Akash Network (AKT) is a decentralized cloud computing marketplace developed by Overclock Labs, aiming to decentralize the cloud industry by utilizing unused server capacity. Unlike traditional providers like AWS, Akash allows companies with excess server resources to offer them for cloud deployments. Developers post their requirements on Akash’s blockchain, where providers bid competitively to fulfill these requests. Payments are made in AKT tokens, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

In 2024, Akash saw notable growth in AI infrastructure, offering NVIDIA GPU support at competitive rates, appealing to AI, machine learning, and 3D rendering applications. The network also supports decentralized, censorship-resistant infrastructures with zero downtime over four years, making it a reliable choice for developers needing robust cloud resources.

Akash’s March 2021 Mainnet 2 launch opened up the marketplace for full cloud computing capabilities, and its ecosystem has since expanded with integrations in Cosmos, Solana, and Web3 projects. By mid-2024, Akash's global provider base grew, with new nodes in Brazil, Indonesia, and Japan, reflecting the protocol’s geographic expansion.

The platform’s decentralized architecture provides a permissionless infrastructure, enabling developers to deploy applications without facing the constraints of centralized cloud providers. As Akash continues to evolve, its role in the intersection of AI and blockchain is expected to grow, positioning itself as a key player in decentralized cloud computing.