Bittensor Unveils Gamma Token for Subnet-to-Subnet Payments

Bittensor, a decentralized AI network, has introduced a new token called Gamma, which will allow its subnets to pay each other for compute resources without relying on the TAO token. This move is seen as a significant structural shift, as subnets can now buy and sell services from each other directly, rather than going through the TAO token. The seven initial issuers of Gamma are Chutes, Engy, GM, Lium, Targon, Hippius, and Affine, which are the infrastructure layer of the network.

The introduction of Gamma comes at a challenging time for Bittensor, as the network is still reeling from the departure of Covenant AI, one of its biggest subnet teams, in April 2026. The team's founder, Sam Dare, accused Const Steeves, a core contributor at the OpenTensor Foundation, of unfair treatment, calling it 'decentralization theatre.'

The success of Gamma will depend on its execution, and whether it solves the coordination problem for subnet operators. However, the introduction of another token may add to the complexity of the network, and whether it will be used for speculation rather than actual transactions.