# Sentient Bets $42M on Open Source AI

**Published:** 2026-07-09T15:23:08.401Z  
**Topic:** Sentient  
**Sentiment:** neutral  
**Publisher:** TrendWatcher — https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/0cdaff6f-3fbf-4494-b5d5-506f8b1b24b8

Sentient commits $42M to open source AI, aiming to close gap with closed source models, with crypto as transaction layer for AI agents, and a goal to be on par

Sentient, a nonprofit founded by Sandeep Nailwal, the Polygon co-founder, has committed $42 million to its Open Source AGI Grant and Investment Program, with the goal of making open source AI on par with closed source models in five years [1]. The move is significant, as it highlights the growing importance of open source AI and its potential intersection with crypto, with Sentient's director of venture and growth, Sachi Kamiya, stating that "crypto and AI are two sides of the same coin" [1].

| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Commitment | $42 million |
| Goal | Open source AI to be on par with closed source in 5 years |
| Catalyst | Growing importance of open source AI and its intersection with crypto |
| Comparison | Open source counterparts are now only 3-6 months behind closed source models [1] |

## The Open Source AI Movement
The commitment by Sentient is a significant boost to the open source AI movement, which has been gaining traction in recent months. Ben Goertzel, the founder of SingularityNET, has been a long-time advocate for open source AI, arguing that it is essential to prevent a handful of corporations from controlling the most powerful AI models [1]. Goertzel's warning is not just commercial, but also geopolitical, as he believes that an open and decentralized AI is preferable to an AGI arms race where only a few countries have access to the technology [1].

## The Intersection with Crypto
The intersection of open source AI and crypto is a key aspect of Sentient's vision, with Kamiya stating that blockchain is the transaction layer for AI agents [1]. This is a claim that is not unique to Sentient, with Yat Siu, the co-founder of Animoca Brands, also arguing that crypto and AI are closely linked [1]. The idea is that AI agents will need a way to transact with each other, and blockchain provides a secure and decentralized way to do so. However, as Varun Kabra of Concordium notes, there are still significant challenges to overcome, including the need for merchants to verify that a real, accountable human is behind a transaction [1].

## What to Watch
* The progress of Sentient's Open Source AGI Grant and Investment Program, and its impact on the development of open source AI
* The growth of the intersection between open source AI and crypto, and the potential applications of blockchain as a transaction layer for AI agents
* The ability of open source models to close the gap with closed source models, and the potential for open source AI to become a major player in the AI industry

The commitment by Sentient to open source AI is a significant development, and one that highlights the growing importance of this area. As the intersection between open source AI and crypto continues to evolve, it will be important to watch how this space develops, and the potential impact it could have on the AI industry. With Sentient's goal of making open source AI on par with closed source models in five years, the next few years will be crucial in determining the success of this vision [1].

## Sources
1. Forbes — ['AGI Should Be Open Source'—Peter Thiel-Backed Sentient Bets $42M](https://www.forbes.com/sites/boazsobrado/2026/07/01/agi-should-be-open-source-peter-thiel-backed-sentient-bets-42m/)
2. Global — ['AGI Should Be Open Source'—Peter Thiel-Backed Sentient Bets $42M](https://global.foresightnews.pro/article/16596)

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Cite as: TrendWatcher, "Sentient Bets $42M on Open Source AI", https://www.trendwatcher.in/article/0cdaff6f-3fbf-4494-b5d5-506f8b1b24b8