AKT is the native token of Akash Network, the decentralized cloud compute marketplace dubbed the “Airbnb for servers.” Akash lets data center operators and individuals with spare compute capacity rent that capacity to developers at open-market rates — typically 80–90% cheaper than AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. The network runs on Cosmos SDK and is IBC-compatible, enabling cross-chain payments. As GPU demand exploded with the AI revolution in 2023, Akash added GPU leasing, positioning itself as a decentralized alternative to centralized AI compute providers who couldn’t meet demand.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Ticker | AKT |
| Price | $0.49 |
| Market Cap | $127.76M |
| 24h Change | +8.0% |
| Circulating Supply | 262.96M AKT |
| Max Supply | 388.54M AKT |
| All-Time High | $8.07 |
| Contract (Akash) | uakt |
| Contract (Archway) | ibc/C2...F873 |
| Contract (Osmosis) | ibc/14...3EF4 |
How It Works
Reverse auction model:
- Tenant (user) places a deployment order with compute requirements (RAM, CPU, GPU, storage)
- Providers (data centers, server owners) bid on the order
- Tenant selects the winning bid
- Workload is deployed via a Docker-like containerized system (akash SDL manifest)
- Payment streams in AKT (or stablecoins since 2023) per block
Persistent storage and GPU support:
Akash added persistent storage (for databases and stateful applications) and GPU leasing (NVIDIA A100, H100, etc.) — enabling it to host AI model inference workloads.
Validator network:
Akash uses Cosmos DPoS with ~100 validators. Validators and delegators stake AKT to earn block rewards and network fees. IBC integration allows AKT to be transferred to Osmosis and other Cosmos chains.
Tokenomics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max supply | ~388 million AKT |
| Inflation | 11.7% starting, decreasing over time |
| Block rewards | Distributed to validators and delegators |
| Network fee | Compute fees can be paid in USDC (converted to AKT behind the scenes) |
Validators can set their own fee structures. Akash allows stable currency payment (USDC) for compute since not all developers hold AKT, making adoption easier.
Use Cases
- Cloud compute procurement — Rent CPU, GPU, and storage at below-market rates
- Staking and delegation — Secure the network and earn AKT block rewards
- Governance — AKT holders vote on protocol upgrades, fee structures, and new feature deployments
- AI workload hosting — Rent NVIDIA GPUs for AI model inference at lower cost than AWS
History
- 2018–2019 — Akash Network founded by Greg Osuri and Adam Bozanich; concept of decentralized cloud developed
- Sep 2020 — Akash mainnet launches; AKT token distributed; compute marketplace opens
- 2021 — Akash becomes one of the largest Cosmos ecosystem projects by market cap
- 2022 — Persistent storage added; Akash processes millions in compute deployments; key DeFi projects begin using Akash for infrastructure
- 2023 — GPU module launches; Akash becomes a major DePIN narrative play as AI demand outstrips centralized supply; AKT hits new highs
- 2024 — Akash GPU marketplace handles H100 and A100 GPUs; adoption by AI companies priced out of AWS accelerates; AKT continues expanding supported GPU types
Common Misconceptions
“Akash defeats centralized cloud at enterprise scale.” Akash is best suited for developers comfortable with container orchestration who want cost savings. Enterprise SLA guarantees, dedicated support, and compliance features still favor AWS/Azure/GCP.
“AKT must be used to pay for compute.” Since USDC was enabled as a payment token, users don’t need AKT to buy compute. AKT is primarily for governance and staking, though providers still receive AKT block rewards.