SingularityNET operates as a blockchain-based ecosystem that enables individuals to "create, share, and monetize" artificial intelligence services via a globally accessible marketplace. Within this environment, users can explore, trial, and buy diverse AI offerings using AGIX, the native utility token. Simultaneously, developers utilize the marketplace to distribute their AI tools, monitor performance metrics, and generate revenue.

As the advantages of large language models (LLMs) and generative AI grow, so do their visible limitations. Merging structured knowledge with neural networks is appearing as a vital solution to these deficits. SingularityNET aims to lead this integration by focusing on Knowledge Graphs (KGs) and Neural Symbolic tools for LLMs, intending to help builders construct next-generation AI systems on its platform.

The project seeks to establish itself as the Internet’s Knowledge Layer, guiding the current AI evolution while building the groundwork for future Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). The team behind SingularityNET previously pioneered Sophia, described as the "world's most expressive robot." Their objective is to allow Sophia to fully comprehend human language and to further develop “OpenCog,” an AI framework intended to eventually reach “advanced general intelligence,” meaning human-level or superior AI.

Announced in 2017, the platform held its initial coin offering (ICO) in December of that year, securing $36 million within one minute.

SingularityNET is supported by a large team composed mainly of engineers, researchers, developers, and AI scientists. The project was established by Dr. Ben Goertzel, who serves as CEO and chief scientist, alongside Simone Giacomelli and Dr. David Hanson.

Dr. Ben Goertzel is a well-known figure in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence, with a significant history of collaboration with advanced tech firms such as the OpenCog Foundation and Hanson Robotics. He also holds positions as vice chairman for Humanity+ and chief scientist at Mozi Health.

Simone Giacomelli, an investor and entrepreneur, formerly worked with the crypto consultancy Cryptodex. He departed from SingularityNET in March 2019 to concentrate on Vulpem, a technology R&D lab he started in 2015.

Dr. David Hanson, the third co-founder, has extensive experience in the robotics sector. His career includes working at Disney from 1998 to 2001, followed by the creation of multiple robotics startups over the past twenty years, such as Hanson Robotics, Initiative for Awakening Machines, and Human Emulation Robotics.

SingularityNET stands out as the initial platform designed to simplify how developers market their AI libraries and tools. It allows potential buyers to trial any AI service on the marketplace to verify it suits their requirements prior to paying.

Furthermore, individuals seeking particular AI solutions can access SingularityNET’s large network of AI experts via the Request for AI portal (RFAI). This feature lets clients commission custom AI tools with ease, while developers receive AGIX tokens for completing these tasks.

The usefulness of the AGIX token has grown alongside the SingularityNET ecosystem. In March 2020, a staking function was introduced, permitting users to stake their holdings. Later, in October 2020, the platform rolled out the SingularityNET Enhancement Proposal (SNEP) system, which grants AGIX holders voting rights on operational adjustments to the network.

Through a partnership with Hanson Robotics, SingularityNET recently established a joint venture called Awakening Health. This entity creates AI-driven healthcare products, starting with Grace, a humanoid assistant built for the medical sector.

By February 2021, 861.5 million AGIX tokens were circulating, which accounted for 86% of the total supply, indicating that the asset is largely diluted. During the 2017 ICO, half (50%) of the total AGIX supply was sold. The remaining allocation included 20% set aside for early developer and partner incentives, 18% for core team members (which is now fully vested), 8% reserved for the SingularityNET foundation to support long-term platform development, and the final 4% designated for security bounties.

AGIX operates as an ERC-20 token, relying on Ethereum’s proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism and its established validator network for security. The Ethereum network is regarded as one of the most secure systems in operation today, having never suffered a successful attack. Regarding future developments, the SingularityNET team has suggested a potential migration to a different blockchain and recently stated they are investigating the option of launching on Cardano, which uses delegated proof-of-stake (dPoS).

You can trade the AGIX token on major centralized exchanges such as Binance, KuCoin, and HitBTC. It is also listed on two well-known decentralized exchanges (DEXs): Uniswap and Balancer. At present, the only trading pairs supported are AGIX/BTC, AGIX/ETH, and AGIX/WETH.

Direct purchases of AGIX using credit or debit cards are not currently offered by these platforms. However, you might be able to acquire Bitcoin (BTC) first and then swap it for AGIX.