MIRAI: A New Attempt of Integrating AI and Web3 in Virtual Idols

At the intersection of the three hot fields of Web3, AI, and virtual idols, the MIRAI project has emerged. This project, launched jointly by Aww Inc. and the Solana ecosystem AI platform Holoworld, has attracted attention with its unprecedented concept of virtual humans + Web3 narrative. The project raised approximately $12.9 million in just one week, setting a fundraising record for Japanese Web3 projects.

The positioning of MIRAI is a Web3 attempt to "put CGI virtual characters on the chain." The project combines Aww Inc.'s expertise in CG modeling and character design with Holoworld's blockchain infrastructure and AI technology, aiming to create virtual characters with autonomy and intelligent agency.

Aww Inc. was established in 2019 and is headquartered in Tokyo. It is the first company in Asia to focus on "virtual human" technology. The company is dedicated to combining 3DCG, artificial intelligence, and real-time streaming to create highly realistic digital characters that can be used for brand marketing, content creation, and metaverse applications. Aww Inc. has diversified its revenue through global licensing and brand collaborations, with the most representative being the virtual model imma.

imma, with her unique pink short hair and delicate CG modeling, has become a leading "virtual influencer" in the fashion and business sectors, serving as a digital ambassador for top global brands multiple times. She also participated in the closing ceremony of the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics and hosted the opening ceremony of this year's Osaka Kansai Expo.

In terms of technological research and development, Aww Inc. has established a strategic partnership with semiconductor giant NVIDIA to integrate NVIDIA's AI audio driving technology and GPU acceleration capabilities to enhance real-time emotional interaction and voice lip-syncing of virtual characters.

The MIRAI project aims to create the first "virtual idol + Web3 autonomous co-creation" ecosystem. Aww Inc. provides core support, leveraging its years of IP operation and community management advantages in the Web2 world. Holoworld AI injects the project with the power of "intelligent agents + decentralization" through its underlying technology and on-chain infrastructure.

According to the project roadmap, MIRAI will launch features such as Agent Studio V2, Agent Livestreaming, and ultimately achieve a complete DAO governance platform in the future. This will enable community members to propose and make decisions on major issues such as IP derivatives and ecological fund allocation.

MIR has envisioned a virtual character driven by AI, linked with a blockchain identity system. This model enables the virtual character to make autonomous decisions, interact with the community, and receive incentives through a token economy. The project allows the community to act as co-creators and co-governors of the character, jointly determining the plot development and IP derivative direction.

However, the MIRAI project also faces some challenges. In terms of token economics, there is a risk of highly centralized governance. On the community operation level, decentralized co-creation may lead to management issues, such as uneven quality of user-generated content and copyright disputes. Furthermore, how to maintain continuous innovation and value of virtual characters is also an important issue.

Overall, MIRAI is pioneering in the integration of AI virtual idols and blockchain, injecting new ideas into Web3 content creation and the IP economy. However, whether it can truly realize its vision still depends on the rational design of the token economy, the improvement of community governance mechanisms, and the ability to continuously innovate and maintain the value of virtual characters.