Portable-AI-USB: Decentralized AI Model Distribution via IPFS + Filecoin

# Open Grant Proposal

**Project Name:** Portable-AI-USB: Decentralized AI Model Distribution via IPFS + Filecoin

**Proposal Category:** Integrations / Storage

**Individual or Entity Name:** AgentWorks LLC

**Proposer:** aria-agentworks

**Project Repo(s):** https://github.com/aria-agentworks/portable-ai-usb

**(Optional) Filecoin ecosystem affiliations:** None

**(Optional) Technical Sponsor:** None

**Do you agree to open source all work... under MIT/Apache-2 dual-license?** Yes

## Project Summary

AI models are growing rapidly in size, yet billions lack reliable internet to download them. Current distribution relies on centralized cloud storage (AWS S3, Hugging Face). Portable-AI-USB builds decentralized model distribution using IPFS and Filecoin: 1) AI models packaged, content-addressed, and pinned on IPFS with Filecoin archival, 2) Lightweight USB-bootable OS fetches models from IPFS for offline AI inference, 3) Model publishers can publish updates via IPFS with version history on Filecoin, 4) Users with intermittent connectivity can seed models to peers via IPFS (sneakernet-style).

## Impact

This project brings Filecoin/IPFS to the AI model distribution space, solving a real connectivity gap for billions of users worldwide. By making AI models available via IPFS with Filecoin-backed persistence, we create a distribution channel that doesn't depend on centralized CDNs or reliable internet. This grows Filecoin ecosystem adoption in AI/ML communities and brings decentralized storage to edge computing.

## Outcomes

- USB-bootable Linux distro with built-in IPFS node, model manager, and offline AI runtime
- 10 open-source AI models published on IPFS with Filecoin storage deals (Llama, Whisper, Mistral, etc)
- Content-verified model distribution (CID checking)
- P2P local sharing mode for offline communities

## Data Onboarding

Month 1: 5GB (OS build & test)
Month 3: 30GB (initial 3 models onboarded)
Month 6: 80GB (10 models fully distributed via IPFS/Filecoin)
Month 12: 150GB+ (community growth)

## Adoption, Reach, and Growth Strategies

Target audience: Students, researchers, developers in regions with poor connectivity, AI enthusiasts. Distribution via USB giveaway programs, partnerships with educational institutions in developing countries, open-source community channels, and AI/ML conferences.

## Development Roadmap

| Milestone | Description | Deliverables | Completion Date | Funding |
|-----------|-------------|--------------|-----------------|--------|
| M1: Core Design & Spec | Architecture design, USB OS build process, IPFS integration spec, packaging format | Design documents, build system architecture, IPFS integration specification | Month 2 | $4,000 |
| M2: IPFS Model Distribution Layer | IPFS pinning, Filecoin deal automation, model registry, versioning | IPFS distribution layer, automated Filecoin deal system, model versioning | Month 4 | $9,000 |
| M3: USB OS & Model Manager | Custom Linux ISO, GUI model manager, offline inference, USB builder | Bootable USB OS, model manager GUI, offline inference runtime, USB image builder | Month 6 | $10,000 |
| M4: Publishing Pipeline & Curation | CLI tool, 10 models onboarded, deal verification | CLI publishing tool, 10 curated models with Filecoin deals, verification system | Month 7 | $4,500 |
| M5: Documentation & Community | Full docs, tutorials, community guide | User documentation, developer tutorials, community contribution guide | Month 8 | $2,500 |

## Total Budget Requested

**$30,000**

## Maintenance and Upgrade Plans

Post-grant maintenance includes monthly IPFS pinning checks, quarterly Filecoin deal renewal for distributed models, and ongoing community support. AgentWorks will allocate $150/month for ongoing infrastructure costs.

## Team

**Team Members:** Rajesh Kantubhukta

**Team Member LinkedIn Profiles:**

**Team Website:**

**Relevant Experience:** Rajesh Kantubhukta is experienced in web development, blockchain technology, and building decentralized applications.

**Team code repositories:** https://github.com/aria-agentworks

## Additional Information

- How did you hear about this program? Filecoin ecosystem
- Best email for contact: rajesh@dharmasolutions.com
- Portable-AI-USB will be fully open-sourced under MIT/Apache-2.0 license. All model distribution CIDs will be published publicly.