Owners of Powerful Graphics Cards Can Earn from AI in New Network by Telegram's Founder

During his speech at the Blockchain Life 2025 forum, Pavel Durov announced the launch of the decentralized network Cocoon. The project, set to begin operation in November, aims to create an open market for confidential computing in the field of artificial intelligence.

The idea behind Cocoon (Confidential Compute Open Network) is to create an alternative to centralized cloud services. The platform will connect owners of powerful graphics cards with developers who need resources for neural network operations. The former will be able to earn TON cryptocurrency by providing their GPUs' spare capacity, while the latter will gain access to these resources without having to invest in expensive hardware. It's something akin to mining, but not quite.

A key feature of the network is stated to be confidentiality. All data and requests for AI computations will be encrypted, making the information processing process private, even from the network participants themselves. The first major client for Cocoon will be Telegram; the platform plans to use the network for its own AI-related tasks and will actively promote it within its ecosystem.

The project launch is scheduled for November, and the creators of Cocoon have already started collecting preliminary applications from developers, who need to specify the models they use and their query volumes, and from GPU owners willing to provide their hardware's technical specifications.

This move is seen as part of Durov's broader strategy to develop decentralized technologies, which he believes are critically important for preserving digital freedoms in the modern world. What will come of this in the end—another flash in the pan or something truly useful—we'll find out in November.