CHIP (CHIP) is the governance and utility token of the USD.AI protocol, a decentralized lending platform that funds artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, allowing GPU operators to tokenize their hardware as collateral.
Project Background
CHIP launched on April 21, 2026, and operates on the BNB Smart Chain (BEP20).
The USD.AI protocol, behind CHIP, was built by Permian Labs, founded by David Choi (CEO) and Conor Moore (COO), and has raised $38 million in funding.
USD.AI tackles the challenge of AI infrastructure financing, allowing GPU operators to secure loans against their hardware, cutting approval times from months to under a week.
Token Usage
CHIP is the governance token of the USD.AI protocol, allowing holders to vote on parameters such as collateral eligibility, subscription thresholds, and fees.
Holders can stake CHIP in an insurance module to protect the ecosystem against losses, aligning incentives with system health and earning rewards.
The value of CHIP is tied to the growth of the USD.AI lending market and the demand for AI infrastructure financing.
CHIP has a fixed total supply of 10 billion tokens, with around 2 billion in circulation, representing about 20% of the max supply.
Token distribution includes reserves for ecosystem launch and future grants, with a vesting schedule that entails an initial 12-month lock-up for investors and collaborators.
The current circulating supply won't face internal sell pressure until at least April 2027, with gradual dilution following a linear release over 24 months.
Development Roadmap
The community is awaiting more information on the token staking roadmap, with details on mechanics and pending timelines.
The utility of CHIP includes staking in an insurance module to guard against bad debts and participation in incentive systems.
A clear roadmap for staking could enhance the utility and demand for the token by locking up supply.
