Overview
What is GenLayer?

What is GenLayer?

GenLayer is a blockchain platform designed to execute AI-powered smart contracts. It uses multiple validators, each connected to a different Large Language Models (LLM). These validators collaborate and verify each other's work through a unique consensus algorithm called Optimistic Democracy. This method enables them to reach agreements on non-deterministic instructions, such as processing text prompts and reading data from the web, making GenLayer highly dynamic and adaptable.

What Makes GenLayer Different?

  • AI-Powered: The integration of AI allows for smarter contracts that can process natural language and make data-driven decisions in real time.

  • Real-Time Data Interaction: GenLayer's Intelligent Contracts can interact directly with real-time data from the web, making them more responsive and reliable compared to traditional smart contracts that rely on oracles.

  • Secure and Reliable: GenLayer uses a unique model called "Optimistic Democracy" consensus mechanism, to handle non-determinstic operations, where the same transaction can produce different results. ensuring efficient and secure transaction validation.

  • Interoperability: GenLayer is designed for seamless interoperability with other blockchain platforms and traditional web services.

  • Developer-Friendly: GenLayer uses Python, which simplifies the development of Intelligent Contracts.

How GenLayer Works

  1. User Submits Transaction: A user submits a transaction to the GenLayer network.

  2. Result Proposed: A validator is randomly selected to act as the leader. The leader processes the transaction and proposes a result.

  3. Result Validated: A group of validators assesses the leader's proposed result. They use the Equivalence Principle to ensure the result is accurate and fair.

  4. Result Accepted: If the majority of validators agree with the leader’s proposal, the result is provisionally accepted.

  5. Can Appeal: If any participant disagrees with the initial validation, they can appeal the decision within a limited time window, known as the Finality Window. They submit a request and provide a bond for the appeal process.

  6. Additional Validation (if appealed): If an appeal is initiated, a new group of validators re-evaluates the transaction. This group first votes on whether the transaction should be re-evaluated. If they agree, a new leader is chosen to reassess the transaction, and all validators review this new evaluation.

  7. Final Decision: The process continues until a final consensus is reached. If the appealing party's appeal is valid, they are rewarded, while incorrect appellants lose their bond. Once all appeals are resolved, the result becomes final.

Typical Use Cases

  • Performance-Based Contracts: Automatically adjust agreements based on performance metrics. For instance, insurance premiums can be dynamically adjusted based on real-time driving behavior data, or service level agreements can be updated according to real-time performance monitoring.

  • Prediction Markets: Create decentralized platforms where users can trade on the outcomes of events. This is useful in finance for predicting stock market movements, in sports for betting on match results, and in entertainment for forecasting award winners.

  • Network States: Dynamically manage the state of decentralized networks. Intelligent Contracts can monitor network performance and automatically adjust resources and configurations to optimize efficiency and reliability.

  • Decentralized Game Masters: Use AI to manage game worlds and interactive environments in real-time. This is especially useful in multiplayer online games, where the game environment needs to respond dynamically to players' actions.

  • AI-Driven DAOs: Develop decentralized autonomous organizations that are managed by AI algorithms. These DAOs can make real-time decisions based on data analysis, enhancing governance, investment strategies, and community projects.

For more use cases, visit Build With GenLayer (opens in a new tab).

Why Are We Building This?

We are building GenLayer to overcome the limitations of traditional smart contracts. Smart contracts can't directly interact with real-time data without oracles and are limited to code-based instructions. By integrating AI, GenLayer's Intelligent Contracts can process natural language and interact with web data, enabling a wide range of new applications.

Our goal is to create a more dynamic protocol where intelligent entities can sign contracts and transfer value in ways that align with real-world interactions. GenLayer's "Optimistic Democracy" consensus algorithm ensures secure and efficient handling of non-deterministic outputs, making the platform adaptable and reliable.

In essence, GenLayer aims to push the boundaries of blockchain technology, allowing for more sophisticated, responsive, and interactive applications.

Who is GenLayer for?

GenLayer is designed for developers, businesses, and organizations looking to leverage advanced blockchain and AI capabilities. It is particularly useful for those who want to automate complex processes, make real-time data-driven decisions, and build more interactive and adaptive applications.