akash

Prop 291: De-AI Hub

Introduction & Motivation

This proposal seeks Akash community support to maintain a physical hub for the Akash Network in Austin, Texas. This physical, DeAI Space will be a collaborative and open workspace designed to support DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) and DeAI (Decentralized AI). Since November 2024, Overclock Labs has covered costs for the office build out, rent, and all other expenses associated with preliminary set up and leasing of the space.

The DeAI Space is a collaborative effort combining communities across DePIN and the AI space in Austin, Texas. The goal of this initiative is to bring innovators and thinkers together in real life to continue pushing forward the decentralized AI environment.

Key Takeaways

  • Goal: Fund and maintain a physical DeAI workspace in Austin, TX.

  • Purpose: Support innovation around decentralized compute and decentralized AI, and strengthen Akash’s ecosystem through in-person collaboration, activations, etc.

  • Track Record: The space has already hosted several events, including:

    • An Akash De-AI 1-Day Hackathon.
    • De-AI Kickoff Event
    • Texas Blockchain x Texas Venture Group Demo Day
    • AI House x SXSW Event
    • AI Happy Hours with industry leaders in the Texas area

Budget: $205,685

  • Cost Split: Akash Contribution: ~$205,685
    • A 50/50 split of total expenses over 12 months, between Manifold Labs and the Akash Network. For a comprehensive breakdown of total expenses, please see the itemized table located here.
    • The period of performance for which the Community Spend Pool will fund rent and overhead on the DeAI space will be from March 2025 to March 2026, which means at the time of this proposal, there are 2 months of backpay that will be collected to recoup costs already incurred by Overclock Labs.
    • Although the duration of the lease on the DeAI Office is 24 months (2 Years), the budget reflected in this proposal is only targeting the first year of expenses. The rent is a monthly rate that increases slightly after the end of the first lease year. The lease on the DeAI office will be broken down into a 50/50 split where half of the total cost is absorbed by the space’s co-founder Manifold Labs. The other half is being requested from the Akash Community Pool.
    • As this space will be used primarily to the advantage of the Akash community, being that it is being developed and built up to support Akash developers and contributors, Overclock Labs assesses this is a fair and reasonable split. The total cost to each party will be approximately $205,685 for the first lease year (March 2025 - March 2026), as is defined in the table linked above.
    • To ensure transparency in the spending of Community Spend Pool funds, Overclock Labs will establish a method for reporting on expenditures related to the DeAI workspace, like a running receipt to be presented to the community quarterly to show that the monies acquired from the Community Spend Pool were submitted to the leasing agent or proprietor in a timely manner to adequately maintain responsibility of the space.

Community Benefits

  • Event Hosting: A venue for Akash meetups, hackathons, and face-to-face collaboration.

  • Ecosystem Growth: Supports innovation by connecting key contributors in a physical setting.

  • Contributor Support: A reliable, professional environment to work, strategize, collaborate, etc.

  • Decentralized developer Hub and community Building: Strengthens the DePIN and DeAI movement through visibility and in-person synergy.

Who Can Use the Space?

The DeAI workspace is open and free to use for eligible contributors, who meet one or more of the following criteria, as guests to the DeAI workspace, provided that they can be successfully validated by the Overclock Labs team through an internal method to ensure the security and integrity of the site.

    • Akash Insiders: See more about the above definitions here
      • Vanguards – Mentors and senior ecosystem supporters
      • Navigators – Experienced technical contributors
      • Alchemists – Educators and content creators
      • Ringmasters – Local community organizers and outreach leaders

  • AKT Holders with **≥10,000 AKT staked

  • Akash Contributors: A contributor is someone who is being paid from the Akash Community pool, Akash Grants*, Akash Bounties, and/or other programs that drive contributions across the Akash Network.

    • Akash Grant recipients
    • Akash Validators
    • Other Eligibility Requirements:
    • Direct Contributor: Recognized, high-impact individuals who build features or solve key challenges on Akash.
    • Teams: Businesses, student groups, or other small teams that are building on Akash.

How to Access the DeAI Space

To ensure workspace security and integrity, only verified contributors may access the De-AI space, in line with the joint guidelines set forward by Overclock Labs and Manifold Labs. The De-AI space has a set structure for how anyone can enter the space. Access is limited through a transparent Know Your Customer (KYC) process. Here’s how applicants can gain access:

  1. Community Reputation or Referral

    • Applicants must either:

      • Have a proven reputation within the Akash community

      • OR be vouched for by two verified contributors who can attest to their character and purpose

  2. Application Form

    • Complete a standardized questionnaire detailing:

      • Their motivation for using the DeAI space

      • Intended contributions or collaborative goals

  3. Terms & Conditions Agreement

    • Applicants must agree to strict terms of use:

      • No unauthorized guests allowed

      • Space must not be misused or exploited for non-community purposes

  4. Google Meet Interview

    • Participate in a virtual interview with representatives from Overclock Labs

    • The interview will:

      • Confirm the applicant’s motivations

      • Walk through the official Access Policy

      • Clarify expectations for conduct within the space

This proposal represents an opportunity to solidify Akash’s presence in one of the most active tech communities in the world. The DeAI space will become a cornerstone for in-person collaboration, growth, and innovation across DePin and AI. These efforts will drive more usage of the Akash Network.

Limited Market Impact & Transparent Reporting

Limited Market Impact

Overclock Labs will custody the requested funds in a new, distinct wallet so that funds from any other source are not commingled.

All funds will be liquidated and managed in a manner that ensures minimal impact on the market. These funds will be managed with the same care and attention as all previous Community Funding Proposals with liquidations done in a fashion that will not adversely affect the market. In practice, the effort of this liquidation will add depth to the AKT market for buyers looking to enter.

Transparent Reporting

All costs and records will be made publicly available through reports to ensure maximum transparency and accountability.

As with all previous funding proposals brought forth by Overclock Labs, unused funds will be returned to the community.