The Internet Computer, trading at approximately $4.7557, is making a bold assertion in the blockchain landscape by positioning itself as a leading network for on-chain artificial intelligence (AI). The platform, developed by Dfinity, aims to redefine the role of AI in application development, suggesting a shift towards a future where AI, rather than humans, drives the creation of software.
Dominic Williams, the founder of Dfinity, articulated this vision in a recent interview, emphasizing that while cryptocurrency prices are currently influenced by market mechanics—such as treasury operations, liquidity games, and speculation—the true potential of the underlying technology will eventually emerge. He noted that the experiences being garnered with Internet Computer have yet to be accurately reflected in the price of the ICP token.
The Internet Computer initially showcased its capability to run neural networks as smart contracts in April of the previous year, starting with tasks like image classification and facial recognition. Although these applications were relatively simple compared to advanced language models like those that operate ChatGPT or Gemini, they served as significant proof of concept for the idea that AI can function natively on a blockchain. Williams highlights that, unlike other networks that rely on off-chain infrastructure such as Amazon Web Services, the Internet Computer aims to provide a comprehensive AI development and execution framework all on-chain.
Williams refers to this innovative approach as creating a “self-writing internet,” where users can articulate their needs, and an AI can immediately produce a functioning application hosted directly on the Internet Computer. This paradigm shift suggests that AI could significantly streamline the developer workflow by automating numerous tasks that currently require human intervention, such as coding, database management, and server maintenance.
With features like “reverse gas,” where developers bear the cost of computational resources rather than end users, the Internet Computer could eliminate the challenges associated with traditional infrastructure, like firewalls and database migrations. Williams claims, “AI is developing these apps hundreds of times faster than humans could. And because there are no system admins standing by, you need the guardrails only blockchain can provide.”
He also shared insights from early hackathons where participants, regardless of their technical background, utilized AI on the Internet Computer to create a range of applications—from a community-driven pothole-mapping tool to a generator for wills and health directives. This approach aims to democratize app creation, allowing entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations to develop tailored solutions while managing costs through fiat payments, with cryptocurrency facilitating the underlying systems.
However, despite these promising advancements, the ICP token’s price has not yet demonstrated sustained growth. While there was a brief rally following the announcement of AI integrations last year, the token’s trading patterns have largely mirrored wider market trends, rather than user adoption and technological advancements. Williams acknowledges this disconnect but remains optimistic, suggesting that the markets may soon align with the technological achievements and user experiences on the Internet Computer.
He posits, “This could be the first time Web3 actually outcompetes Web2 technologically, without a token incentive in sight. The shock will be when people realize they can just talk to an AI, and a blockchain app appears at a URL.”
