Illia Polosukhin
Full Name: Illia Polosukhin
Country / Nationality: Ukrainian
Educational Background: Kharkiv National University of Radioelectronics, Computer Science
Notable Projects / Contributions: Co-founder of NEAR Protocol; Worked on Google AI (TensorFlow)
Previous Experience / Career Background: Engineering Manager at Google (TensorFlow, machine learning, search); Software Engineer at Google
Major Achievements in Web3: Co-founding NEAR Protocol, a sharded, proof-of-stake blockchain designed for scalability and developer friendliness
Funding / Investors Associated: Associated with NEAR Protocol’s funding rounds from investors like Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Pantera Capital, Electric Capital
Social Profiles:
- X (Twitter): @ilblackdragon
- LinkedIn: Illia Polosukhin
Illia Polosukhin – The AI-Driven Builder Behind NEAR Protocol
Illia Polosukhin stands out as a pivotal figure in the Web3 space, renowned as the co-founder of NEAR Protocol. His journey blends deep expertise in artificial intelligence with a vision for a scalable, user-friendly blockchain, fundamentally shaping how we interact with decentralized technology. Illia’s work has been instrumental in creating a platform that aims to make Web3 accessible to everyone, powered by an underlying architecture built for both performance and simplicity.
Born in Ukraine, Illia developed an early fascination with computation and intelligent systems. He pursued a robust academic and professional path in artificial intelligence, working at Google Research for several years. During his tenure, he contributed to major advancements in neural networks and machine learning, including the development of the groundbreaking Transformer architecture, which laid the foundation for modern AI models like large language models. This profound background in AI fueled his understanding of complex system design and scalability, which he later recognized as critical for mainstream blockchain adoption.
Driven by the desire to overcome the limitations of early blockchain networks—specifically their lack of scalability and poor user experience—Illia co-founded NEAR Protocol in 2018 with Alex Skidanov. Launched in 2020, NEAR was engineered from the ground up to be a sharded, proof-of-stake blockchain designed for mass adoption. Its unique “Nightshade” sharding mechanism allows the network to scale linearly with the number of participants, promising fast, low-cost transactions. NEAR introduced human-readable account names and simplified development tools, making it significantly easier for both users and developers to engage with decentralized applications.
Illia’s vision for NEAR extends beyond just a technically robust blockchain. He is a strong advocate for bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3, believing that blockchain technology should be intuitive and seamless, much like the internet we use today. His contributions emphasize open-source collaboration, empowering developers, and fostering a vibrant ecosystem. He continually champions the integration of AI with blockchain, exploring how AI can enhance decentralized governance, optimize network performance, and create more intelligent dApps.
Under Illia’s leadership, NEAR Protocol has achieved significant milestones. The successful implementation of Nightshade sharding has been central to its scalability promises. Furthermore, the development of the Blockchain Operating System (B.O.S.) represents a major step towards his vision for an internet-scale Web3 experience, allowing users to discover and interact with decentralized components through a unified interface. His influence is evident in NEAR’s strong focus on developer grants, educational initiatives, and strategic partnerships, all aimed at expanding the network’s reach and utility.
Illia Polosukhin is recognized for his pragmatic and forward-thinking approach. He consistently advocates for building sustainable, user-centric solutions rather than hype-driven projects. His philosophy emphasizes practical utility, robust engineering, and a commitment to long-term impact over short-term gains. He often shares insights on the ethical implications of AI and blockchain, stressing the importance of responsible innovation and ensuring these powerful technologies serve humanity’s best interests.
As Web3 continues its rapid evolution, Illia remains a leading voice in shaping its future, particularly at the intersection of AI and blockchain. He actively participates in discussions surrounding decentralized identity, data privacy, and the development of open-source AI models that can integrate seamlessly with decentralized platforms. His ongoing work with NEAR Protocol and his public discourse continue to influence the direction of both blockchain development and the broader AI landscape, inspiring creators and innovators globally.
For aspiring Web3 founders and developers, Illia Polosukhin’s journey offers valuable lessons in combining profound technical expertise with a clear, user-focused vision. His commitment to solving fundamental challenges like scalability and usability, rooted in his AI background, demonstrates how interdisciplinary knowledge can lead to truly innovative solutions.
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Illia Polosukhin’s dedication to making Web3 truly accessible and powerful, driven by his unique blend of AI and blockchain expertise, continues to pave the way for a more intelligent and integrated decentralized internet for everyone.