
Crypto’s real-world adoption in 2025 and what builders should expect in 2026
2025 was a year of major shifts for crypto and not just in headlines, but in what actually matters for builders: fundamentals, real-world use cases and…
S1E63 • May 2, 2025 • 29m
In this special episode of Decentralize with Cointelegraph, Gareth Jenkinson, head of multimedia at Cointelegraph, sits down with Sandeep Nailwal, co-founder of Polygon, and Illia Polosukhin, co-founder of Near Protocol, during the Cointelegraph Longitude side event at Token2049 in Dubai.
The trio delves into the intersection of AI and blockchain technology, discussing how decentralized systems can address the challenges posed by centralized AI models. They explore the potential of blockchain to enhance transparency, security and user control in AI applications, emphasizing the importance of open-source models and on-chain reputation systems.
Tune in for insights on how AI and blockchain can collaboratively shape a more equitable and secure digital future.
(02:19) Introducing AI’s growing role in the blockchain space
(02:53) How Near Protocol is thinking about AI assistants
(05:42) The difference between AI hype and real utility in crypto
(09:11) What personalized AI could look like in decentralized ecosystems
(12:37) Where Polygon sees real use cases for AI in Web3
(18:28) The risks and tradeoffs of centralized versus decentralized AI
(23:08) Could smart agents be the next evolution after smart contracts?
This episode was hosted and produced by Savannah Fortis, @savannah_fortis.
Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.
Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.
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The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.

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