
Bankless: What key upcoming events could serve as price catalysts for top AI tokens?
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Bankless: What key upcoming events could serve as price catalysts for top AI tokens?
This article explores the future development of top AI and crypto projects and the potential catalysts that could reignite the market.
Author: Arjun Chand
Translation: TechFlow

Over the past year, AI tokens have dominated the market, with many believing this marks the beginning of an AI-meets-crypto cycle. However, in recent months, AI tokens have trended downward, with many dropping 25%-50% from their local highs.
That said, this isn’t necessarily a cause for concern. In crypto bull markets, pullbacks are normal and often help sustain long-term performance. This article explores the future of top AI and crypto projects and the potential catalysts that could reignite the market.
Render x Apple
At this year’s WWDC, Apple unveiled Apple Intelligence, its new suite of AI capabilities across all devices. It’s no surprise that every major tech company is jumping into AI. What’s truly exciting is OctaneX on the latest iPad Pro—an advanced 3D design software powered by the Render Network.

OctaneX leverages the decentralized GPUs of the Render Network. Now, millions of Apple users can access unprecedented rendering power. Imagine creating Hollywood-grade CGI on your iPad—that’s exactly what Render and Apple are making possible.

The integration with Apple is a massive win for Render. This validates Render’s technology and vision. Apple is essentially saying: “Hey, this Render Network thing is legit!” This could attract a wave of developers and creators to the platform, further accelerating network growth.
As the new Apple software launches later this year, it could become a key catalyst for Render by unlocking a vast new user base. More importantly, increased use of OctaneX means higher demand for Render’s services, which could drive up the value of the RNDR token. We’ve already seen price increases following the announcement, possibly indicating future trends—so keep an eye on Render.
Subnet Tokens on Bittensor
One major criticism of Bittensor has been that only a small number of validators currently decide how TAO rewards are distributed across subnets. The BIT1 proposal, also known as Dynamic TAO, aims to solve this issue.

Dynamic TAO is one of the most anticipated proposals in Bittensor’s history, second only to last year’s subnet launch. It introduces fundamental changes to the network:
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Empowers TAO holders: Currently, only a few validators determine how TAO rewards are allocated among subnets. This is neither fair nor efficient, as it may be influenced by a small group of entities. Dynamic TAO changes this by allowing all TAO holders to participate in reward distribution. Imagine a network where everyone can influence how AI resources are allocated—that’s the future Bittensor is building toward.
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A dynamic market for subnets: With Dynamic TAO, each subnet will have its own token, whose value will be determined in an open market. This incentivizes subnets to perform well and deliver valuable AI services. No more underperforming subnets—only the most effective ones will thrive. It also adds a speculative layer to the Bittensor ecosystem, gamifying network participation for TAO holders and harnessing market forces to fuel subnet growth.
Dynamic TAO is currently in testing and expected to roll out fully soon. Introducing crypto incentives at the subnet level could become a significant catalyst for Bittensor. It represents a major step forward, giving both token holders and subnets real influence in shaping the future of decentralized AI.
User-Owned AI on NEAR
Forget the meme of NVIDIA’s CEO touching NEAR’s founder’s arm—NEAR recently announced the next phase of its roadmap: making NEAR the home of user-owned AI.

This isn’t just hype. The NEAR Foundation is taking concrete action. They’re establishing a dedicated research lab (NEAR.AI) and recruiting top AI talent to build AI and crypto applications, along with launching an incubator and investment arm focused on AI projects.
They’re also developing infrastructure for developers to build user-driven AI apps—including data collection tools, creator reward systems, and monetization solutions—while bringing crypto values into AI.

NEAR’s focus on “user-owned AI” could become a major catalyst for the project’s future. The team believes its existing user base, developer ecosystem, and funding position it to lead in the user-owned AI space.
Closing Thoughts
While recent market corrections may disappoint some, the AI and crypto space remains vibrant. Consider these three projects: Render, Bittensor, and NEAR. Each is tackling unique challenges, and as they execute on their roadmaps, the future looks increasingly promising.
And these are just a few examples. At this intersection, an exciting ecosystem of projects is emerging, all building meaningful products.
Moreover, external factors matter too: OpenAI could break through at any moment; Nvidia’s revenues are soaring. Whenever a major player makes a move in AI, ripple effects spread across the entire sector.
The question isn’t whether AI and crypto will become important—it’s how big they’ll get. While no one can predict the future exactly, one thing is certain: it’s going to be fascinating.
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