both crucial for improving usability and privacy. Moreover, token listings on major exchanges are expected soon, marking a new phase in Gonka’s growth.
The network’s expansion has already been extraordinary. In just two months, Gonka’s computing power surged 16x, reflecting strong momentum from global GPU operators. With projections to reach 10,000 GPUs — and later 100,000 — the network is on track to become a key player in the global AI infrastructure landscape. Each additional GPU not only adds raw power but also symbolizes deeper community trust and participation.
POSITIONING IN THE WEB3 AI LANDSCAPE
As decentralized AI gains traction, projects like Bittensor and Prime Intellect have become benchmarks in the space. Yet Gonka doesn’t see them as competitors but as collaborators in building the next generation of open AI systems.
“Gonka doesn’t see others as competitors, but rather as part of a shared mission to decentralize compute,” the Liebermans explain. While Bittensor focuses on incentivized model training and Prime Intellect explores collaborative intelligence, Gonka distinguishes itself through efficient, community-aligned computation. Its design ensures that nearly all computing resources are directed toward meaningful AI tasks, minimizing waste and maximizing utility.
AN INVITATION TO JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Gonka’s philosophy of openness extends beyond code — it’s cultural. The network is permissionless, uncensored, and designed to empower every participant equally.
As the founders summarize, “The protocol ensures that almost all computational resources are directed toward meaningful tasks like AI training and inference.”
This commitment to purpose and inclusivity makes Gonka more than just another blockchain — it’s a living experiment in how community, computation, and intelligence can evolve together.
In an era when most AI power is concentrated in private data centers, Gonka’s vision is refreshingly open: a movement where everyone can build, compute, and innovate together.
