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Akash Network Approves Migration From Cosmos to Solana

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Akash Network has approved a major blockchain transition, with 97.3% of participating AKT token holders voting in favor of moving its token infrastructure from its Cosmos-based blockchain to Solana. The decision is expected to reduce operating costs and simplify the network’s infrastructure as Akash expands its decentralized computing marketplace for artificial intelligence and GPU services.

The governance vote, conducted between October 26 and November 2, 2026, recorded participation from approximately 69.4% of eligible voting power. Around 60 million AKT tokens supported the proposal, while approximately 796,000 voted against it.

The approved Proposal 346 establishes a 1:1 conversion of AKT into a Solana Program Library (SPL) token and introduces a one-way migration bridge that will remain available for two years.

The new token is expected to launch within two to three weeks of approval, subject to the completion of two independent security audits.

Akash Expects Lower Blockchain Operating Costs

Akash operates a decentralized computing marketplace where customers submit computing requirements and independent providers, including data centers and GPU owners, compete to supply the necessary resources.

The network currently operates its own Cosmos-based blockchain, requiring approximately 100 validators to secure transactions and maintain network operations. The arrangement also requires Akash to maintain customized software and infrastructure.

Akash believes migrating to Solana will significantly reduce these expenses. According to the company’s estimates, processing transactions across its entire marketplace could cost approximately 0.075 SOL per day, with median transaction fees around $0.001.

The marketplace currently processes approximately 15,000 transactions daily, compared with an estimated 112 million transactions across Solana.

Akash co-founder Greg Osuri has argued that maintaining a sovereign blockchain requires substantial infrastructure spending without necessarily providing additional benefits for the marketplace. Moving to Solana is intended to eliminate much of that operational burden.

Marketplace Migration Requires Separate Approval

Although the AKT token migration has received governance approval, the transition of the actual computing marketplace remains a separate process requiring another proposal.

The planned migration includes several technical stages. Akash intends to introduce a provider testnet operating for at least six weeks, with participation from 25 or more operators.

Following the testnet, the network will conduct a 14-day migration rehearsal that must be completed without significant problems. Existing computing workloads are expected to continue operating for approximately 90 days while customers and providers transition to the new infrastructure.

Stakers will face additional adjustments during the process. AKT holders who have locked their tokens to secure the existing blockchain will need to complete a 21-day unbonding period.

The transition will also end inflation-based staking rewards associated with the original blockchain. Akash has indicated that it will disclose replacement mechanisms before the migration takes effect.


Helium and Render Migrations Offer Mixed Results

Akash’s decision follows similar blockchain transitions by Helium and Render, both of which moved their token infrastructure to Solana.

Helium abandoned its independent blockchain in 2023, while Render completed its migration from Ethereum to Solana on November 2, 2023. Although both transitions were technically successful, their tokens subsequently experienced substantial price declines.

Render fell from its March 2024 peak of $13.53 to approximately $1.51, representing an 88.8% decline. Helium’s HNT token also lost approximately 80.8% of its value over three years.

During the same period, SOL gained approximately 120.3%.

These developments illustrate that moving to a more established blockchain does not automatically translate into stronger token performance.

Solana Could Attract More Decentralized Computing Projects

The migration could encourage other Cosmos-based projects to reconsider the costs of maintaining independent blockchains. Akash has identified several projects, including Kujira, Comdex, Picasso, Quasar and Evmos, that have faced operational changes or winding-down processes. Noble also departed from its previous ecosystem on March 18.

Projects with specialized transaction-processing requirements may have different migration considerations. For example, dYdX continues to require customized block-processing capabilities.

Akash’s transition could strengthen Solana’s position in decentralized physical infrastructure networks and AI computing by making it easier for customers and developers to access competing GPU marketplaces.

AKT Holders Face Questions Over Long-Term Benefits

Despite overwhelming governance support, the immediate market response has been relatively subdued. AKT traded around $0.61, gaining 0.3% over 24 hours but declining 12.1% during the preceding week. Solana traded near $93.

AKT’s price also remained below its 20-day and 50-day moving averages of approximately $0.67, despite gaining 71.5% year to date.

The migration could benefit Akash as a computing platform by reducing infrastructure expenses and simplifying network operations. However, token holders will need to assess the consequences of losing existing staking rewards and the effectiveness of replacement incentives.

The long-term outcome will depend on successful migration, marketplace adoption, and whether lower operating costs translate into stronger demand for decentralized computing services.

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