Add PetalNet application

[PetalNetHub]

1. Project Abstract

Petalnet is a decentralized, confidential AI compute marketplace designed for the Polkadot JAM architecture. We bridge the gap between high-end GPU supply (consumer gamers and idle enterprise cloud capacity) and the demand for private AI processing in North America, Asia, and the Middle East.

By utilizing Phala Network’s TEEs (Trusted Execution Environments), Petalnet ensures that sensitive data remains encrypted even during processing. This project aims to drive significant demand for Polkadot Agile Coretime by providing a scalable, "private-by-design" alternative to centralized AI clouds.

2. Grant Level

[x] Level 1: Up to $10,000, 2 approvals

3. Application Checklist

[x] The application template has been copied and aptly renamed (petalnet.md).

[x] I have read the application guidelines.

[x] Payment details have been provided.

[x] I understand that an agreed upon percentage... will be paid in vested DOT.

[x] I am aware that... I have to successfully complete a KYC/KYB check.

[x] The software delivered... will be released under an open-source license.

[x] The initial PR contains only one commit.

[x] The grant will only be announced once the first milestone has been accepted.

[ ] I prefer the discussion of this application to take place in a private Element/Matrix channel. ( Leave this empty for now—it's easier to keep the conversation on GitHub so other developers can see it and offer to join your team.)

[github-actions]

CLA Assistant Lite bot All contributors have signed the CLA ✍️ ✅

[PetalNetHub]

I have read and hereby sign the Contributor License Agreement.

[Polkadot-Forum]

This pull request has been mentioned on Polkadot Forum. There might be relevant details there:

https://forum.polkadot.network/t/rfc-petalnet-a-global-confidential-ai-marketplace-on-jam/16550/2

[semuelle]

Hi @PetalNetHub, thank you for the application and the effort you have put into it. However, the Web3 Foundation has decided to shut down the Grants Program. Therefore, we are not accepting any new applications.