Telegram is entering the AI race with Cocoon AI, a decentralized network aiming to compete with industry giants like OpenAI. Bolstering this ambition is a strategic partnership with AlphaTON Capital, leveraging the Ton blockchain ecosystem for crucial compute resources.
AlphaTON is joining forces with SingularityNET, CUDO Compute, and Vertical Data to deploy a significant number of GPUs in a sustainable, hydroelectric-powered data center located in Sweden. This deployment will provide the computational muscle needed for Cocoon AI to realize Telegram’s vision of a decentralized AI landscape.
Cocoon AI, which stands for “Confidential Compute Open Network,” incentivizes individuals to contribute their computing power to the network in exchange for $TON cryptocurrency. This allows users to maintain control over their data, a core principle of the Ton blockchain’s commitment to privacy.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov sees Cocoon AI as a path to democratizing AI, making it more accessible and advantageous for users. He envisions a system where users can earn $TON by contributing to the network or even monetizing their own data, rather than simply paying with their information.
Cocoon AI is particularly appealing to developers seeking cost-effective and privacy-focused infrastructure. Telegram, with its vast user base exceeding one billion, intends to utilize Cocoon AI for its own internal AI services and encourage developers within its Mini App ecosystem to do the same, creating a significant competitive edge.
AlphaTON benefits by fostering the growth of the Ton blockchain ecosystem and generating revenue from its deployed GPU resources. Vertical Data’s GPUFinancing arm is providing the financial backing for the GPU fleet, while SingularityNET and CUDO Compute contribute their expertise in AI infrastructure.
Janet Adams of the SingularityNET Foundation stressed the fundamental need for decentralized infrastructure to support decentralized AI, highlighting privacy and sustainability as key differentiators. Brittany Kaiser, CEO of AlphaTON, emphasized the necessity of AI infrastructure that champions user sovereignty, environmental responsibility, and decentralized governance. This partnership is effective immediately, with plans for ongoing expansion throughout 2026 and beyond.