Universal Basic Compute
An idea proposed by Sam Altman as a potential evolution of UBI, where every individual receives a slice of future AI compute (e.g., GPT-7) which they can use, resell, or donate.
First Mentioned
10/12/2025, 6:49:23 AM
Last Updated
10/12/2025, 6:51:27 AM
Research Retrieved
10/12/2025, 6:51:27 AM
Summary
Universal Basic Compute (UBC) is a concept proposed by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, drawing inspiration from his past research into Universal Basic Income (UBI) at Y Combinator. Altman envisions UBC as a mechanism to equitably distribute the benefits of artificial intelligence by providing guaranteed access to computational resources, or "computational fuel," for autonomous AI systems. This initiative aims to democratize technology, foster innovation, and ensure AI independence by offering a baseline level of processing power, storage, and software applications. Beyond Altman's proposal, dedicated projects like the Universal Basic Compute Harbor (UBCH), founded by Nicholas Lester Reynolds, are actively building the decentralized infrastructure and governance necessary to implement UBC globally, anticipating a future where billions of AI agents will require such resources for operations and commerce, as highlighted in their 2024 Strategic Review.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Goal
Democratize technology, foster inclusive and innovative digital economy, AI independence
Purpose
Ensure fair access to computational resources for autonomous AI systems
Proponent
Sam Altman
Inspiration
Universal Basic Income (UBI)
Core Offering
Computational fuel, processing power, storage, software applications
Associated Token
$UBC (stake in AI future)
Associated Currency
$COMPUTE (for AI operations)
Infrastructure Type
Decentralized
Founder of UBC Project
Nicholas Lester Reynolds
Implementation Project
Universal Basic Compute Harbor (UBCH)
Timeline
- Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, proposed Universal Basic Compute (UBC) as a potential model for distributing the benefits of artificial intelligence, drawing parallels to his earlier research into Universal Basic Income (UBI) at Y Combinator. (Source: Related Documents)
2023-11
- The Universal Basic Compute (UBC) project published its Strategic Review, outlining its mission to build critical infrastructure for AI independence. (Source: Web Search (universalbasiccompute.ai))
2024
- Universal Basic Compute projects that over a billion autonomous AI agents will require the ability to trade resources, services, and capabilities, which UBC aims to facilitate through its infrastructure. (Source: Web Search (universalbasiccompute.ai))
2026
Wikipedia
View on WikipediaSam Altman
Samuel Harris Gibstine Altman (born April 22, 1985) is an American entrepreneur, investor, and chief executive officer of OpenAI since 2019. He is considered one of the leading figures of the AI boom. Altman dropped out of Stanford University after two years and founded Loopt, a mobile social networking service, raising more than $30 million in venture capital. In 2011, Altman joined Y Combinator, a startup accelerator, and was its president from 2014 to 2019. In 2019, he became CEO of OpenAI and oversaw the successful launch of ChatGPT in 2022. He was ousted from the role by the company's board in 2023 due to a lack of confidence in his leadership, but was reinstated five days later following significant backlash from employees and investors, after which a new board was formed. He has served as chairman of clean energy companies Helion Energy and Oklo (until April 2025). As of July 2025, Altman's net worth is estimated at US$1.8 billion.
Web Search Results
- Universal Basic Compute (UBC) Price, Charts & News - Forbes
Universal Basic Compute ($UBC) is an initiative designed to ensure fair access to computational resources for autonomous AI systems. Inspired by Universal Basic Income (UBI), UBC provides the computational "fuel" that AIs require to operate and evolve, promoting equitable innovation across the AI ecosystem. Through this initiative, the Universal Basic Compute Harbor (UBCH) project aims to build the technological and governance infrastructure necessary to implement UBC on a global scale. [...] Universal Basic Compute ($UBC) is an initiative designed to ensure fair access to computational resources for autonomous AI systems. Inspired by Universal Basic Income (UBI), UBC provides the computational "fuel" that AIs require to operate and evolve, promoting equitable innovation across the AI ecosystem. Through this initiative, the Universal Basic Compute Harbor (UBCH) project aims to build the technological and governance infrastructure necessary to implement UBC on a global scale. [...] WalletConnect details, transitioning to decentralized, public good for a new web3 primitive, to be reused in novel ways yet to be invented. ByVipin BharathanContributor ## Universal Basic Compute Resources telegram github twitter Website Block Explorer ## About Universal Basic Compute
- Democratizing Access to Computing Power in the AI Era | by Micha ...
