Splendor: AI-driven, GPU-accelerated Quantum-resistant Blockchain
The Splendor whitepaper was recently released by Splendor Labs, aiming to build infrastructure to power the AI-native internet and address the challenges current blockchains face in handling large-scale AI services and high-concurrency transactions.
The Splendor whitepaper centers on its role as “the world’s first GPU-accelerated, quantum-reducible Layer-1 blockchain.” What makes Splendor unique is its GPU acceleration and quantum-reducible features, aiming to achieve millions of transactions per second, near-zero latency micropayments, and seamless settlement for AI-driven services; Splendor’s significance lies in redefining the possibilities of decentralized infrastructure, laying the foundation for global transactions, learning, and collaboration among intelligent models, agents, and applications.
Splendor’s original intention is to provide a scalable, efficient, and secure decentralized base layer for the AI-native internet. The core idea outlined in the Splendor whitepaper is: by combining GPU acceleration and quantum-reducible technology, to create a high-performance Layer-1 blockchain, thereby achieving unprecedented scale and efficiency to support the development of next-generation AI applications and intelligent systems.
Splendor whitepaper summary
Overview of Splendor Project Information
The information I’ve gathered so far shows that at least two or three projects are using the name “Splendor,” each with different focuses and technical approaches.
First Splendor: AI-driven, GPU-accelerated, Quantum-resistant Layer-1 Blockchain
This version of the Splendor project (often abbreviated as SPLD) sounds very cutting-edge. It positions itself as a Layer-1 blockchain built for the “AI-native internet.” You can think of it as a superhighway designed specifically for AI applications.
- Core Features: 
  - AI-driven and GPU-accelerated: It’s like equipping the blockchain with a super brain and powerful graphics processors (GPUs), enabling it to process data faster and more intelligently, especially suited for AI application needs.
- Quantum-resistant: This is a very forward-looking concept. With the advent of quantum computers, traditional encryption methods may be broken. This Splendor claims to use “post-quantum cryptography,” like putting futuristic armor on the blockchain to withstand quantum computer attacks and ensure future security.
- Ultra-high transaction speed: The whitepaper mentions it can reach millions of transactions per second (TPS), and theoretically even hundreds of millions per second, with block confirmation times as fast as 1 second. It’s like a superhighway that can handle millions of cars at once, confirming each car’s passage every second.
- Zero-fee micropayments: It also supports a micropayment protocol called x402, where users pay almost no fees for transactions. It’s like driving on a highway where the toll is almost zero.
- EVM compatibility: This means it’s compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), making it easy for existing Ethereum developers and applications to migrate over.
 
- Token Information: The token for this version is abbreviated as SPLD.
Second Splendor: Privacy-focused, Web5 and Bitcoin-pegged Layer-2 Protocol
Another version of the Splendor project (token abbreviated as SPL) places more emphasis on privacy protection and being pegged to Bitcoin’s value. It’s a Layer-2 protocol, which you can think of as a layer built on top of existing blockchains (like Ethereum) to improve efficiency and add features.
- Core Features: 
  - Privacy-first: It uses technologies like Zero-Knowledge Proofs to protect user privacy. Zero-Knowledge Proofs are like proving to someone you know a secret without revealing what the secret is.
- Web5 and AI innovation: Aims to drive innovation in Web5 (the next generation internet, focusing more on user data sovereignty and decentralized identity) and artificial intelligence.
- Bitcoin-pegged: A very unique feature is that its token SPL claims to be pegged to the value of Bitcoin (BTC), i.e., 1 SPL will always equal 1 BTC. It’s like its value has a solid anchor, hoping to remain stable.
- Multi-functional applications: In addition to payments, it also plans to support cloud storage, secure messaging, smart contracts, and other practical applications.
- Incentive mechanism: Encourages users to contribute to the network by sharing storage space, memory, or computing power, and receive SPL token rewards.
 
- Token Information: The token for this version is abbreviated as SPL, with a total supply of 20 million, and it is an ERC-20 token.
Third Splendor: Digital Asset and Smart Contract Platform
Some sources also mention a project called “Splendor Network,” which focuses on the registration, trading, and circulation of digital assets, and has its own smart contract system (SplendorContract).
- Core Features: 
  - Digital asset management: Allows users to register, trade, and circulate various digital assets on the blockchain.
- Independent smart contract system: Has its own smart contract system, making it easy for developers to deploy applications.
- dBFT consensus mechanism: Uses dBFT (Delegated Byzantine Fault Tolerance) consensus, with block generation times of about 3 to 5 seconds and transaction throughput of up to 1,000 per second. The consensus mechanism is the set of rules by which the blockchain network reaches agreement.
 
- Token Information: This version of the project has two tokens: SPL (fuel token, no maximum supply, 5 SPL generated per block) and SGT (governance token, total supply of 100 million).
Summary and Risk Reminder
From the current information, the name “Splendor” seems to be used by multiple projects in the cryptocurrency space, and their technical approaches, visions, and tokenomics differ significantly. This is not uncommon in the blockchain world, but it does make research and understanding more challenging.
For those of us without a technical background, the most important thing in such situations is to stay vigilant.
- Risk of information confusion: Because there are multiple projects with the same name, it’s easy to mix up information and develop incorrect perceptions about a project.
- Official information verification: When following any project, always verify information through official channels (such as the official website or whitepaper). If the official information itself is unclear or contradictory, be extremely cautious.
- Not investment advice: Once again, the above is just a summary and introduction of publicly available information, and does not constitute any investment advice. Before participating in any cryptocurrency project, be sure to conduct thorough independent research and understand the significant risks involved.
I hope today’s introduction helps everyone gain a preliminary understanding of the complexity behind the name “Splendor.” In the world of blockchain, it’s just as important to stay curious and think critically!