- NEAR jumps 11% to $2.98 as Nvidia’s $5 billion Intel stake fuels AI crypto rally.
- AI tokens rise with NEAR, TAO, Render and The Graph boosting optimism around chip deals.
- NEAR eyes $3.6–$4 breakout as AI adoption and bullish charts gather momentum.
The NEAR Protocol token surged more than 11% in 24 hours to reach $2.98 amid a broader rally in AI-linked cryptocurrencies.
The token’s climb followed momentum sparked by Nvidia’s strategic $5 billion investment in Intel, with Bittensor, Render and The Graph among the top crypto AI beneficiaries.
Some AI tokens saw dramatic moves—Aster surged 500% on Thursday.
NEAR price retests $2.98 as Nvidia news propels AI tokens
NEAR Protocol’s token experienced a sharp rally, retesting resistance at $2.98 after an 11% intraday move.
The gain came after the cryptocurrency dipped to lows near $2.70 earlier in the week and aligns with the broader market upswing following Nvidia’s announcement of a $5 billion stake in Intel.
The deal involves collaborative development of AI-optimized PC and data-center chips.
It signals Nvidia’s effort to strengthen U.S. semiconductor capabilities amid ongoing global supply chain tensions.
The investment arrives at a pivotal moment for Intel, which recently benefited from a $9 billion U.S. government commitment via the CHIPS Act and a $2 billion infusion from SoftBank, improving Intel’s balance sheet and foundry ambitions while reducing immediate dependence on third-party manufacturing.
AI tokens on the rise
For the AI crypto ecosystem, the Nvidia–Intel development has increased optimism by highlighting the potential for chipmakers to accelerate innovation for customers as they expand operations.
NEAR, designed as an AI-native blockchain with sharding technology capable of supporting up to 100,000 transactions per second, stands to benefit if the momentum continues to drive price gains.
The protocol’s Nightshade consensus and tools like Near Tasks for AI agents align well with Nvidia’s ecosystem, and deeper integrations could further fuel NEAR’s upside.
Today’s Nvidia-driven surge also lifted several AI tokens: TAO climbed 7.7%, Render rose 8%, and The Graph (GRT) advanced 5.9%, according to CoinMarketCap data.
A broader market tailwind, including Bitcoin’s recovery above $117,600, contributed to the positive sentiment.
NEAR’s market capitalization moved back above $3.7 billion, ranking it around 34th among top cryptocurrencies.
What’s next for NEAR price?
NEAR’s trajectory will depend on sustained AI momentum and technical breakouts targeting $3.60.
Daily indicators such as RSI and MACD point toward continued upside potential.
Chart patterns also suggest a possible triangle breakout, which could accelerate gains if confirmed.
Downside risks include macroeconomic headwinds, potential U.S. regulatory scrutiny of AI chips, and general crypto market volatility, but NEAR could exceed $4 in the coming weeks if bullish catalysts persist.
Longer-term, protocol upgrades and continued global AI adoption could allow bulls to target higher levels near $8.
On the downside, primary support sits near $2.62.