Blockchain in the Age of AI

Pantera Partner Nihal Maunder opened the discussion with a clear framing: AI is redefining what’s possible, blockchain is redefining who owns it. The panel explored how these two transformative forces are converging to build systems that are not just smarter – but also fairer, transparent, and open. 

Joined by Sean Renn of Sahara AI and Oleg Golev of Sentient, the conversation unpacked how decentralized models can enable open-source AI to compete with closed platforms, reward contributors, and ensure provenance of data and compute. The discussion delved into real traction across data labeling, model development, and monetization – and how blockchain-based incentives and identity layers can power a new AI economy built on verifiable ownership and collaboration.