DePIN and AI: How Walrus Protocol Powers the Next Tech Wave
As we move through 2026, the intersection of AI and blockchain (DePIN) has become the dominant narrative. However, AI models require massive amounts of verifiable data, and centralized clouds are no longer the safest or most cost-effective option. This is where @Walrus 🦭/acc enters the spotlight.
The protocol is specifically optimized for "blobs"—large binary objects that are the lifeblood of AI datasets and media-heavy dApps. By utilizing a decentralized network of storage nodes, #Walrus ensures that these datasets are censorship-resistant and always available. The native token, $WAL, facilitates this economy by incentivizing node operators to provide high-bandwidth, high-reliability service.
One of the most exciting developments on the 2026 roadmap is the introduction of Stable Storage Pricing. By anchoring storage costs to USD while paying in $WAL , the protocol eliminates the volatility that previously deterred enterprise-level adoption. This move has already attracted over 70 partners, ranging from gaming studios to AI research firms. When you look at the scalability of the Sui infrastructure combined with Walrus’s unique storage architecture, it’s clear that we are looking at the backbone of the "AI-First" Web.
