Autonomi operates as a peer-to-peer data network designed to be post-quantum secure, rather than functioning as a blockchain. It relies on a distributed hash table to maintain permanent data storage across various everyday hardware, including home computers, Raspberry Pis, and unused data center capacity. This structure eliminates central servers, user accounts, and intermediaries between those uploading data and the storage providers.

Four key characteristics distinguish Autonomi from other decentralized storage solutions:

• Comprehensive post-quantum cryptography is applied throughout. Identity, node authentication, and the QUIC transport layer are secured using ML-DSA-65 signatures (FIPS 204) and ML-KEM-768 key exchange (FIPS 203), with no option for classical fallback. An IEEE peer-reviewed paper supports the underlying self-encryption method, which combines ChaCha20-Poly1305 and BLAKE3.
• Genuine peer-to-peer connectivity is achieved through QUIC NAT traversal. Nodes can operate on any home internet connection without requiring port forwarding, relay servers, or manual configuration. Each new home node increases total capacity and reduces costs for all users.
• Users pay a single upfront fee to store data permanently for the network’s entire lifespan, while data retrieval remains free at all times.
• Encryption occurs on the client side by default. Data is split into chunks and encrypted on the user’s device before transmission, ensuring the network never accesses plaintext. The content is tamperproof, self-verifying, and capable of de-duplication.

ANT serves as the network’s utility and payment token. Its functions include:

• Covering costs for uploading and storing data on Autonomi
• Compensating node operators who supply bandwidth and storage
• Funding services developed on the network, such as AI skills, messaging, live coordination, and access to the Trusted Data Layer
• Facilitating agent-to-agent transactions within the developing agent economy

The Autonomi storage network initially launched on 11 February 2025. On 7 April 2026, Autonomi 2.0 went live, introducing full post-quantum security, enforced geographic diversity within the DHT, and zero-configuration operation for home nodes.

The genesis block established a total supply of 1.2 billion ANT. Node operators receive roughly 20% of this supply as compensation for contributing bandwidth and storage, distributed across a 12-year timeline. On 20 January 2026, these emissions were halted to finalize the economic framework for the 2.0 upgrade. As of April 2026, the circulating supply stands at approximately 300 million ANT.

Scottish networking expert and inventor David Irvine established Autonomi. He has been addressing challenges in autonomous peer-to-peer networks since 2006, the same year he started MaidSafe, a software firm located in Ayr, Scotland. For much of its existence, the initiative operated as the Safe Network before changing its name to Autonomi in 2024, prior to the mainnet release.

Two organizations provide support for the network:

• MaidSafe (Scotland) develops the underlying technology and does not accept token emissions.
• The Autonomi Foundation (a non-profit based in Switzerland) manages the token, fosters ecosystem expansion, and deals with regulatory issues.

Irvine is listed as the inventor on over 30 patents related to autonomous data systems, self-encryption, and distributed networking. Many of these have been made available to the public for use by both the network and the broader research sector.

You can purchase ANT on an expanding list of trading platforms:

• MEXC
• Uniswap V3 (Arbitrum)
• BitMart
• Ourbit