From black box to verifiable AI: how 0G.AI is building the decentralized AI operating system

Sam kamani

September 9, 2025

The AI stack is getting a decentralized reboot.

As artificial intelligence accelerates across industries, one foundational question remains: Can we trust it? From black-box algorithms to closed-source models, today’s AI systems often lack transparency and verifiability.

Michael Heinrich, co-founder of 0G.AI, thinks we can—and must—do better. On this episode of the Web3 with Sam Kamani podcast, Michael breaks down how his team is building a fully decentralized AI infrastructure designed for trust, speed, and scale.

Why AI Needs Web3

Michael’s journey started in the Bitcoin and ICO era, but it was the convergence of AI and blockchain that caught his long-term attention. As models become more autonomous—and their outputs more consequential—the risk of AI misalignment grows.

That’s where blockchain can play a role:

Immutable provenance for model outputs
Cheat-proof compute environments
Transparent infrastructure for consensus and enforcement

The goal? An AI operating system where every inference and training step is verifiable, decentralized, and aligned with human values.

Inside the 0G Tech Stack

0G isn’t building just another chain. They’re building an entire decentralized AI runtime, from storage to compute to consensus.

Modular Layer 1 Blockchain
Custom-built for high-performance AI workloads, not retrofitted like Ethereum.
High-Throughput Storage
2GB/s on testnet, designed for blazing-fast random access to large datasets.
Local Consensus Clusters
Low-latency execution for real-time, agentic systems like robotics and embedded AI.
On-Chain Inference & Alignment Nodes
A new layer for enforcing AI behavior via open-source validation and consensus.

Why Build a New L1?

Michael uses a compelling analogy: Ethereum is like the early Ford Model T—revolutionary, but not optimized for the demands of modern infrastructure.

0G needed more:

50GB/s+ data availability
Native support for real-world AI pipelines
Built-in economic incentives for useful work

The result is a purpose-built Layer 1 blockchain capable of powering the next generation of intelligent, autonomous systems.

10 Million Wallets and Counting

0G’s traction is real—and fast:

Over 10 million wallets
150M+ transactions on testnet
9,000+ node operators
500+ projects building on the network

How did they get here? Michael credits a sharp focus on atomic brand activation, leveraging key opinion leaders, speaking engagements, and a community-first token design that emphasized ownership over short-term hype.

What’s Coming Next?

Michael outlines a roadmap that goes far beyond infrastructure:

Embedded AI in robotics
Bringing agents to the physical world—aligned, verifiable, and decentralized.
Proof of Useful Work
A next-gen consensus mechanism that rewards meaningful AI tasks instead of raw hashing.
Agent-to-Agent Networks
Where decentralized agents can learn, reason, and transact without centralized control.

The Alignment Problem

One of the biggest risks in AI is survivorship bias—assuming closed-source models are safe because we haven’t seen them fail (yet). Michael makes a strong case for open-source alignment enforced on-chain.

Think of it as decentralized governance for intelligent systems:

Verifiable logs of decision-making
Publicly auditable training data
Behavior enforcement via smart contracts

In short: if AI is going to act on behalf of humans, it has to be accountable.

$88M Ecosystem Fund for Builders

0G is putting serious resources behind its vision.

Their recently announced $88 million ecosystem fund is designed to attract AI x Web3 founders, researchers, and developers. Whether you're building decentralized agents, robotics frameworks, or alignment protocols—0G wants you in the mix.

Learn more and get involved

Final Thoughts

0G is building the AI operating system for a decentralized world—and they’re doing it with real tech, real traction, and a bold roadmap. This episode is not just about one company. It’s about a new paradigm where AI is not only intelligent, but also trustworthy.

If you’re building at the edge of AI and blockchain, this is the community to watch.