Pi Network Aims to Transform 50M Nodes Into Decentralized AI Compute Layer, Gains MiCA Approval in Europe

Pi Network, originally known for mobile mining, is pivoting to leverage its extensive node infrastructure for decentralized artificial intelligence (AI) compute tasks. The project plans to repurpose over 50 million nodes, including more than 350,000 active desktop nodes, into a distributed compute layer that can handle AI workloads like image recognition and model training. This initiative reduces dependence on centralized cloud providers and taps into unused computing capacity within the network.

In a proof-of-concept collaboration with OpenMind, Pi Network demonstrated viability by running AI image-recognition models on volunteer nodes. OpenMind, which is developing OM1—a hardware-agnostic operating system for robots—and FABRIC, a decentralized protocol for machine coordination, benefited from this distributed compute approach. Pi Network Ventures participated in OpenMind's $20 million Series A funding round, alongside investors like Pantera Capital, Coinbase Ventures, and Sequoia.

Regulatory advancements bolster Pi Network's legitimacy, as it recently registered under the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA). This registration facilitates Pi coin's entry into regulated European markets and follows the launch of a Pi Exchange Traded Product (ETP) via Valour on the Swedish Spotlight Stock Market. The ETP allows European investors to gain exposure to Pi without direct token ownership, lowering entry barriers.

Energy efficiency is a highlighted feature, with Pi Network claiming an annual energy usage of approximately 0.0024 TWh—significantly lower than Bitcoin's estimated 185 TWh, representing a 99.9% reduction. Compliance efforts involved partnerships with Maetzler Rechtsanwalts and Prighter Ltd, and Pi Network joined the ISO 20022 standards group, aligning with assets like XRP and Stellar.

Market response has been positive, with Pi's price rising 4% in the past day and 2.39% over the week to trade at $0.2338. Analysts suggest that holding above $0.21 and challenging $0.2598 could signal upward momentum, though liquidity remains thin due to limited exchange listings. The integration of AI compute could eventually expand to Pi's decentralized labor network, supporting functions like KYC verification and community apps.