TAO climbed over 56%, reaching $293.8 and $2.6B market cap.
Covenant-72B AI model launch boosts investor confidence and network capabilities.
Subnet tokens surge, Upbit listing expands access, fueling ecosystem growth.
Bittensor — TAO, has captured investor attention with a remarkable surge this week. The token jumped over 56% in seven days, reaching a new high of $293.8 on March 16. Starting the week below $175, TAO now trades around $275, pushing its market cap close to $2.6 billion. Strong buying pressure and key project developments have driven this momentum. This rally has positioned Bittensor as one of the most dynamic AI-focused assets in the market.
https://twitter.com/i/status/2033167901226652007 Institutional Moves and Model Launch Boost TAO
Grayscale’s Bittensor trust earned SEC-reporting status on March 14, signaling higher transparency and compliance. Funds that file reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission often attract institutional investors. For many, this step reduces perceived risk and adds credibility to the project. Investors now view Bittensor as a safer option compared to other crypto projects without regulatory visibility.
The biggest catalyst arrived the next day. Bittensor announced the upcoming launch of the Covenant-72B model, a 72-billion-parameter AI system running directly on the network. This model positions Bittensor as more than a host for AI tasks from external developers. Owning a large-scale AI system on-chain demonstrates the network’s growing capabilities and long-term potential. Investors reacted strongly, seeing the move as evidence of a more complete and self-sufficient AI ecosystem.
Large investors have also expanded positions this week, reinforcing the upward momentum. Renewed interest in AI-focused assets has contributed to sustained buying pressure. Traders and institutions alike appear to recognize the value of platforms that combine AI innovation with blockchain technology. Combined with broader market optimism, these developments have propelled TAO toward new highs.
Subnet Tokens and Exchange Listings Fuel Growth
Bittensor’s subnet ecosystem contributed significantly to the recent rally. Each subnet functions as a separate AI market, now with individual tokens following the Dynamic TAO (dTAO) upgrade. τemplar led the charge, rising 194% to $19.3 in seven days. TARGON jumped 60.3% to $13.25, Chutes climbed 40.1% to $25.1, and Affine gained 42.7% to $21.3. Each subnet targets a specific type of AI output, creating a diverse network of specialized markets that expand the platform’s utility.
Broader adoption also played a role. TAO began trading on Upbit, a major South Korean exchange, at the end of February. The listing provided access to a large retail audience, boosting liquidity and trading activity. As new investors join the ecosystem, both TAO and subnet tokens are likely to see continued engagement.
Bittensor’s surge shows how strategic developments, institutional trust, and platform innovation can drive significant growth. With Covenant-72B poised for release, subnet tokens performing strongly, and broader adoption underway, the network demonstrates resilience and ambition. Investors remain watchful, as TAO continues carving a distinct position among AI-focused cryptocurrencies, signaling strong momentum for months ahead.