In a recent episode of ThreadGuy Live, hosted by @NotThreadGuy, Sreeram Kannan, the founder of EigenCloud, dropped a bombshell prediction that's got the crypto community buzzing. He forecasts that in just 20 years, AI agents built on blockchain—often called onchain AI agents—could be holding a staggering $5 trillion in value. That's not pocket change; it's a market that could rival some of the biggest sectors in tech today.
For those new to the term, AI agents are essentially smart software programs that can perform tasks autonomously, like trading assets, managing portfolios, or even interacting in virtual worlds. When we say "onchain," it means these agents operate directly on blockchain networks, leveraging the security, transparency, and decentralization that crypto is famous for. EigenCloud, an extension of the popular EigenLayer protocol—which has already amassed over $20 billion in assets under management (AUM)—is positioning itself as a verifiable cloud platform for these agentic systems. Backed by heavyweights like a16z, it's designed to make AI agents more secure and efficient in the crypto ecosystem.
Kannan didn't just throw out a big number; he tied it back to recent trends. He referenced a "mini boom" in crypto AI earlier this year, suggesting it was a teaser of what's to come. However, he noted that the tech wasn't quite ready then—what was happening "was not good enough." This implies we're on the cusp of major advancements, perhaps through platforms like EigenCloud, which recently announced collaborations like the Agent Payment Protocol with Google Cloud.
Now, how does this tie into meme tokens? At Meme Insider, we're all about those viral, community-driven coins that often capture the zeitgeist of crypto trends. AI has been a hotbed for memes lately—think tokens inspired by AI concepts, like those playing on artificial general intelligence (AGI) or autonomous agents. If Kannan's prediction holds water, we could see a surge in AI-themed meme tokens as hype builds around onchain agents.
For instance, projects blending AI and memes could explode in popularity. We've already seen tokens like $GOAT or $TURBO gain traction amid AI buzz, often fueled by social media narratives and community engagement. As onchain AI agents become more capable—handling real-world value and transactions—the meme space might evolve too. Imagine meme coins that integrate simple AI agents for fun utilities, like automated giveaways or sentiment-based trading bots. This could attract more retail investors, driving liquidity and volatility that meme traders thrive on.
But let's keep it real: predictions like this are bold, and crypto is full of ups and downs. The mini boom Kannan mentioned fizzled partly because of overhype without substance. For AI agents to hit $5T, we'll need breakthroughs in scalability, security, and usability—areas where EigenCloud aims to shine.
If you're diving into meme tokens, keep an eye on AI-related ones. They might be the next wave, especially as established players like EigenLayer push the boundaries. For more on EigenCloud, check out their official site or follow Sreeram on X.
This tweet from CounterParty TV highlights just how intertwined AI and crypto are becoming, and for meme enthusiasts, it's a signal to stay alert. What's your take—will onchain AI agents redefine the market, or is it another hype cycle? Drop your thoughts in the comments!