Tether, the company behind the world's largest stablecoin, has opened a new developer grants program to fund projects building on-device artificial intelligence and open-source payments tools. The initiative marks the firm's latest step beyond its core business of issuing the USDT token.
Two pillars for the grant money
The program targets two specific areas. On-device AI refers to artificial intelligence that runs locally on a user's device rather than relying on cloud servers—an approach that can improve privacy and reduce latency. Open-source payments tools include software for processing transactions, managing wallets, or building payment infrastructure that anyone can inspect, modify, and share.
Tether did not disclose the size of the grant pool or the maximum amount an individual developer or team can receive. The company said the program is aimed at early-stage projects and will provide funding directly to developers. No details were given on how applications will be evaluated or how many projects will be selected.
Why Tether is branching out
For years Tether has focused almost exclusively on issuing and managing USDT, the stablecoin that now powers a large chunk of crypto trading volume. With this grants program the company is signaling interest in the underlying technology—especially AI and payment rails—that could shape how digital money moves in the future.
The move comes as other crypto companies pour money into AI-related initiatives. Tether's choice to emphasize on-device AI suggests a bet on edge computing and user-controlled data processing, while the open-source payments track aligns with the broader ethos of transparency in the crypto world.
Developers can apply through Tether's website. The company has not set a deadline for applications or said when the first grants will be awarded. The program is open globally, though applicants must comply with applicable laws.
The grants are one of several diversification efforts by Tether in recent months. The company has also invested in renewable energy mining and education projects. Still, the core stablecoin business remains its main revenue driver, and questions persist about the reserves backing USDT.
For now, Tether is banking on a new generation of builders to take the money and run with it—literally, on their own devices.
