Fetch.ai (FET) What is it? Explore the decentralized autonomous AI platform

Fetch.ai is a Layer-1 blockchain platform designed to build, deploy, and operate autonomous AI applications. Unlike centralized AI solutions, this platform allows legacy systems to integrate AI through existing APIs and infrastructure. The main goal of Fetch.ai is to democratize access to AI technology and counter the trend of power concentration in the hands of a few giant tech corporations.

How does Fetch.ai work?

Built on the Cosmos SDK and WASM language, the platform consists of three core components:

(Agents): Autonomous tools that can interact with applications or other agents by applying AI to accomplish complex digital tasks. Developers can create their own agents or reuse those trained by other users. These agents can be set as public or private during development.

Agentverse: A cloud-based platform that helps deploy and list agents. It addresses the high hardware costs often associated with AI applications, enabling users to operate agents without expensive computing devices.

(AI Engine): A large language model (LLM) capable of understanding user queries, breaking them down into smaller tasks, and routing them to the most suitable agent. The system can combine multiple agents if necessary to fulfill a complex request.

Development history

Fetch.ai was founded in 2017 by Humayun Sheikh (current CEO), Toby Simpson (former CEO), and Thomas Hain (Chief Scientist). The project officially launched in 2019 from Cambridge, UK. Initially, the FET token was issued as an ERC-20 on Ethereum after a successful IEO in March 2019. In February 2022, the mainnet was officially launched, and FET became the native token of the private network. In 2023, the company raised $40 million from DWF Labs, with a valuation of $250 million.

Practical applications in various fields

Fetch.ai currently supports many AI-powered blockchain applications:

• Resonate.social: A decentralized social network using AI to filter harmful content and protect users.

• AXIM: An intelligent data processing platform allowing users to upload their data and use machine learning algorithms to extract valuable insights.

• Healthcare and diagnostics: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Fetch.ai models were used to detect diseases from chest X-ray images with up to 90% accuracy. The platform also partnered with the Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center (PSNC) to assist in early cancer cell detection.

Ecosystem partners

Fetch.ai has established strategic relationships with leading companies:

• Bosch: Collaborating to explore how to combine AI and Web3 to optimize industrial processes, saving costs and time.

• Deutsche Telekom: Its subsidiary MMS is the official network validator of Fetch.ai, actively participating in the ecosystem.

• IOTA: Partnering with the decentralized IoT platform to enable cluster-based data management, reduce reliance on centralized systems, and monetize IoT data.

Key advantages

• Provides permissionless access to AI technology without requiring advanced technical skills.

• Any developer can build and deploy AI applications.

• Offers open, transparent, and decentralized solutions as an agent against censorship and the dominance of tech giants.

• Agents can automate and optimize complex tasks at scale.

• Through the Collective Learning (CoLearn) protocol, agents can collaborate and learn from each other, fostering a fairer and more equitable ecosystem.

Current limitations

• Despite aiming for simplicity, the platform still requires a certain foundational knowledge, especially programming skills to develop custom agents.

• Although operational for some time, use cases remain limited compared to the theoretical potential.

• Like many crypto companies, Fetch.ai faces ongoing regulatory challenges.

FET Tokenomics

FET is the native utility token of Fetch.ai, used to access the AI network and pay for services. The project raised $7.05 million through private sales in 2018 and $6 million via IEO in 2019.

The total supply of FET is 2.719 billion tokens, with 2.302 billion tokens in circulation (as of January 2026). Initially, 40% was allocated to the Fetch.ai Foundation and founders, 17.6% sold through token sales, 22.4% reserved for future issuance and mining, and 10% for advisors.

Fetch.ai operates on a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) blockchain, allowing users to stake FET to secure the network and earn rewards. Validators can also participate in protocol governance.

Significance in the context of decentralized AI

AI is rapidly penetrating various industries, but the trend of power concentration in a few large companies is becoming increasingly evident. High entry barriers in terms of cost and resources make it difficult for startups and individuals to access this technology.

Fetch.ai and other decentralized AI platforms emerged to counter this imbalance. By removing technical and financial barriers, the platform equips developers with the tools needed to build and deploy their own AI solutions. Through autonomous agents and collaborative machine learning systems, Fetch.ai not only democratizes AI but also opens new possibilities for real-world applications.

With the current price at $0.28 and a 24h volatility of -5.23%, FET remains an interesting choice for those who believe in the future of decentralized AI. The token can be traded on most major cryptocurrency exchanges.