MEXC, a digital asset exchange known for zero-fee trading, has partnered with Yuma, a Bittensor-focused infrastructure and investment firm, to launch TAO staking services on the MEXC platform. Through Yuma's staking infrastructure, the integration enables users worldwide to participate in TAO staking via MEXC with a simplified experience.

Yuma supports the Bittensor ecosystem through validator operations, research, investment, and infrastructure development. Bittensor is a decentralized AI network that coordinates open-source machine learning systems through an incentive mechanism, with TAO serving as its native asset for network participation and rewards. The network supports a growing range of AI applications, including AI model development, data infrastructure, and AI-powered services. Bittensor has emerged as one of the more prominent projects in the decentralized AI segment of crypto, a category that has drawn growing attention as blockchain-based approaches to coordinating compute, data, and model training have expanded.

Bittensor operates on a subnet architecture, where independent networks within the broader protocol focus on specific AI tasks. Validators and miners contribute computational resources and are incentivized through TAO token emissions based on the value they provide to the network. Direct participation in Bittensor staking typically involves operating validator infrastructure or delegating to validators, which can present a technical barrier for many users.

With this integration, MEXC users can participate in TAO staking without handling complex technical processes directly, making engagement with the Bittensor ecosystem more accessible. Exchange-mediated staking has become a common approach across digital asset platforms for lowering the operational threshold for networks that otherwise require specialized infrastructure knowledge.

"Access defines this industry. Retail deserves early exposure to networks that matter, and Bittensor is one of them," said Vugar Usi, CEO of MEXC. "Integrating Yuma's infrastructure lets us bring TAO staking directly to MEXC. No friction, no barriers. This works both ways. Projects that list on MEXC get access to 40 million real retail users who drive growth and build communities like no other platform in the market."

"Introducing millions of users to Bittensor takes both broad distribution and high-quality infrastructure," said Evan Malanga, CRO of Yuma. "Our proprietary research enables Yuma to commit stake to rewarding the most productive and valuable subnets, enhancing the health of the Bittensor ecosystem. Our infrastructure now backs every MEXC user's staked TAO, expanding access to the Bittensor network and supporting the open-source production of artificial intelligence."

To encourage user participation, MEXC has launched the "TAO Fever" event, offering a total of $200,000 in limited-time rewards from July 21 to August 4, 2026 (UTC). The event includes multiple activities: zero-fee trading for selected TAO trading pairs, staking TAO to earn up to 300% APR, and exclusive rewards for new users.