Akash Network Launches 'Homenode' for GPUs
Decentralized cloud network Akash has launched an early access program for Homenode, a service that allows individuals to contribute compute power from personal devices. Phase one of the rollout enables users with high-end consumer GPUs, like the RTX 4090, to supply compute resources to the network. The initiative aims to expand access to computing power for AI and enterprise applications.
- Akash Network operates a decentralized cloud computing marketplace, often described as an "Airbnb for Cloud Compute," that connects users needing compute power with providers who have unused capacity. This peer-to-peer model aims to be significantly more cost-effective than traditional centralized cloud services like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure, with potential savings of up to 85%. - The network was co-founded by Greg Osuri, who serves as CEO, and Adam Bozanich, the CTO. Osuri has a long history in open-source development and previously founded AngelHack, a global developer ecosystem. - The native utility token of the network is AKT, which is used for network security via staking, governance votes on the platform's future, and as the primary medium of exchange for leasing computing resources. While payments can be made in other currencies like USDC, using AKT is incentivized with a lower take rate. - The Homenode initiative is designed to simplify the process for non-technical individuals to become compute providers, starting with those who own high-end consumer GPUs. For the initial phase, the control infrastructure for Homenode will be managed by the Akash Core Team to streamline the user experience. - Potential earnings for Homenode participants are projected to be substantial. Based on a 50% utilization rate, a provider with an NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU could earn back the cost of their hardware in less than 17 months. - The broader "Akash at Home" initiative is part of the 2025 roadmap and aims to tap into underutilized computing power in homes for tasks like hosting AI workloads, enhancing privacy and security. - The development roadmap for 2026 includes the launch of virtual machine support alongside the "Akash at Home" initiative, scheduled for the end of March 2026. This will allow users to deploy full operating systems, not just containerized applications. - Akash is a prominent project in the Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) space, competing with other decentralized GPU providers like Render Network and io.net. As of early 2025, Akash Network was reported to be the highest-earning DePIN project with $4.2 million in annual recurring revenue.
