- The Sui Foundation is making a $30 million investment in DATA Network, positioning itself as the network’s top institutional holder.
- Plans are underway for DATA Network to phase out its standalone blockchain and transition DATA tokens on a 1:1 basis.
- Trace has logged more than 250 million contributions, and Walrus will act as the default storage foundation for applications built by the DATA Foundation.
As the artificial intelligence data protocol transitions to the Sui blockchain and sunsets its standalone network, the Sui Foundation is pouring $30 million into DATA Network. This financial commitment establishes the Sui Foundation as DATA Network’s primary institutional stakeholder, as detailed in an October 12, 2026, announcement.
This collaboration integrates DATA Network’s Trace registry into the Sui ecosystem, designating Walrus as the primary storage layer for applications run by the DATA Foundation. The integration is designed to link AI developers with data whose provenance and usage permissions can be verified prior to model training.
DATA Network specializes in monitoring real-world data inputs alongside their corresponding rights. Debuting in June 2026, its Trace registry logs data origins and facilitates compensation for contributors. According to the DATA Foundation, Trace has logged upwards of 250 million contributions and handles an average of more than three million receipts daily.
DATA Token to Migrate at a 1:1 Ratio
Following the transition, DATA Network will operate as a protocol built on Sui, and its independent blockchain will be decommissioned. Current DATA tokens are slated for a one-to-one migration onto Sui. Furthermore, the agreed terms guarantee that token holders will retain governance and economic rights that match or exceed their current provisions, with existing vesting and lockup schedules remaining intact.
The migration process is ongoing. DATA Network will maintain its operations until the upgrade reaches completion, with both foundations promising to release a comprehensive transition roadmap and token-holder guide in advance.
Storage for raw data files—featuring restricted-access encrypted versions—will be handled by Walrus. Together with Trace records, this setup enables AI laboratories to audit datasets against verified sources instead of trusting solely upon initial creation records.
This financial injection from the Sui Foundation forms a core component of the broader strategic alliance. While the announcement omitted specific investment allocations and a concrete migration date, it highlighted the partnership’s scope.
Formerly recognized as Story Foundation, the DATA Foundation pivoted its strategy toward AI training data in June. This integration embeds its data registry and associated tools within Sui’s framework amid rising demand for verified datasets carrying clear origins and usage permissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Sui Foundation investing in DATA Network?
The Sui Foundation is investing $30 million, which will make it DATA Network’s largest institutional holder.
What will happen to existing DATA tokens?
Existing DATA tokens will migrate to the Sui blockchain on a 1:1 ratio, while preserving current economic and governance rights, lockups, and vesting schedules.
What is the role of Walrus in the partnership?
Walrus will serve as the default storage layer for DATA Foundation applications, handling original data files and encrypted copies with controlled access.
How many contributions has the Trace registry recorded?
Trace has registered over 250 million contributions and averages more than three million receipts processed per day.
