Crypto’s efforts in AI are lagging behind due to the absence of a breakthrough similar to ‘ChatGPT,’ according to Justin Sun

Justin Sun: AI Could Spark Crypto’s Next Surge

Billionaire and crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun believes that artificial intelligence may be the driving force behind the next major leap in the cryptocurrency sector. He shared on X that he is fully committed to AI, yet he notes that the industry has not yet delivered an AI product that truly connects with everyday users.

Speaking to CoinDesk ahead of Consensus Hong Kong 2026, the founder of Tron pointed out that most tokens associated with AI are still largely theoretical and lack practical application.

Although many investors see AI as the next big driver for digital assets, Sun emphasized that the sector is still waiting for its own “ChatGPT moment”—a breakthrough application that clearly showcases its value to consumers.

Sun argued that until such a transformative product emerges, mere enthusiasm is unlikely to sustain a long-term market rally. For now, the crypto industry continues to depend on established use cases such as payments and settlements.

“Most AI tokens are still just ideas,” Sun remarked in Hong Kong. “They haven’t truly made an impact yet.”

Despite these challenges, Sun remains optimistic about the future intersection of AI and blockchain. He believes this combination holds significant promise, especially if developers can create tools that offer immediate, tangible benefits rather than just experimental features.

Currently, Sun sees the strongest growth in areas with proven demand, particularly stablecoins and international payment solutions.

Stablecoins: A Financial Lifeline

In regions of the global south where people have lost faith in their local, inflation-prone currencies, USDT on the Tron network has become a crucial tool for accessing financial services. As Tether’s founder Paolo Ardoino pointed out, even luxury imports in countries like Bolivia are now being purchased with USDT.

“For the first time, blockchain enables digital dollar settlements that can move money anywhere, at any time,” Sun explained.

Until an AI-powered consumer product can match the clarity and utility that stablecoins already provide, Sun expects that the most visible advancements in crypto will continue to come from the infrastructure supporting daily transactions.