As artificial intelligence progresses towards more efficient solutions, small language models (SLMs) are emerging as a scalable and cost-effective alternative to the large, generalized models favored by Big Tech. Assisterr, a Cambridge-based network of SLMs, is pioneering a decentralized AI ecosystem where communities can own, manage, and enhance their AI models while engaging in governance and reward systems through blockchain technology. In an interview, Assisterr CEO Nick Havryliak discusses the benefits of SLMs, the potential of decentralized AI, and how blockchain empowers communities to shape AI development. SLMs offer efficiency, scalability, and accessibility, making them ideal for task-specific optimization and low-resource environments. By enabling community ownership of AI models through smart contract-based treasuries and tokenized voting systems, Assisterr ensures quality, security, and ethical AI practices. As SLMs become more widespread, they are poised to revolutionize consumer electronics, delivering smarter and more cost-efficient AI applications that reshape everyday technology interactions. Read more AI-generated news on: https://app.chaingpt.org/news