What is iExec RLC (RLC)?

Quick Facts

  • Full name: iExec RLC — RLC stands for 'Run on Lots of Computers'
  • Blockchain: Ethereum (ERC-20 token)
  • Max supply: 87 million RLC (fully in circulation)
  • Founded: 2016, headquartered in Lyon, France
  • Consensus: Proof-of-Contribution (PoCo) protocol
  • Use cases: Confidential computing, AI, data monetization, scientific simulations
  • Enterprise token: eRLC, exchangeable 1:1 with RLC

Introduction

iExec RLC (RLC) is the native utility token of the iExec platform, a decentralized cloud computing marketplace built on the Ethereum blockchain. The platform connects people who need computing power with those who have spare resources to offer — all without relying on a centralized provider.

Think of it as a blockchain-based alternative to services like Amazon Web Services or Microsoft Azure, but distributed across thousands of independent nodes worldwide.

History & Background

iExec was founded in 2016 by Gilles Fedak and Haiwu He, both researchers with deep backgrounds in distributed computing. The project launched its ICO in 2017, raising $12 million by selling tokens at approximately $0.25 each.

The team drew on years of academic research in grid computing to build a production-grade decentralized infrastructure — giving iExec a more technical foundation than many blockchain projects of its era.

How iExec RLC Works

The iExec marketplace has three key participants:

  • Workers — contribute CPU/GPU computing power and earn RLC as payment.
  • Requesters — pay RLC to access computing resources for their tasks.
  • Schedulers — organize workers into pools, delegate tasks, and earn RLC for coordination.

The platform uses a Proof-of-Contribution (PoCo) consensus mechanism to verify that computational work is completed correctly before any payment is released. This ensures trustless, verifiable task execution.

For sensitive workloads, iExec integrates Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) — secure hardware enclaves (like Intel SGX) that keep code and data encrypted even from the machine operator, enabling true confidential computing.

Tokenomics

RLC is an ERC-20 token with a fixed maximum supply of 87 million, all of which are already in circulation. This fixed supply minimizes inflation risk over time.

RLC is used to pay for computations, access protected datasets, and run applications on the network. Payments are automatically distributed to app providers, data providers, and workers. Tokens can also be staked as collateral by workers, aligning their incentives with honest network participation.

Circulating supply ? 87.00 million RLC
Total supply ? 87.00 million RLC
Max supply ? -- RLC
Updated 11h ago

Ecosystem & Use Cases

iExec supports a broad range of compute-heavy workloads, including AI model training, data analytics, 3D rendering, scientific simulations, and financial modeling. The platform also features an Oracle Factory for creating decentralized oracles and a Data Wallet for secure data monetization.

For enterprise clients, iExec offers eRLC — a business-friendly token pegged 1:1 to RLC that helps companies comply with relevant financial regulations while accessing the same platform features.

Team, Governance & Community

The project is led by co-founders Gilles Fedak (CEO) and Haiwu He (Head of APAC), who bring academic expertise in distributed systems. iExec operates as an open-source project with an active developer community on GitHub.

The platform has established notable technology partnerships with companies including Intel, IBM, and Microsoft, which have reinforced its technical credibility.

Advantages

  • Decentralized compute market — access global resources without relying on a single cloud provider.
  • Confidential computing — TEE-based privacy protects sensitive data during processing.
  • Fixed token supply — no inflation from ongoing token issuance.
  • Enterprise-ready — eRLC bridges compliance requirements for business users.
  • Broad use case coverage — supports AI, DeFi, big data, scientific research, and more.

Risks & Challenges

  • Adoption competition — centralized cloud giants like AWS and Azure offer mature, proven services that are difficult to displace.
  • Network effect dependency — platform value relies on attracting sufficient workers and requesters simultaneously.
  • Technical complexity — TEE integration and PoCo mechanics create a steep learning curve for new developers.
  • Smart contract risk — as an Ethereum-based protocol, iExec is subject to the standard risks of smart contract vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Vision

iExec aims to become the foundational infrastructure layer for decentralized computing — enabling a future where individuals and organizations can monetize their digital assets, including computing power, data, and AI models, through open and permissionless markets. As demand for AI and privacy-preserving computation grows, iExec positions RLC as the currency powering a sovereign, decentralized cloud economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

RLC stands for 'Run on Lots of Computers,' reflecting the platform's core idea of distributing computational tasks across a large network of independent nodes. It is also the ticker symbol used on exchanges.

iExec RLC is an ERC-20 token built on the Ethereum blockchain. The platform uses Ethereum smart contracts to coordinate transactions between computing resource providers and consumers.

Workers contribute their CPU or GPU computing power to the iExec network and earn RLC tokens as payment for completing tasks. They must also stake RLC as collateral, which ensures honest behavior.

PoCo is iExec's custom consensus mechanism that verifies computational work has been completed correctly before releasing payment to workers. It ensures trustless and verifiable off-chain task execution.

iExec uses Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs), such as Intel SGX, to process sensitive data in secure hardware enclaves. This means data stays encrypted even from the machine operator running the computation.

eRLC is an enterprise-focused token that is pegged 1:1 to RLC and can be swapped freely between the two. It is designed for businesses that need to comply with financial regulations while still accessing the iExec platform.

The total maximum supply of RLC is fixed at 87 million tokens, all of which are already in circulation. This fixed supply means there is no ongoing token inflation.

iExec was co-founded in 2016 by Gilles Fedak and Haiwu He, both researchers with backgrounds in distributed and grid computing. The company is headquartered in Lyon, France.