Stanford AI Research Lab partners with Theta EdgeCloud for LLM Model Research
A Stanford lab dedicated to AI research has chosen the decentralized cloud computing platform Theta EdgeCloud to assist in its work with large language models (LLMs).
This decentralized cloud may be the answer to the extensive computing requirements of AI. On April 17, Theta Labs announced that Stanford’s AI research team would leverage Theta (THETA) EdgeCloud for advancing large language models. The lab, under the direction of Assistant Professor Ellen Vitercik, aims to utilize the platform for discrete optimization and algorithmic reasoning related to LLMs.
Stanford is among a growing number of academic institutions employing the decentralized platform for their research purposes. Theta Labs reports that other users of EdgeCloud include Seoul National University, Korea University, the University of Oregon, Michigan State University, and several more.
Big Tech and Decentralized Services Compete for AI Computing Power
Major tech companies are aggressively investing in computing infrastructure aimed primarily at supporting AI operations. In 2024, Microsoft allocated $3.3 billion for a data center in Wisconsin, solidified with support from Joe Biden’s administration.
Meanwhile, Amazon has announced plans to invest $11 billion in data centers located in Indiana. In contrast, Google is expanding globally by committing $1.1 billion to its data center in Finland while constructing another facility in Malaysia, costing $2 billion.
However, the big tech approach is not the sole option vying for AI workloads. Unlike traditional large LLM services, Theta EdgeCloud functions as a decentralized cloud computing platform. Its infrastructure is spread across various geographies, eliminating the reliance on large centralized data centers for computing power.
This platform employs blockchain technology to incentivize smaller GPU providers based on the revenue they generate from end-users. This unique model allows Theta to maintain lower capital expenditures and achieve faster scalability, ultimately offering more cost-effective infrastructure for users.
The Theta Network is a blockchain protocol initially created for decentralized video streaming. However, it has since evolved to deliver decentralized infrastructure for cloud computing, focusing particularly on AI applications.
