iExec to Build Web3 Infrastructure for Privacy-Focused AI

Decentralized computing infrastructure is going to be making a lot more headlines this year, if iExec gets its way. In its latest roadmap, it has described how it’s planning to position its protocol as the foundation for confidential computing in artificial intelligence applications. 

The plan was announced in iExec’s 2025 roadmap , together with a number of other initiatives aimed at expanding the use cases for its native token RLC . 

iExec says it wants to “amplify” the role of RLC within its ecosystem by increasing its utility for developers, while simultaneously boosting its liquidity to support the envisioned demand such initiatives should generate. One of the main ideas is to expand and scale its new iExec Voucher mechanism, which debuted in beta last year, as a way to simplify how developers can use RLC to access its decentralized computing resources. 

To coincide with that expansion, iExec says it will reach out to centralized exchanges in a bid to get RLC listed on more platforms. Simultaneously, it will also work with its decentralized exchange partners to create new incentives and attract more liquidity on those platforms. 

Boosting RLC is essential to iExec’s plans for future growth, as it’s what enables developers to pay to access its extensive, decentralized, blockchain-based computing resources.

It’s all about providing on-demand access to lower-cost computing, such as servers and GPUs, storage, datasets and applications. Developers can pay to access these services using RLC, with some of those fees used to incentivize the owners of those resources. 

If it sounds somewhat similar to something like AWS or Microsoft Azure, that’s because it is. The first major difference is that iExec doesn’t own its cloud resources, instead the community does, which means they can be made available at lower costs to developers. Second, iExec is laser-focused on catering specifically to blockchain application developers, rather than traditional apps. 

Securing Decentralized AI

The other major focus for iExec in 2025 is AI, and in particular it’s aiming to promote the concept of “Trusted AI”, having built up the perfect infrastructure platform for confidential, privacy-focused AI applications. 

iExec’s compute infrastructure notably makes use of confidential computing technologies such as Trusted Domain Extensions and Software Guard Extensions, which were developed by Intel Corp. to enable data to be processed while it remains encrypted.

These technologies enable iExec to support a broad range of Trusted AI applications, including next-generation AI agents that can perform sophisticated tasks on behalf of users with minimal human involvement. 

iExec said it’s planning to boost TDX workerpool availability on its network to support the growing adoption of its new iApp Generator, which simplifies the development of privacy-focused AI. 

Other plans on the horizon include new strategic partnerships in areas such as GPUs, storage and Trusted Execution Environments, with iExec looking to build on its existing relationships with Intel and Nvidia, among other renowned companies.

It’s aiming to get more TEE machines up and running on its network, so external entities can manage their TDX workerpools with full adherence to confidential computing standards. 

The company also wants to launch its first datapools for applications that support multiple dataset tasks. It’s also hoping to share some concrete progress in terms of its sidechain project Bellecour, and other Layer-2-focused research. It’s hoped that these projects will also inject new utility into the RLC token. 

As if the iExec team wasn’t busy enough already, it’s also shaping up to be a busy year in terms of community engagement and outreach.

The company is planning to show up at a number of key crypto conferences this year to spread the word about its endeavors, including Devconnect, ETHDenver, ETHCCC, Token2049 and Consensus Hong Kong, where it plans to participate in various workshops and hackathons. 

In addition, iExec has pledged to renew its $10 million startup competition, incentivising yet more ambitious developers to bring their pioneering ideas to life on its decentralized network. 

“For 2025 and beyond we have a clear focus on expanding access to our technology and increasing RLC’s value within a growing ecosystem,” said iExec’s co-founder and CEO Gilles Fedak.