Akash Network's Strategic Shift: Strengthening DePIN's Security and Scalability

Greg Osuri, founder of Akash Network, has confirmed that the decentralized compute platform is deprecating its self-built Cosmos SDK-based chain and exploring migration to a new network that can "secure Akash." The move, which Osuri described as a "major architectural shift," aims to enhance security, liquidity, and community engagement while maintaining interoperability with the Cosmos ecosystem via the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol Akash Network to deprecate its Cosmos chain, begin search for …^[1].

The project has not yet disclosed a timeline but emphasized a transparent, community-driven process. An open Request for Proposals (RFP) is expected to invite blockchain foundations to submit migration plans, with Solana highlighted as a "strong contender" due to its high throughput and liquidity Akash Network Plans Major Migration From Cosmos Ecosystem^[2]. Osuri noted that while the new chain could remain within the Cosmos ecosystem, it could also venture beyond, provided it meets stringent criteria: "strong security, a high-quality community, deep liquidity, and exciting growth" Akash Network (AKT) Leaving the Cosmos? L1 Giants Solana and Base …^[3].

Akash's current infrastructure operates as a decentralized marketplace for GPU and compute resources, connecting AI and cloud buyers with independent providers. The network introduced Nvidia GPU support in 2023 via its Mainnet 6 upgrade, offering lower costs than centralized cloud services Real-Time Crypto News Feed | 24/7 Flash News | Phemex^[4]. Osuri stressed that core integrations with tools like Osmosis and Keplr would be preserved to ensure seamless user workflows. He also addressed staking concerns, stating that the mechanism would "evolve into something superior" beyond traditional consensus security models Akash Network Announces Deprecation of Self-Built Cosmos …^[5].

The migration aligns with broader trends in the DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) sector, which The Block Research's 2025 report identifies as a multi-billion-dollar asset class. Challenges such as hardware access and regulatory uncertainty persist, but interoperability and throughput remain critical for networks to become default rails for decentralized applications Akash to Migrate Away From Cosmos Chain, Eyes More Secure …^[6].

Industry reactions have been mixed. While Cosmos Airdrops clarified that Akash will remain "staying in Cosmos" with upcoming upgrades, other chains like W Chain have publicly courted the project Akash Network Governance Proposal #295 | Observatory^[7]. Solana's emergence as a leading candidate underscores its growing appeal for high-performance use cases, though Osuri emphasized the team would act "extra prudent" in selecting a new base layer Akash Network Review 2025: The Ultimate “Supercloud”?^[8].

The transition could reshape the L1 competition landscape, with Akash's final decision potentially influencing how future AI and cloud projects choose their infrastructure. As a leader in DePIN, Akash's migration strategy reflects a strategic pivot toward scalability and security, positioning it to meet rising demand for decentralized compute power.

---