NEAR is pioneering the integration of AI with blockchain, creating a platform that supports decentralized, user-owned AI applications.
We invited the Co-Founder of NEAR, Illia Polosukhin, to explore their innovative chain abstraction technology, its strategic approach to interoperability, and its vision for a decentralized AI-driven future.

Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction and Icebreaker
2:02 Introduction to Illia Polosukhin and NEAR Protocol
4:28 The Role of AI in Transforming Computing
6:05 Vision and Strategy
8:02 AI as the Frontend, Blockchain as the Backend
10:00 Chain Abstraction and User Experience
12:04 Integrating AI and Blockchain for Global Reach
14:19 Strategic Thinking Behind Chain Abstraction
16:00 NEAR's Technological Innovations
18:03 AI's Role in the Future of Blockchain
20:00 Addressing Interoperability Challenges
24:05 Chain Abstraction Cohort and Developer Incentives
26:07 Token Economics and Omni Bridge
28:13 Connecting Traditional Finance with Blockchain
32:01 The Concept of Intents in Blockchain
36:00 The Intersection of AI and Crypto
40:00 The Role of AI Agents in the Future
44:00 Current Iterations of Onchain AI Agents
48:06 Roadmap for 2025
54:05 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

What is the Digital Assets Season 2025?
The Digital Assets Season (presented by w3.vision x Blockstories) is Europe’s largest educational campaign on exploring the next drivers of institutional adoption in digital assets.

From January to March 2025, 8 leading industry partners are hosting a 10-week immersive series designed to equip financial institutions with the strategies and playbooks needed to succeed in digital assets in 2025.

Watch, read and participate in our events here: https://www.w3.vision/

Get in touch:
Illia Polosukhin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/illia-polosukhin-77b6538/?originalSubdomain=pt
Illia Polosukhin on X: https://x.com/ilblackdragon
NEAR Website: https://near.org/
Vicktoria Klich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicktoriaklich/
Maximilian Vargas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maximilian-vargas/

Relevant Links for the Digital Assets Season 2025:
Podcast: https://www.onchainculture.xyz/
Newsletter: https://w3-news.beehiiv.com/
Event Calendar: https://lu.ma/DigitalAssetsSeason2025

Edited by:
Viktor Foos: https://linktr.ee/viktorfoos