Bittensor, the decentralized AI network built on blockchain, has reached a major new milestone by surpassing 118 active subnets. This all-time high signals significant growth for the project, even as broader crypto and AI markets remain under pressure. With increasing institutional involvement and technical upgrades, some analysts are now speculating that Bittensor’s native token, TAO, could hit the $1,000 mark in 2025.

Bittensor Reaches Record Subnet Growth

According to real-time tracking data from Taostats.io, Bittensor officially crossed 118 active subnets in early June 2025. Subnets in Bittensor’s ecosystem are essentially decentralized mini-networks where AI developers, data contributors (often referred to as miners), and validators collaborate on specific tasks. These include areas like natural language processing, AI-generated content, and data interpretation.

Each subnet is designed to focus on a particular AI function and operates under an incentive system. Contributors earn TAO tokens based on the value they bring to their subnet. This model incentivizes high-quality AI development while maintaining decentralization at the network’s core.

The sharp increase in subnet count points to both user and developer confidence in the Bittensor platform. It also shows that more AI applications are being introduced within the ecosystem, attracting a wider range of participants—from blockchain developers and machine learning engineers to crypto investors and researchers.

While this rapid expansion reflects Bittensor’s growing flexibility and strength, it also introduces technical challenges. With more subnets operating simultaneously, maintaining consistent performance, security, and reward fairness becomes increasingly complex. Future upgrades will be crucial to manage this scale effectively.

Institutional Confidence Grows With BitGo and Yuma Staking Deal

A major catalyst behind Bittensor’s momentum is the recent partnership between BitGo and Yuma. BitGo is a leading name in institutional digital asset custody and management, while Yuma is one of the top validators on Bittensor’s network.

This collaboration enables institutional investors—such as hedge funds and asset managers—to stake TAO tokens securely and at scale. Not only does this enhance TAO’s liquidity, but it also signals increasing institutional trust in Bittensor’s long-term viability.

According to Taostats, over 6 million TAO tokens are currently staked, amounting to more than 70% of the token’s circulating supply. This high staking ratio points to strong user belief in the project, as well as a limited supply of TAO on the open market, which could further support price growth.

Adding to the ecosystem’s strength, Opentensor recently rolled out the Yuma Consensus 3 upgrade. This latest version of Bittensor’s core consensus algorithm aims to improve how rewards are allocated to miners and validators. It also tightens fraud detection and punishment mechanisms, increasing the integrity of contributions within each subnet.

TAO Price Predictions Heat Up—But Risks Remain

Despite recent bearish trends across the broader AI crypto market, optimism around TAO’s future remains high among some analysts. One such voice is Decode, a crypto trader and technical analyst, who believes TAO could soon break the $1,000 price level based on Elliott Wave Theory.

“You will see a similar structure and bullish setup on many other altcoins, but few are as strong as TAO,” Decode said, expressing strong confidence in Bittensor’s price trajectory.

That said, some experts remain cautious. The AI crypto market has lost significant value since late 2024. According to BeInCrypto and other research outlets, the total market cap for AI-related altcoins has dropped from $69 billion to just $31 billion in 2025. That’s a 55% slide in under six months.

TAO, along with other AI or infrastructure-focused altcoins like Sei, Sonic, and Avalanche, has continued to show promise in terms of development and partnerships. However, market sentiment has been tepid. Many investors remain wary, possibly waiting for clearer signals of a turnaround before making large commitments.

A Future Shaped by Decentralized AI

As interest in decentralized artificial intelligence platforms grows, Bittensor appears well-positioned to lead the charge. With a rapidly expanding ecosystem, new institutional partnerships, and continued technical innovation, the project is evolving into a serious player in the crypto and AI sectors.

While price predictions should always be treated with caution, the combination of real network usage, growing adoption, and increasing token scarcity could give TAO a strong foundation to potentially reach the much-speculated $1,000 milestone in the near future.