$100M Aethir Ecosystem Fund: Next-Level Growth for AI and Gaming Innovators

Aethir has built the largest decentralized cloud infrastructure network capable of providing a steady stream of highly scalable and secure GPU compute for AI and gaming enterprises worldwide. To jumpstart the next evolutionary phase of AI and gaming innovation, Aethir is launching a $100M Ecosystem Fund to stimulate AI and Gaming ecosystem growth. This fund is reserved for groundbreaking innovators developing and launching AI and gaming companies that provide optimal utility and user experience. 

The Aethir DePIN stack utilizes a vast distributed network of 43,000+ top-shelf GPUs and a 3000+ strong fleet of NVIDIA H100s ideal for powering even the most complex AI workloads. Our GPU network is monitored by 91,000+ community-owned Checker Nodes responsible for ensuring the network’s stability and quality of service at all times. Furthermore, we have distributed 32,000+ Aethir Edge devices, allowing anyone to become a service provider in Aethir’s network and support AI workloads and cloud gaming platforms. 

Aethir’s mission is to provide best-in-class computing power and infrastructure to companies of all sizes, from early-stage startups to well-established industry leaders. Aethir’s $100 million ecosystem fund will empower compute buyers to push the boundaries of AI and gaming technologies and ultimately deliver the best technology experience to businesses and users worldwide.

Aethir’s $100M Ecosystem Fund

Our $100M Ecosystem Fund is divided into several grant programs and phases to support cutting-edge AI and gaming innovators across various Web3 ecosystems. In Phase 1, we have launched two joint ecosystem grant programs with partners like XAI and XPLA.

Furthermore, the first phase of our $100 million ecosystem fund includes Aethir Catalyst, our grant program for AI and gaming, which is our ecosystem program to support promising enterprises dedicated to launching innovative products in these sectors. 

In the subsequent phases of Aethir’s $100 million ecosystem fund launch, we will gradually introduce additional partnerships and plans to support AI and gaming innovation with our enterprise-grade GPU-as-a-service platform. 

Ecosystem Support with Aethir Edge

Aethir Edge, our official cloud computing hardware device, is a key element of Aethir’s $100 million ecosystem fund. It supports advanced AI workloads and cloud gaming platforms. With Aethir Edge, anyone can join the Aethir DePIN stack as a cloud computing provider and earn ATH token rewards for their services. Aethir Edge is the only official hardware device that enables users to mine ATH.

Furthermore, Aethir’s new business line for enterprise social media and AI use cases will leverage our 32,000+ globally distributed Aethir Edge devices to support enterprise clients.

To emphasize the importance of Aethir Edge for our ecosystem and show appreciation for device operators, the Aethir Foundation has allocated a fixed daily reward of 100 ATH for all active Aethir Edge devices from November 2024 to mid-2025. 

Exploring Aethir Catalyst for AI and Gaming 

The Aethir Catalyst grants program is designed to accelerate the development of cutting-edge AI applications, cloud gaming platforms, and AI-integrated gaming experiences. This program is tailored to help forward-thinking organizations achieve their goals. Aethir Catalyst offers concrete support for innovative AI and gaming enterprises that fulfill the program’s requirements. 

Eligible companies can obtain grants or subsidies for computing power in Aethir’s GPU network. Since scalable and reliable computing resources are the cornerstone of AI and gaming development, Aethir Catalyst provides valuable financial support, allowing companies to focus more of their funds on other operational aspects. 

With a reputable cloud computing infrastructure provider, Aethir Catalyst participants will rely on the industry-leading performance and scaling capabilities available through Aethir’s decentralized network. Projects can scale up in real time, adjusting their GPU supply needs in coordination with our team. 

Aethir Catalyst Grants

Aethir Catalyst grants are provided in ATH, Aethir’s native utility token, used to purchase compute power in the Aethir ecosystem. 

The grant value ranges from $5000 to $200,000 worth of ATH and is paid as a one-time payment to eligible companies. 

Aethir Catalyst grants are tailored to each company's unique needs, and applications are assessed based on a wide range of factors to determine the most adequate grant value for eligible companies.

In addition to the financial support, all companies that receive Aethir Catalyst grants will receive marketing support from Aethir to help amplify their AI and gaming innovations. 

Submit your application on this link, and our team will reply as soon as possible with the next steps.

Aethir Catalyst Compute Subsidies

In addition to grants, Aethir provides further cost reduction through Aethir Catalyst compute subsidies. These subsidies allow eligible companies to save up to 35% on Aethir’s compute services, making it easier for them to scale their operations efficiently.

Similar to grants, subsidies are also paid in ATH. Subsidies can vary and amount to up to 35% of Aethir's computing power base service costs. Innovative AI and gaming companies can significantly reduce their expenses through our compute subsidies. 

