Decentralized AI Infrastructure and Singapore's Strategic Edge: Institutional Investment in Blockchain-Enabled AI Ecosystems

Singapore has long positioned itself as a global innovation hub, but its latest foray into decentralized AI governance could redefine the future of digital infrastructure. At the heart of this transformation is the NTU–0G S$5 million AI hub, a collaboration between Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and blockchain-AI startup Zero Gravity (0G). This initiative, backed by institutional investments and aligned with Singapore's national digital strategy, signals a paradigm shift in how computational value is distributed-and who controls it.

The NTU–0G Collaboration: A Blueprint for Decentralized AI Governance

The NTU–0G hub, launched in 2025, is a four-year research program focused on decentralized model training, blockchain-integrated model alignment, and novel consensus mechanisms like proof-of-useful-work, according to a FinanceFeeds report. Unlike traditional AI systems, which centralize data and decision-making, this project aims to create AI ecosystems where stakeholders-including data contributors, model developers, and users-share value transparently.

NTU's College of Computing and Data Science will lead research on AI governance frameworks and blockchain security, while 0G's expertise in decentralized infrastructure will enable scalable deployment, as reported by a Blockchain Reporter. This collaboration is 0G's first university partnership globally, underscoring Singapore's role as a bridge between academic research and real-world applications. The initiative directly aligns with Singapore's Model AI Governance Framework, which emphasizes voluntary, multi-stakeholder approaches to ethical AI, according to an OECD analysis. By embedding blockchain into AI workflows, the hub addresses critical pain points like data monopolies, algorithmic bias, and opaque decision-making-issues that have plagued centralized systems.

Institutional Backing: 0G's $325M Funding Surge

The NTU–0G hub is not an isolated effort. Zero Gravity Labs (0G Labs), the parent entity of 0G, has secured $325 million in institutional funding since 2024, including a $40 million seed round led by Hack VC and a $250 million token purchase commitment from the 0G Foundation, according to a 0G blog. This funding, with a valuation cap exceeding $2 billion, underscores rapid institutional confidence in decentralized AI infrastructure.

The capital will accelerate development of dAIOS, 0G's decentralized AI operating system, which combines blockchain with AI processing for secure, transparent operations, as described in a CryptoTVPlus article. Key features include real-time onchain AI inference and data throughput of up to 50 GB/second, as noted in the CryptoTVPlus piece. Such capabilities position 0G to compete with centralized cloud providers while addressing scalability concerns. The funding also supports ecosystem growth, including partnerships with developers and enterprises-a critical step for mainstream adoption.

Global Expansion and Operational Momentum

While 0G's AI ambitions are ambitious, its gaming division-Gravity Co., Ltd.-provides a tangible indicator of institutional strength. In 2025, Gravity launched Ragnarok: Twilight in Southeast Asia, achieving top rankings on app stores and generating a 18.2% quarter-over-quarter revenue increase, according to a QuiverQuant report. These successes, combined with $434.2 million in cash reserves as of September 2025, demonstrate operational discipline and financial resilience. Such momentum indirectly bolsters 0G's AI initiatives by validating the parent company's ability to execute large-scale projects.

Singapore's Strategic Alignment with Decentralized AI

Singapore's support for the NTU–0G hub is no accident. The city-state's digital economy strategy prioritizes trust, transparency, and innovation-principles mirrored in 0G's decentralized AI framework. By fostering collaborations like this, Singapore aims to solidify its position as a global leader in ethical AI and blockchain integration. The government's voluntary governance approach, exemplified by tools like the Implementation and Self-Assessment Guide for Organisations (ISAGO), creates a regulatory environment conducive to experimentation, as noted in the OECD analysis.

Conclusion: A New Era of Computational Value Distribution

The NTU–0G hub represents more than a research partnership-it is a harbinger of a decentralized future where AI's value is democratized. With institutional backing exceeding $325 million and Singapore's strategic alignment, 0G is poised to disrupt traditional AI paradigms. As blockchain and AI converge, the nation's commitment to innovation ensures it will remain at the forefront of this transformation.