MEXC, a cryptocurrency exchange serving 40 million users, has launched staking support for Bittensor’s native TAO token on July 21, 2026. The integration uses infrastructure from Yuma, a validator within the Bittensor network, enabling users to earn rewards by helping secure the decentralized artificial intelligence ecosystem.
Bittensor operates as a blockchain network coordinating AI model development through 128 specialized subnets that compete for token rewards. These subnets focus on AI inference, model training, coding assistants, and financial modeling. TAO holders stake tokens to validators like Yuma, who allocate that stake across subnets and earn rewards based on subnet performance.
Yuma’s role in the network involves evaluating subnet performance and assigning weights that determine how staking rewards are distributed. By integrating Yuma’s infrastructure, MEXC users can now participate in this staking mechanism directly from the exchange.
At the time of writing, TAO traded at $199 per token with a market capitalization of $1.916 billion. Decentralized AI networks like Bittensor are argued to offer resistance to government or corporate restrictions compared to proprietary AI models.
MEXC did not specify exact staking reward rates, technical requirements for participation, or additional terms governing the feature. The exchange also did not name specific individuals involved in developing the integration with Yuma.