For example, a $1/hour compute rate could be reduced to $0.65/hour with a maximum 35% subsidy.

Eligibility Criteria

All companies using Aethir’s DePIN stack as a compute provider or collaborating with Aethir via token allocations are eligible for the grant program. 

Application assessment factors include but are not limited to the following: Compute demands, company roadmap, monthly active users (MAU) potential, average revenue per user (ARPU), AI integration opportunities, cloud gaming traction, founder and backer profiles, and overall company success potential. 

There are four categories of AI and gaming innovators that represent ideal candidate profiles for Aethir Catalyst grants:

- Gaming innovators with the potential to bring high APRU and high volumes of active transacting users on-chain. These companies are building exciting gaming experiences that leverage innovative Web3 mechanics and require immense cloud computing support to reach users worldwide efficiently at scale. 

- Pre-launch companies in stealth mode, preparing for product or platform launches, Token Generation Events (TGE), Beta Launches, or Airdrop Programs are welcome to apply. With Aethir’s support, such companies can maximize their launches, jumpstarting their market journey with Aethir’s grants.

- AI-integrated enterprises with openness to include AI agents (Model-as-a-Service) in their daily operations or have enterprise-grade compute needs that require significant computing power for complex machine learning workloads, large language model (LLM) training, AI inference, and other compute-demanding tasks. Aethir can provide the raw computing power for these enterprises at unbeatable prices through grants and subsidies.

- Cloud gaming platforms with high traction and deeply engaged communities are prime candidates for Aethir’s grants. Such platforms have an exponentially growing user base that needs access to premium cloud computing to maintain low latency and maximize profitability.

Regarding compute subsidies, all Aethir compute contracts lasting six months or more are eligible for subsidies and can be combined with grants to maximize savings and acquire compute at a fraction of average market prices. 

The Aethir Grant Committee 

The Aethir Grant Committee, composed of key Aethir leadership members, makes all decisions regarding Aethir Catalyst grants. The committee members include Aethir’s enterprise, AI, and gaming division heads, who are highly experienced professionals in their respective fields. They will assess each application, determine company milestones, and make final decisions regarding the size and structure of the grant or subsidy.

Apply for an Aethir Catalyst Grant Now

Aethir Catalyst grants represent a unique opportunity for innovative AI and gaming companies to obtain valuable infrastructure support in the form of industry-leading cloud computing resources. 

Applying for Aethir Catalyst grants is quick and easy. Fill out the application form on this link, and our team will contact you as soon as possible to discuss the next steps. 

Follow Aethir’s website, X profile, and community channels (Telegram/Discord) to stay up to date with the latest news regarding Aethir Catalyst. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Aethir Catalyst?

Aethir Catalyst is designed to financially support innovative AI and gaming companies by offering grants in ATH tokens and subsidies to reduce compute costs on Aethir’s platform.

2. What are the grant sizes?

Grant sizes range from $5,000 to $200,000 USD in ATH, depending on the company's needs and potential impact.

3. Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible companies must use Aethir's compute platform and/or partner with Aethir by allocating tokens. New compute customers are encouraged to apply, and only one grant is available per customer unless an exception is granted.

4. Can I receive both a grant and a subsidy?

Yes, eligible companies can receive both a grant and a subsidy. The subsidy can cover up to 35% of your compute rental costs and can be combined with the grant to further lower costs.

5. What is the subsidy size?

The subsidy covers up to 35% of platform base service costs, which allows for significant savings on Aethir's compute services.

6. How long do subsidy contracts last?

Subsidies are available for contracts of 6 months or more. Shorter contracts may qualify for grants but are not eligible for subsidies unless approved by the Deal Desk.

7. What is the process for applying?

You can apply by submitting your company details to the Grant Committee. The committee will review your application, evaluate eligibility, and make decisions based on company potential, milestones, and other key factors.

8. How will I know if I’m approved for a grant or subsidy?

Once your application is reviewed, the Aethir Grant Committee will notify you of the decision.

9. How will the grants be paid out?

Grants will be paid out in ATH according to predetermined milestones and company goals. The Grant Committee will work with recipients to define how the funding will be distributed.

10. Can existing Aethir customers apply?

The program is primarily for new compute customers, but the Grant Committee may make exceptions. Unless otherwise approved, only one grant per compute buyer is allowed.

11. What are the responsibilities of grant and subsidy recipients?

Recipients must support Aethir’s marketing efforts by providing logos, testimonials, and by participating in announcements or case studies.

12. What happens if my company doesn’t meet its milestones?

If a company fails to meet the agreed milestones, the Grant Committee may reassess the grant or subsidy amount and adjust the terms accordingly.