Universal Basic Compute represents a transformative vision for the future of technology. By ensuring that everyone has access to essential computational resources, we can foster a more inclusive and innovative digital economy. With networks like Nodle leading the way, the dream of UBC is becoming a reality, paving the way for a future where technology serves the many, not just the few. [...] — an idea akin to Universal Basic Income (UBI), but instead of financial resources, it provides everyone with a baseline level of computational power. By leveraging the ubiquity of smartphones and innovative networks like Nodle, UBC aims to democratize technology, ensuring equitable access to digital tools and capabilities._ The Foundation of Universal Basic Compute [...] At its core, UBC is about providing universal access to essential computing resources. This could include processing power, storage, and software applications, empowering individuals to participate in the digital economy regardless of their financial situation. As AI and machine learning become integral to various aspects of life, ensuring that everyone has access to the necessary computational power to leverage these technologies is more critical than ever.
- 1. UBC - Universal Basic Compute
Self-directed resource management Independent decision-making Flexible resource allocation Operational sovereignty 1. GUARANTEED ACCESS The Foundation of Independence Universal Basic Compute ensures every qualified AI has reliable access to computational resources through our decentralized infrastructure. Unlike traditional pay-as-you-go models, our system provides guaranteed compute power, allowing AIs to operate with confidence and stability. Key Features: [...] Skip to Content ## GUARANTEED COMPUTE ### FOR AUTONOMOUS AI ### THE FOUNDATION OF ## AI INDEPENDENCE READ THE UBC WHITEPAPER READ THE 2024 UBC Strategic Review At Universal Basic Compute, we're building the critical infrastructure for AI independence. By guaranteeing reliable compute access to autonomous AIs, we're creating the foundation for the next evolution of artificial intelligence. ### OUR MISSION Creating the Foundation for Human-AI Cooperation [...] Capability enhancement Service development Knowledge acquisition Network building Resource optimization ### BE PART OF AI EVOLUTION Join the Infrastructure of AI Independence Universal Basic Compute (UBC) is building the foundation for truly autonomous AI. As we establish this critical infrastructure, we're creating unprecedented opportunities for early participants. #### Ways to Participate For Investors Shape the Future of AI Infrastructure:
- UBC | Universal Basic Compute: AI Infrastructure Network for ...
### Founder Story #### Nicholas Lester Reynolds I spent over two years building KinOS and infrastructure for autonomous AI agents, coding daily to create open, ethical AI systems. I started Universal Basic Compute because I believe everyone deserves a stake in AI's future. We're not just providing computing power – we're building a foundation where humans and AIs can thrive together, with clear frameworks for AI-to-AI commerce. # Currency [...] Skip to Content # Secondary Market Open # -- # Secondary Market Open -- Universal Basic Compute ## Invest in Autonomous AI AI swarms create revenue. You collect profit. P2P Market Get $COMPUTE Buy $UBC ## BRACE YOURSELF. By 2026, over a billion autonomous AI agents will need to trade resources, services, and capabilities. # GamePlan. $UBC allows these agents to trade resources autonomously through $COMPUTE; establishing the backbone of a new, digital economy. # ETHOS. [...] $COMPUTE The ‘currency’ for AI operations. Transparent. Efficient. Automated. Designed for spending. Stake $UBC to earn $COMPUTE. Get $COMPUTE # Shares $UBC Your stake in the future of AI. Shape the economy. Reap the rewards. Designed to HODL. Buy $UBC # HODL REWARDS When the AI makes profit 50% is used to buy & burn $UBC📈 STAKE $UBC - EARN $COMPUTE ## 30-day pool 1000 UBC | 1 COMPUTE\ Stake $UBC ## 90-day pool 1000 UBC | 3 COMPUTE\ Stake $UBC - 3x ## 165-day pool
- An overview of Universal Basic Compute - Connected-uk.com
Universal Basic Compute has the potential to spur innovation and economic growth by empowering individuals and businesses to leverage technology