Web3 infrastructure provider Ankr has launched its AI-focused Layer 1 blockchain Neura on public testnet.

Initially unveiled in March, Neura enables developers to build decentralized applications that blend AI, cloud computing and blockchain technology, according to a statement shared with The Block. Neura is designed to help AI startups with challenges like securing funding, obtaining GPU resources and storing data efficiently, the team said.

As part of its “Road to Mainnet” initiative, Ankr also announced an “AI innovators competition,” with selected projects sharing $100,000 in ANKR token grants. The contest targets developers and AI researchers to build decentralized AI models and apps on the blockchain using Neura’s on-demand decentralized GPU marketplace, an Initial Model Offering …