Overview
Neurai (XNA) is a Layer 1 proof-of-work blockchain forked from Ravencoin, which itself was forked from Bitcoin. The project's thesis is combining PoW mining with AI-oriented features — specifically the ability to create, store, and transfer assets representing AI datasets, models, and related intellectual property. Launched in 2023, Neurai uses the KAWPOW mining algorithm (GPU-friendly, ASIC-resistant), enabling everyday GPU miners to participate in network security.
The project positions itself at the convergence of two narratives: decentralized AI and fair-launch PoW mining. In practice, Neurai is a small community-driven project with minimal real AI integration beyond metadata tagging. The blockchain can create and transfer named assets (inherited from Ravencoin's asset layer), but actual AI workloads run off-chain with only references stored on Neurai's chain.
Technology
Neurai inherits Ravencoin's asset creation layer, allowing users to mint unique and fungible tokens directly on the blockchain without smart contracts. The AI-specific additions include IPFS integration for storing AI datasets and model files, with on-chain asset tokens serving as ownership records. The KAWPOW algorithm provides ASIC resistance, keeping mining accessible to consumer GPUs.
The technology is functional but not innovative — it's essentially Ravencoin with an AI branding layer. There are no on-chain AI computation capabilities, no model inference, and no technical moat against competitors building AI-blockchain integrations on more capable platforms. Block time is 1 minute with 50,000 XNA block rewards (halving schedule).
Security
As a KAWPOW PoW chain, Neurai's security depends on total hashrate. The network benefits from the proven security model of Bitcoin-derived chains, but the small hashrate makes it theoretically vulnerable to 51% attacks from large GPU mining operations. KAWPOW's ASIC resistance is a double-edged sword — it keeps mining decentralized but also means the network can't benefit from dedicated hardware security. No major security incidents have been reported, though the low value secured on-chain limits attacker motivation.
Decentralization
Neurai scores relatively well on decentralization due to its PoW fair launch — no premine, no ICO, no VC allocation. The KAWPOW algorithm keeps mining accessible to individual GPU miners, and the community-driven development model avoids corporate centralization. However, the small community means that a handful of developers and miners have outsized influence on the project's direction.
Ecosystem
The ecosystem is minimal. Neurai has a small but passionate mining community, basic wallet software, and limited exchange listings. There are no DeFi protocols, no significant dApps, and no meaningful developer activity beyond the core team. The project has been listed on a few small exchanges, but liquidity is very thin. The "AI ecosystem" consists mainly of proof-of-concept demonstrations rather than production applications.
Tokenomics
XNA follows a Bitcoin-like emission schedule with halvings, starting at 50,000 XNA per block. Total supply is capped at 21 billion XNA. There was no premine or developer allocation — all tokens are distributed through mining. This is a clean tokenomics model from a fairness perspective, but the lack of utility beyond speculative trading and asset creation fees limits organic demand. The token has experienced significant price volatility typical of micro-cap PoW coins.
Risk Factors
- Minimal AI integration: AI features are aspirational rather than functional — no on-chain AI computation
- Tiny ecosystem: Near-zero dApp development and limited exchange presence
- Low hashrate vulnerability: Small mining network is susceptible to 51% attacks
- Fork dependency: Relies on Ravencoin codebase with minimal original development
- Competition: AI-blockchain space dominated by better-funded projects (Bittensor, Render, Fetch.ai)
- Micro-cap risks: Extreme volatility, thin liquidity, and potential for manipulation
Conclusion
Neurai is a community-driven PoW project with fair-launch principles and an AI narrative. The honest assessment is that the AI integration is mostly branding — the actual technology is a Ravencoin fork with IPFS metadata. The PoW mining community provides genuine decentralization, but the project lacks the technical depth, ecosystem, and funding to compete meaningfully in either the L1 or AI-blockchain spaces. Neurai is best understood as a GPU-mineable community coin with AI aspirations rather than a serious AI infrastructure project.