TLDR
- Helius Labs CEO Mert Mumtaz emphasized Solana’s architectural advantage for AI development over Ethereum-based networks.
- Solana’s smart contract model allows developers to reuse existing infrastructure, speeding up development cycles and enhancing security.
- Solana’s developer community has grown significantly, making it the top blockchain for new developers in 2024.
- Mert Mumtaz predicts the emergence of several billion-dollar AI startups on Solana this year.
- Ethereum supporters argue that AI development benefits more from mature tooling, composability, and security testing.
Mert Mumtaz, CEO of Helius Labs, emphasized Solana’s edge over Ethereum-based networks in a recent post on X. He argued that Solana’s program model offers better infrastructure for AI development than the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) architecture. Mumtaz’s statements coincide with the rising interest in the intersection of blockchain technology and AI.
Solana’s Smart Contract Model Benefits AI Development
Helius Labs’ CEO highlighted key technical distinctions between Solana and EVM networks. Solana’s architectural approach to smart contracts separates data and code, storing program data in distinct accounts. This allows developers to reuse existing infrastructure for core functions like token creation, swapping, and transfers, eliminating the need for repeated security audits.
Unlike EVM networks, where developers deploy new contracts for each application, Solana enables faster development cycles. Mumtaz explained that integrating existing pipelines and token hooks requires only a few prompts, enhancing the overall development speed. He argued this approach makes Solana safer and more efficient for AI-focused projects.
Solana’s developer community has shown substantial growth, with over 17,700 developers as of November 2025. The platform’s rising popularity is evident, as it became the number one blockchain for new developers in 2024. Builder interest in Solana has surged, increasing by 78% over the past two years, according to the a16z State of Crypto 2025 report.
The growing interest in Solana comes at a time when blockchain and AI are increasingly intersecting. Solana’s architecture is seen as a more efficient and scalable option for AI development compared to EVM-based networks. As the blockchain continues to expand, it remains a hub for innovation, especially in AI-powered decentralized applications.
Criticism from Cardano and Ethereum Supporters
While Mumtaz’s remarks were largely supported, critics from the Ethereum and Cardano communities challenged his views. Ethereum supporter William Mougayar disagreed with the claim that AI advantages are chain-specific. He argued that AI development benefits more from mature tooling, security testing, and composability, areas where Ethereum excels.
Cardano supporters also expressed concerns, stating that Cardano’s peer-reviewed research, formal proofs, and lower hardware requirements offer better solutions for AI. Despite the differing opinions, the debate highlights the growing focus on AI integration with blockchain technologies. Helius Labs CEO Mert Mumtaz’s vision for Solana as a leader in AI blockchain development remains unchallenged in certain circles.
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