MEXC Launches TAO Staking for Bittensor’s Decentralized AI Network

Cryptocurrency exchange MEXC has rolled out staking support for Bittensor’s native TAO token, giving its user base a new way to earn rewards by helping secure one of the largest decentralized AI networks.

Yuma Powers the New Integration

Bittensor validator Yuma announced the integration Tuesday, extending TAO staking access to MEXC’s reported 40 million users. Yuma plays a role in Bittensor’s consensus system by evaluating how well individual subnets perform and assigning weights that determine how staking rewards get distributed across the network. Both companies said the goal is to widen access to Bittensor and boost overall participation.

How Bittensor’s Subnet System Works

Bittensor operates as a decentralized network where independent subnets compete for token rewards based on their performance and usefulness. TAO holders stake their tokens with validators, who then allocate that stake across various subnets and earn rewards tied to those allocation decisions. The network currently includes 128 subnets covering tasks like AI inference, model training, coding assistance and financial modeling.

Growing Interest in Decentralized AI

Interest in decentralized AI networks has picked up as advocates argue open systems face less risk of government or corporate restriction compared to proprietary models. That argument gained fresh attention after the US Commerce Department restricted public access to certain Anthropic models over national security and export control concerns.

TAO traded near $199 at the time of writing, putting its market capitalization at roughly $1.916 billion, according to Blockto.