🍃 Lilypad Project Report: December 05, 2024

Alex MirranAlex Mirran
6 min read

Welcome to the latest Lilypad Project Report! We're excited to bring you updates on the strides we’re making to democratize access to GPU compute and build a robust, decentralized ecosystem that fuels innovation across the globe.

🌎 Overview

Lilypad Network is more than just a platform it’s the future of on-demand decentralized compute. Our three-sided marketplace connects compute providers, AI model creators, and model users (researchers, developers, businesses, and more), creating a seamless ecosystem for running inference jobs.

Here’s how Lilypad is redefining the landscape:

  • Compute Verification on Ethereum
    All jobs are verified on Ethereum (Arbitrum Sepolia L2), ensuring unmatched transparency and verification that compute jobs have been successful.

  • Model monetization with verified data
    Model creators can verify inputs, outputs, and model data can be verified using IPFS, guaranteeing data integrity and accessibility.

  • Easily deploy containerized processes
    Jobs running on the Lilypad network modules are containerized using Docker and are run by Lilypad Resource Providers (RP). Once configured, Lilypad modules can be easily deployed and systems can be built on top of the process.

💡 The Lilypad Advantage

Lilypad introduces a new standard for deploying containerized workloads across diverse GPU architectures (NVIDIA, AMD, and more). By combining a reputation economy with innovative developer tooling, Lilypad empowers:

  • Resource Providers: Monetize idle GPUs.

  • Model Creators: Deploy and monetize AI models effortlessly.

  • Developers & SMEs: Simplify the process of building and deploying AI-enabled applications.

Lilypad is enabling ML researchers, developers, and businesses to tap into a powerful, on-demand compute system for their AI needs.

🔥 IncentiveNet: Driving the Network Forward

Currently in Testnet, our IncentiveNet is aggregating idle GPUs from across the globe to run containerized jobs at scale. With an easy-to-use CLI and smart contract toolkit, developers can unlock the power of Lilypad with just a few clicks.

Ready to learn more?
Explore the Lilypad Docs or visit our Blog for the latest updates and insights.

⚒️ Engineering Update

The Lilypad engineering team continues work heads down pushing updates to the Testnet IncentiveNet while in parallel building out the Lilypad Mainnet system. Updates to the Testnet continue to inform decisions on Mainnet for specifics required of RPs as well as the Lilypad Network core infrastructure.

IncentiveNet continues to grow with over 1000 nodes (GPUs) available at any given time. GPUs range from RTX 3080s to H100s used for large compute jobs. Updates are pushed to Testnet every 2 weeks with each version of Lilypad deprecated 2 weeks after release. This ensures RPs are updated in order to facilitate consistent jobs across the network. The 2 week update window also provides our team and RPs time to test version releases and adjust if any issues arise.

Mainnet development includes implementing the upcoming Lilypad Whitepaper with architecture and economics inspired by IncentiveNet as well as the Modicum paper https://arxiv.org/abs/2005.11429 . Efficient job orchestration is paramount in this effort as running jobs using thousands of GPUs with a wide variety of job types is complex to facilitate at scale.

Our team continues to investigate a variety of chains as the Lilypad Mainnet will eventually be deployed to multiple blockchains. The Lilypad IncentiveNet is currently deployed to Arbitrum (Sepolia) due to low transaction costs and high transaction throughput. With this in mind, the Lilypad Network smart contracts continue to be improved upon to satisfy the needs of Mainnet as well as the multi-chain architecture expected post Mainnet launch.

🛠️ New Release: v2.10.0

"As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live." – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Lilypad v2.10.0 - Goethe is now live!

All Resource Providers (RPs) are required to update to the latest version to ensure optimal performance and compatibility across the network!

This release brings critical updates to improve network reliability and enhanced metrics from the Lilypad market matching engineer (Solver).

Highlights of v2.10.0:

  1. Updated Docker Configuration

    • Bacalhau now runs in a separate Docker container, ensuring it remains operational even if the Lilypad Resource Provider restarts or encounters issues. This improves overall system resilience and reduces downtime.
  2. Base Services Support

    • Introduced a base services compose file to simplify container management and improve maintainability.
  3. Enhanced Solver Metrics

    • Added solver metrics tracking for improved network performance insights, enabling better monitoring and optimization of job-matching processes.
  4. Error Reduction

    • Silenced web3 event listener cancellation errors, reducing noise and improving the clarity of logs for developers and RPs.

🚨 Important Reminder for RPs:

Lilypad operates on a rolling update schedule to maintain the health and security of the network:

  • Older versions of Lilypad are deprecated every two weeks.

  • RPs must update to the latest version within this window to avoid service disruptions.

  • Current Timeline:

    • v2.9.1 remains active for two more weeks.

    • v2.9.0 will be deprecated after the two-week window.

    • v2.8.0 was deprecated yesterday.

Stay ahead by regularly updating your node and following announcements in the updates-rp channel on Discord.

Connect with us on the Lilypad Discord and follow along on X!

⚡ Developer Events & DX Updates

Weekly AMA Sessions

Curious about Lilypad’s latest developments?

Join our Weekly AMA Sessions every Wednesday to:

  • Connect with the Lilypad team.

  • Ask questions and share feedback.

  • Stay informed on upcoming milestones.

📅 Flexible Timings: We alternate session times to accommodate our global community. Check the Lilypad Calendar for details.

Missed this week’s AMA? Catch up with Alex Mirran as he shared exclusive updates and answered community questions.

🌟Community Spotlight

DePin networks and building a compute marketplace for AI Podcast

Our Head of BD & Developer Relations, Alex Mirran joined Digital Wealth Insider’s podcast to discuss how Lilypad Network is reshaping the cloud computing market.

From enabling idle GPUs to power AI research to supporting critical work like biomedical advancements, Alex breaks down how Lilypad's on-demand compute network is driving real-world impact.

Check it out: https://www.digitalwealthinsider.com/blog-posts/alex-mirran-is-helping-build-an-airbnb-style-marketplace-for-gpus-at-lilypad

🔮 What's Next?

The future is bright for Lilypad, and exciting updates are on the horizon!

Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming:

  • Optimizing the IncentiveNet
    Updates to the IncentiveNet are underway to enhance the job-matching engine, streamline RP implementation, and further improve network efficiency. These upgrades are designed to provide an even more seamless experience for compute providers and end users alike.

  • Refining Lilypad’s Foundation
    The Lilypad Whitepaper and Tokenomics are currently in review, with a massive thanks to the Crypto Econ Lab for lending their expertise in designing a sustainable and scalable Mainnet economy. This collaboration ensures that Lilypad’s ecosystem is built on robust, real-world-tested economic principles.

  • Mainnet Development in Full Swing
    Our engineering team is running dedicated sprints across every layer of the network stack, pushing us closer to the Mainnet launch. From improving performance to fine-tuning orchestration systems, we’re working tirelessly to deliver a best-in-class decentralized compute platform.

We’ll keep you in the loop as progress continues, so make sure to stay connected for the latest updates in the updates-rp channel on Discord!

☎️ Contact Us

💬 Got questions?

Join our Weekly AMA Sessions hosted every Wednesday!

Chat with us on Discord or follow us on X/Twitter for real-time updates.

Explore the Lilypad Blog for insights into our projects and vision.

We’re here to support our community every step of the way! Together, we’re shaping the future of decentralized AI. 🚀

0
Subscribe to my newsletter

Read articles from Alex Mirran directly inside your inbox. Subscribe to the newsletter, and don't miss out.

Written by

Alex Mirran
Alex Mirran

co-founder Leto Analytics, open computing for AI at Lilypad Network