The Ethereum Foundation (EF) has launched a strategic initiative to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) with its blockchain, aiming to position Ethereum as the foundational settlement and coordination layer for what it calls the “machine economy.” This move signals a significant expansion of Ethereum’s ambitions beyond decentralized finance, focusing on creating a robust infrastructure for autonomous intelligent systems.
The newly formed dAI Team, led by research scientist Davide Crapis, will pursue two primary objectives: first, to enable AI agents to execute payments and coordinate activities directly without reliance on central intermediaries; and second, to develop a decentralized AI stack that mitigates the risks associated with concentrated control by a few large technology firms. Ethereum’s inherent neutrality, verifiability, and censorship resistance are highlighted as crucial attributes, making it an ideal base layer for such intelligent systems.
The Ethereum Foundation’s Strategic Evolution
The Ethereum Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Zug, Switzerland, plays a pivotal role in funding and coordinating the development of the Ethereum blockchain. While it does not control the network, it acts as a significant catalyst, supporting researchers, developers, and ecosystem projects. Its remit encompasses funding critical upgrades, scaling solutions, and fostering community engagement through programs and events like Devcon. A significant restructuring in 2025 emphasized ecosystem acceleration and specialized units, a strategic shift that the dAI Team now extends into the burgeoning field of AI integration.
Davide Crapis, a research scientist at the EF, will head this new team, aiming to bridge its work with the Foundation’s protocol group and ecosystem support arm. Crapis articulates the symbiotic relationship as: “Ethereum makes AI more trustworthy, and AI makes Ethereum more useful.” The team’s mandate also includes providing funding for public goods and innovative projects at the intersection of AI and blockchain technologies.
Pioneering Standards for AI Trust
A cornerstone of the dAI Team’s efforts involves building upon existing work surrounding ERC-8004, a proposed Ethereum standard. Crapis describes this standard as a mechanism to establish and verify the identity and trustworthiness of AI agents. By developing identity and reputation systems for autonomous entities, ERC-8004 seeks to facilitate coordination among AI agents without centralized gatekeepers, thereby preserving decentralization. The team will support emerging standards and upgrades, guided by Ethereum’s core values and the “d/acc” philosophy of decentralized acceleration. The overarching goal is to ensure that AI development remains open and verifiable, empowering human oversight over intelligent systems interacting with the broader economy.
This initiative underscores Ethereum’s evolving strategic direction, aiming to solidify its position as a foundational layer not just for financial applications but for a broader spectrum of emerging technologies. By addressing critical challenges in AI such as trust, decentralization, and interoperability, Ethereum seeks to anchor an open and verifiable future for intelligent systems.
Maxwell Reed is the first editor of Cryptovista360. He loves technology and finance, which led him to crypto. With a background in computer science and journalism, he simplifies digital currency complexities with storytelling and humor. Maxwell began following crypto early, staying updated with blockchain trends. He enjoys coffee, exploring tech, and discussing finance’s future. His motto: “Stay curious and keep learning.” Enjoy the journey with us!