What is Akash Network? How It Works & Where to Use It

Overview

Akash Network at a glance.

Akash Network launched its mainnet in 2020 as a Layer 1 built with the Cosmos SDK, focused on decentralized computing. It runs a marketplace, sometimes described as a supercloud, where providers rent out spare GPU and server capacity and users deploy workloads on it, with pricing set through a reverse auction.

Total value locked (DeFi)

n/a

Value locked in DeFi protocols on Akash Network. Updated Jun 2, 2026. Source: DefiLlama.

Native token

AKT

Used for fees and securing the network. See the live AKT price.

How it works

How Akash Network works.

Akash uses a Proof of Stake model with Tendermint Byzantine Fault Tolerant consensus, where validators stake AKT to secure the chain. Built on the Cosmos SDK, it supports IBC for cross-chain transfers. The chain coordinates a compute marketplace: providers list capacity, users post deployment requests, and a reverse auction matches them at competitive prices.

Consensus: Proof of Stake with Tendermint BFT

Akash uses a Proof of Stake model with Tendermint Byzantine Fault Tolerant consensus, where validators stake AKT to secure the chain. Built on the Cosmos SDK, it supports IBC for cross-chain transfers. The chain coordinates a compute marketplace: providers list capacity, users post deployment requests, and a reverse auction matches them at competitive prices.

Decentralized compute marketplace

Akash connects users who need computing power with providers who have spare GPU and server capacity, settling the arrangement on-chain.

Reverse-auction pricing

When a user posts a deployment request, providers bid to host it, and the user picks from the bids. This reverse auction is designed to drive prices toward competitive levels.

DePIN model

Akash is an example of decentralized physical infrastructure, coordinating real-world compute hardware and payments through the chain.

AKT token

AKT is used to pay providers, for staking that secures the network, and for governance over how the marketplace evolves.

Ecosystem & usage

What Akash Network is used for.

Akash is used for running compute workloads rather than for DeFi. Demand has come from teams that need GPU capacity for AI and machine-learning workloads as well as general application hosting.

GPU and AI workloads

Teams rent GPU capacity on Akash to run AI and machine-learning jobs, often at lower cost than centralized cloud providers.

Application hosting

Developers deploy containerized applications and services onto provider hardware coordinated by the chain.

Provider income

Operators with spare compute capacity list it on Akash and earn AKT for hosting user workloads.

Staking and governance

AKT holders stake to secure the network and vote on marketplace and protocol changes.

In the Zypto App

Hold, swap and spend AKT.

Akash Network is integrated in the Zypto App. Hold AKT in self-custody, swap it to any supported asset, and use it across Zypto’s features.

Hold AKT in Zypto How to buy AKT

Be the reason Akash Network ships next.

Akash Network isn’t in the Zypto App yet. Post the request to your followers, chains with the most demand get prioritised.

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FAQ

Common questions.

What is Akash Network?

Akash is a Layer 1 built with the Cosmos SDK that runs a decentralized compute marketplace, sometimes called a supercloud. Providers rent out GPU and server capacity, and users deploy workloads on it. It launched in 2020.

How does pricing work on Akash?

Akash uses a reverse auction. A user posts a deployment request, providers bid to host it, and the user chooses from those bids. This is intended to keep prices competitive.

Is Akash a DeFi chain?

No. Akash's purpose is decentralized compute, not DeFi. Its value comes from a marketplace for renting computing power, with demand including AI and machine-learning workloads.

What is AKT used for?

AKT is the native token, used to pay for compute, for staking that secures the network, and for governance over the marketplace.

Can I hold AKT in the Zypto App?

Not yet. AKT isn't in the Zypto App at the moment. You can hold it in any self-custodial wallet, and you can ask us to add Akash Network using the "Request Akash Network" button above.

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