Sogang University Joins EdgeCloud Network to Advance AI Research

Theta Labs has recently been awarded U.S. Patent 12,462,164 for their innovative "Modular Large Language Model (LLM) Guided Tree-of-Thought System." This patent signifies a significant advancement in how EdgeCloud facilitates the implementation of advanced AI models. The Tree-of-Thought (ToT) system enhances the problem-solving capabilities of Large Language Models by modeling multi-step reasoning as a dynamic search tree. Each node in this tree represents a distinct thought, while the edges signify transitions between various reasoning states or hypotheses, allowing for a more structured approach to AI reasoning. The key innovations outlined in this patent include the operationalization of the ToT system across a distributed environment. Thoughts are treated as independent computational units, enabling them to be computed and verified separately. The branches of the reasoning tree can be distributed across multiple compute nodes, allowing for concurrent exploration of different reasoning pathways. A coordination layer is established to aggregate and prune results in real-time, guiding the overall reasoning process toward optimal outcomes. This collaborative approach promises to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of AI reasoning significantly. Furthermore, the integration of the Tree-of-Thought system into EdgeCloud's decentralized network of compute resources opens new avenues for AI labs and enterprises. By enabling distributed reasoning, synchronizing trees across nodes, and facilitating multi-model deliberation, the ToT framework enhances the capabilities of LLMs. Additionally, it allows for scalable AI planning and the incorporation of reinforcement learning to improve reasoning quality. This patent not only reinforces Theta Labs' commitment to innovation but also positions them at the forefront of AI development in decentralized environments.

Bittensor's native token, TAO, has experienced a significant decline of 16% within a 24-hour period, dropping to a low of $389. This downturn is part of a broader trend in the artificial intelligence sector, which has seen an overall decline of 9%. The recent losses for Bittensor coincide with Bitcoin's slip to near $100,000 and a total market capitalization decrease to under $3.4 trillion. Analysts remain optimistic about Bitcoin and the overall market, but investors are facing a mix of macroeconomic pressures and sector-specific challenges that are contributing to a risk-off sentiment in the market. Bittensor operates as a decentralized machine learning protocol that incentivizes collaborative AI model training through blockchain technology. The recent price drop for TAO follows a period of profit-taking after a notable rally, which was initially sparked by the launch of Europe’s first staked TAO exchange-traded product (ETP) by Safello. Despite a surge in trading volume by 17% to $712 million, reflecting increased panic selling, bulls have struggled to maintain upward momentum, with TAO's price hovering around $400 after peaking at $488. The broader cryptocurrency market has also faced substantial losses, with over $250 billion in market value evaporating in just 24 hours. This has resulted in a 5.8% contraction in overall market capitalization, now totaling $3.4 trillion. Major cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, Solana, and XRP, have posted significant losses, and liquidations in derivatives markets have surpassed $1.13 billion. Contributing factors to this downturn include cautious remarks from Federal Reserve officials regarding interest rates and the recent $128 million Balancer exploit, which has heightened concerns about the security of smart contracts in the crypto space.

In the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, a new class of projects known as DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) is gaining traction. These projects are focused on rebuilding assets and utilities through blockchain technology, rewarding users for providing essential resources such as storage, computing power, and wireless coverage. Investors are increasingly viewing DePIN projects as promising opportunities with long-term potential, as they link digital networks with real-world assets, thus enhancing blockchain utility. Among the notable DePIN projects to watch in 2025 are Helium, Render Network, and Akash Network. Helium has established itself as a pioneer by enabling users to create decentralized wireless hotspots, earning HNT tokens in the process. Render Network offers a decentralized marketplace for GPU power, allowing individuals to monetize their unused resources while supporting creators with affordable rendering services. Similarly, Akash Network provides a decentralized alternative to traditional cloud providers, enabling users to lease computing power and earn AKT tokens, appealing to developers seeking cost-effective solutions for AI and Web3 applications. Other significant DePIN projects include Filecoin, Arweave, IoTeX, and DIMO. Filecoin revolutionizes cloud storage by creating a decentralized marketplace for renting unused space, while Arweave addresses the challenge of permanent data storage through a one-time payment model. IoTeX connects IoT devices to blockchain technology, ensuring user control over data, and DIMO transforms vehicles into connected data hubs, rewarding drivers for sharing secure car data. Collectively, these projects signify a shift towards decentralized infrastructure, empowering communities to profit from their contributions and marking DePIN as a key growth sector in the blockchain realm.

The Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) sector is gaining momentum in the cryptocurrency landscape, merging physical infrastructure with blockchain technology to enhance efficiency and transparency. By 2026, several DePIN projects are anticipated to experience significant growth, particularly in data storage, cloud computing, and decentralized wireless networks, which are essential for the Web3 ecosystem. Notable projects include Bittensor (TAO), which facilitates a decentralized machine learning ecosystem, and Internet Computer (ICP), aimed at creating a fully decentralized internet. These projects highlight the potential of blockchain to revolutionize various sectors by democratizing access to technology and resources. Bittensor allows AI developers to share and monetize their models without centralized control, while Internet Computer enables applications to be built directly on the blockchain, reducing reliance on traditional servers. Other promising projects include Render (RENDER), which offers GPU-based graphics computing services, and Filecoin (FIL), a decentralized data storage solution that ensures data authenticity and availability. Theta Network (THETA) focuses on decentralized video streaming, utilizing user bandwidth to enhance content distribution efficiency, while Helium (HNT) supports IoT devices through a decentralized wireless network, rewarding users for their contributions. Furthermore, Aethir (ATH) is revolutionizing cloud computing by connecting users with GPU resources, and Zebec Network (ZBCN) introduces real-time payment protocols for automated transactions. OriginTrail (TRAC) enhances supply chain transparency, and MultiversX (EGLD) aims for high scalability in blockchain applications. These projects collectively represent the innovative spirit of the DePIN sector, positioning themselves as critical infrastructure for the future of technology and the digital economy.

Deutsche Telekom has made history by becoming the first telecom company to act as an enterprise validator on the Theta Network, a significant milestone announced on October 31, 2025. This move positions Deutsche Telekom, one of Germany's largest telecommunications firms, alongside tech giants like Google, Samsung, and Sony in promoting decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) across sectors such as AI, media, and entertainment. The launch of a validator node on Theta's blockchain is a groundbreaking step, as it marks the first time an integrated telecommunications provider has taken on this role, responsible for validating transactions and maintaining the integrity of the protocol while earning TFUEL tokens as rewards. Deutsche Telekom's venture into the blockchain space is not new; through Deutsche Telekom MMS, the company has established itself as a top validator on various networks, including Polygon, Polkadot, and Chainlink. In 2023, the corporation was also working on developing Bitcoin nodes and launched a Bitcoin mining pilot program powered by renewable energy. The Theta Network has emerged as a leader in decentralized infrastructure, with over 30,000 distributed edge nodes and partnerships with major cloud providers like Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services, offering substantial GPU computing power at significantly lower costs compared to centralized providers. The strategic partnership between Deutsche Telekom and Theta signifies a pivotal moment in the evolving landscape of decentralized AI infrastructure. Mitch Liu, co-founder and CEO of Theta Labs, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting Deutsche Telekom's leadership in blockchain adoption. This alliance not only enhances the reliability and infrastructure expertise of Theta's network but also indicates a broader trend towards decentralized physical infrastructure networks. As traditional companies engage more deeply with decentralized technologies, the integration of telecommunications and blockchain may pave the way for a new era where decentralized infrastructure becomes standard practice, further solidifying Theta's position as a leading provider in the decentralized AI and media application space.

Bittensor's native token TAO has recently surged by 18%, reaching a price of $490, just shy of the critical psychological barrier of $500. This impressive rise positions TAO at the forefront of daily gainers, outpacing other notable cryptocurrencies, including privacy-focused Zcash, which saw a 15% increase within the same timeframe. The surge in TAO's price is attributed to a combination of institutional advancements and the recent announcement of the world's first staked Bittensor Exchange Traded Product (ETP), launched by Deutsche Digital Assets and Safello. This development has generated renewed interest in digital asset investment products, further propelling TAO's growth. The launch of the ETP, secured by BitGo Europe and based in Liechtenstein, aims to bridge traditional finance with decentralized AI, potentially unlocking significant institutional capital in Europe that has previously been hindered by regulatory challenges. Analysts are optimistic about TAO's price trajectory, suggesting that a sustained close above $500 could lead to a breakout towards $700, with the potential for new all-time highs. Despite the inherent volatility of the cryptocurrency market, the outlook remains bullish, particularly with the upcoming Bittensor halving and major ecosystem upgrades on the horizon. Bittensor has now established itself as the largest AI token by market capitalization, valued at $4.69 billion. This growth comes amid a broader market uptick in AI-related projects, although the overall artificial intelligence token category has seen a slight dip of 1.2% in total market capitalization. Investor enthusiasm for Bittensor is further fueled by recent gains in AI-focused equities from major players like Nvidia and Microsoft. As whale accumulation and halving sentiment continue to build, Bittensor's trajectory is one to watch closely in the coming months.