The Ethereum Foundation has announced the formation of a full-time 'dAI team' focused on positioning Ethereum as the foundational layer for AI development and bridging the blockchain with the AI industry. Led by core developer Davide Crapis, the team will initially consist of three members, with two additional roles currently being hired.
Near-term focus centers on ERC-8004, a proposed standard that would enable AI agents to seamlessly discover, verify, and transact with each other across the Ethereum ecosystem. This proposal is being finalized and will be presented at November's Devconnect conference in Buenos Aires.
Long-term objectives include building decentralized AI infrastructure to prevent corporate monopolization of AI development. Crapis emphasized that AI represents Ethereum's next major opportunity similar to DeFi, stating 'We are realizing that AI is going to be a big part of the lives of all humans, and it's going to be a large part of Ethereum usage in the future.'
The team is already engaged in research collaborations with major Silicon Valley companies, though specific partners remain undisclosed for now. This initiative reflects the Foundation's recognition that AI integration is crucial for Ethereum's long-term sustainability and growth.