What is 0G (0G)?
Quick Facts
- Full name: Zero Gravity (0G)
- Founded: 2023, San Francisco
- Developer: 0G Labs, governed by the 0G Foundation
- Blockchain type: Modular, EVM-compatible Layer 1
- Mainnet: Aristotle Mainnet launched September 2025
- Token utility: Gas fees, node operator rewards, staking
- Key focus: Decentralized AI infrastructure
Introduction
0G (Zero Gravity) is a modular, EVM-compatible Layer 1 blockchain purpose-built for artificial intelligence applications. Developed by 0G Labs, it aims to be the foundational infrastructure layer where AI and blockchain converge — enabling verifiable, open, and censorship-resistant AI development.
Unlike general-purpose blockchains, 0G is engineered specifically to handle the data-heavy, compute-intensive demands of modern AI workloads.
History & Background
0G Labs was founded in 2023 in San Francisco by a team of tech experts, PhDs, and researchers with backgrounds in AI standards. The project attracted substantial backing early on, securing over $325 million in combined funding — including a $40 million seed round and a $250 million token purchase commitment.
The Aristotle Mainnet went live in 2025, marking the official launch of the 0G network and the Token Generation Event (TGE) for the native $0G token.
How 0G Works
0G's architecture is built around four modular, independent services that work together:
- 0G Chain — a modular execution and settlement layer for AI transactions
- 0G Storage — decentralized storage designed for large AI datasets
- 0G Compute — a decentralized compute marketplace for AI training and inference
- 0G DA — a programmable Data Availability layer tailored for AI dApps
This design separates concerns so each layer can scale independently, achieving the high throughput and low latency that real-time AI applications require.
Tokenomics
The $0G token serves as the native gas token of the 0G Chain, powering all on-chain transactions. It also rewards node operators who contribute storage, compute, and validation services to the network.
Token distribution includes an ecosystem incentive allocation managed by the 0G Foundation, designed to reward node operators over multiple years. Economic incentives are directly aligned with network growth — participants who contribute infrastructure resources earn $0G rewards.
|
Circulating supply
| 213.24 million 0G |
|---|---|
| |
|
Total supply
| 1.00 billion 0G |
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Max supply
| -- 0G |
Ecosystem & Use Cases
0G supports a growing ecosystem of AI-native decentralized applications, including on-chain gaming, DeFi, predictive analytics, and autonomous AI agents. The project introduced ERC-7857, a new NFT standard for Intelligent NFTs (iNFTs) that represent on-chain AI agents.
The ecosystem counts over 100 partners, including Chainlink, Google Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, Coinbase, and Binance, spanning oracle integration, scalable compute, and wallet onboarding.
Team, Governance & Community
0G Labs is led by CEO and co-founder Michael Heinrich. The broader team includes academics, AI researchers, and blockchain engineers. The 0G Foundation acts as the governance body, overseeing the protocol and managing the ecosystem fund.
Governance is oriented toward decentralizing control over time, with node operators and community members playing a growing role in network decisions.
Advantages
- AI-native architecture — built from the ground up for AI data and compute demands
- Modular design — each infrastructure layer scales independently
- EVM compatibility — easy onboarding for existing Ethereum developers
- Strong funding — over $325M raised from top-tier investors
- Broad partnerships — integrations with Alibaba, Google Cloud, Stanford, and Chainlink
Risks & Challenges
- Competitive sector — the decentralized AI infrastructure space is rapidly crowding
- Technological complexity — coordinating four modular layers introduces significant engineering risk
- Adoption dependency — network value depends on attracting AI developers and dApp builders
- Regulatory uncertainty — AI and crypto regulation continues to evolve globally
Long-Term Vision
0G Labs envisions building a fully decentralized AI operating system — an open, permissionless alternative to centralized AI infrastructure dominated by big tech. The roadmap includes expanding developer tooling (SDKs, RPCs, indexing), enhancing throughput, and building a fully verifiable on-chain compute marketplace for AI training and inference. The project aims to make powerful AI accessible to anyone, anywhere, without relying on centralized gatekeepers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does 0G stand for?
0G stands for Zero Gravity. It is developed by 0G Labs and is a modular Layer 1 blockchain focused on decentralized AI infrastructure.
- What is the $0G token used for?
The $0G token is the native gas token of the 0G Chain, used to pay for transactions. It also rewards node operators who contribute storage, compute, and validation services to the network.
- When did the 0G mainnet launch?
The Aristotle Mainnet launched in September 2025, coinciding with the Token Generation Event (TGE) for the $0G token.
- Is 0G compatible with Ethereum?
Yes, 0G Chain is EVM-compatible, meaning existing Ethereum developers and tools can be used to build on the 0G network with minimal friction.
- What makes 0G different from other blockchains?
0G is specifically architected for AI workloads, combining decentralized storage, compute, and a programmable data availability layer into a single modular system. Most general-purpose blockchains are too slow and expensive for AI applications.
- Who are the key investors and partners of 0G?
0G Labs has raised funding from investors including Hack VC, Delphi Digital, OKX Ventures, Samsung Next, and Animoca Brands. Key partners include Alibaba Cloud, Google Cloud, Chainlink, and Stanford.
- What is 0G DA?
0G DA is a programmable Data Availability layer within the 0G ecosystem, designed to make large AI datasets accessible on-chain at scale and low cost.
- What is ERC-7857?
ERC-7857 is a new NFT standard introduced by 0G Labs for Intelligent NFTs (iNFTs), which represent autonomous AI agents that can be tokenized and owned on-chain.