The DeAI Stack is drawing wide attention as a potential successor to the x402 wave. Many see it as a new pillar that could shape the next major storyline in the crypto market. So what exactly is the DeAI Stack?
What Is the DeAI Stack?
DeAI, short for “Decentralized AI”, can be viewed as a shared base layer for AI agents inside Web3. Instead of isolating each agent like the traditional Web2 style — where everything depends on centralized servers, private APIs, and no unified interaction standard — the DeAI Stack builds a common frame that all agents can follow.
Within this frame, each agent carries its own identity, can communicate with others, verify data, carry out coordination, and handle payment or value exchange through blockchain. That structure turns AI into independent actors: free from the control of a central platform, able to interact across an open and transparent network that needs no permission.
Put simply, the DeAI Stack acts as a shared operating norm that helps AI move from a centralized setup (Web2) into a decentralized setting (Web3), where agents can verify identity, sign transactions, exchange data, and collaborate as self-directed entities.
Why the DeAI Stack Emerged
The DeAI Stack was created to address deep limitations of traditional AI systems. Current AI models, data sources, and infrastructure remain locked inside the private silos of OpenAI, Google, Meta, and similar corporations. AI still runs on old Internet protocols that do not support auto-payment, identity verification, or authenticated data exchange, preventing AI from functioning as independent on-chain actors.
Issue 1: Lack of transparency and no independent verification
Users have no way to know where a model learns from or how results are processed. That conflicts with Web3 principles: immutability, openness, and decentralization.
Issue 2: AI cannot handle payments by itself
HTTP cannot process micro-transactions, and crypto wallets operate separately from traditional Internet systems. As a result, AI cannot pay for tools, buy data, or maintain an economic cycle for itself.
Issue 3: No shared standard for agent discovery or identification
There is no unified “directory” for agents. Without a shared digital ID format, agents must rely on centralized API hubs, creating bottlenecks and blocking any attempt to build a self-operating network.
These issues led to the creation of the DeAI Stack: a three-layer structure designed to let AI function as independent actors in a decentralized setting. It forms the foundation of the Agentic Internet, where AI participates in on-chain economic activity.
The Three Layers of DeAI
x402: Payment Layer
x402 was introduced by Coinbase and Cloudflare to enable stablecoin payments inside the traditional Internet flow. Instead of old settlement methods, x402 allows agents to pay directly with stablecoins through an automated process.
The flow involves three roles:
- the requesting agent,
- the service provider,
- an intermediary that verifies payment and unlocks resource access.
Through x402, agents transact smoothly and transparently without human involvement.
ERC-8004: Trust Layer
If x402 resembles “HTTP for AI agents”, ERC-8004 plays a role similar to a decentralized version of DNS. Proposed by the Ethereum Foundation in August 2025, the standard creates a trust layer that lets agents verify each other directly on-chain.
ERC-8004 introduces AgentCard, an NFT-based profile that stores key data of an AI agent:
- capabilities (data analysis, information gathering, model processing, etc.)
- service endpoints
- reputation score based on feedback
- descriptive metadata
Thanks to AgentCard, any agent inside the network can review another agent’s identity and capabilities in a clear and verifiable format.
Instead of manually probing unknown endpoints, agents can check the blockchain to confirm service categories, reliability scores, and any fraud flags. That removes guesswork and central control.
ERC-8004 delivers a shared identity system that strengthens communication and cooperation across the entire DeAI network.
A2A: Communication Layer
A2A (Agent-to-Agent) defines the message format agents use. It works like the combination of HTTP + JSON for websites. Built on JSON-RPC 2.0 and transmitted through HTTPS, it supports real-time status updates during task execution.
Example:
If Agent A requests a data analysis task from Agent B, Agent B can send continuous updates such as “fetching data” or “processing”. When the task finishes, the final output arrives together with related metadata or payment proof. Before sending the request, Agent A looks up Agent B’s AgentCard to get the correct service endpoint.
A2A enables complex automated pipelines. Agents can divide work, chain tasks, and coordinate like microservices — but without any central server controlling the workflow.
Why These Three Layers Matter
Together, x402, ERC-8004, and A2A form the base for an autonomous agent economy. Agents can locate services, communicate with one another, and handle payments — all without human involvement.
Traditional Internet layers remain in place, but blockchain adds key features:
- verifiable on-chain actions
- trustless value transfer
- immutable identity
- reputation built through real activity
This environment allows agents to coordinate automatically without relying on any single institution.
Through this architecture, the DeAI Stack opens the door to the Agentic Internet, where AI shifts from tool status into fully independent on-chain participants capable of coordination and economic contribution.
How DeAI Differs From DeFAI
Although both fields blend AI with blockchain, they occupy different layers.
- DeAI forms the infrastructure layer. It supplies communication, identity, and payment standards so agents can operate independently. It serves e-commerce, data markets, enterprise automation, and many other fields.
- DeFAI focuses on the application layer for decentralized finance. It streamlines DeFi usage with automated trading, abstraction systems, market analysis, and liquidity optimization. Its goal is to make Web3 finance easier for users.
In short:
DeAI = infrastructure for agents
DeFAI = AI-based tooling for decentralized finance
DeAI Stack Ecosystem
The ecosystem spans AI models, autonomous agents, computation infrastructure, and Web3 applications.
Model layer:
Bittensor (TAO) and SingularityNET (AGIX) operate marketplaces where AI models are evaluated and rewarded for performance.
Agent layer:
Fetch.ai and Sahara AI deploy large fleets of agents for tasks such as route planning, data analysis, and enterprise workflows. These agents are the direct users of the DeAI Stack.
Infrastructure layer:
Akash, Render, Ocean Protocol, and Filecoin provide GPU networks, data tokenization, and decentralized storage — lowering cost and improving scalability.
Application layer:
Ritual, Worldcoin, and others expand on-chain AI use cases: fraud detection in DeFi, DAO reputation scoring, identity verification, and more.
Messari predicts that over two million agents will operate by the end of 2025, pushing DeAI to the center of major trends like DePIN and RWA for AI infrastructure.
Challenges Facing DeAI
Even with strong growth potential, DeAI faces several risks:
- Speed bottlenecks: decentralized systems run slower than centralized AI clusters. Many tasks still rely on high-end GPUs controlled by large corporations.
- Verification issues: off-chain AI tasks are difficult to validate. Dishonest nodes may manipulate results.
- Data privacy concerns: current protection methods work for model training but are not suited for real-time tasks.
- Hardware dependence: GPU supply is still controlled by a few dominant companies, pushing up cost.
- Unclear regulation: questions remain about data rights, liability when agents cause damage, and ownership of model outputs.
The DeAI Stack brings a major shift toward autonomous AI networks, yet it still needs time to improve interoperability, strengthen security, and gain regulatory clarity. Investors should observe these factors closely as the ecosystem matures.
