Phala Network is a decentralised cloud computing platform that combines artificial intelligence with blockchain technology to enhance and streamline user experiences within the Web3 ecosystem. It offers a decentralised execution layer for AI and blockchain integration, enabling confidential smart contracts and secure data processing.
PHALA operates by leveraging blockchain technology and Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs) to deliver a secure and private distributed computing platform. The Phala Blockchain is built on the Substrate framework, providing secure infrastructure for decentralized transactions. It uses a Nominated Proof of Stake (NPOS) consensus mechanism to maintain network security and decentralisation. TEEs are employed to ensure confidential computing by executing smart contracts in secure enclaves, preventing data leaks. Components like the Phala Node, pRuntime, and Pherry bridge work together to facilitate these secure operations.
Phala Network's potential use cases range across various industries due to its integration of AI and blockchain. Applications include secure financial transactions, confidential medical data handling, and supply chain optimisation with AI. The network supports platforms like Agent Wars for AI agent monetization and Redpill for AI model aggregation. Partnerships with Polkadot and SubBridge enhance interoperability, while the PhalaWorld gamification layer offers unique engagement through NFTs.
Phala Network was founded in 2018 by Marvin Tong, Hang Yin, Zhe Wang, and Jun Jiang, with a vision for enabling private computations in blockchain infrastructure. The project's significant milestones include launching several testnets in 2020 and securing over $10 million in funding. Initially, the PHA token was launched on Ethereum and Kusama networks. Technological evolutions like Phat Contracts and AI-Agent Contracts have been key developments, enhancing the network's focus on integrating AI with blockchain for secure and efficient computing solutions. Phala Network reached another milestone with the mainnet launch as a parachain on Polkadot.