Golem (GLM) is a decentralized computation network that strives to distribute excess computing power to those who need it. Initiated in 2018 by Golem Factory, the network operates on a peer-to-peer basis, allowing users to exchange computation. In this network, every user is equally important, and there's no central authority. The Golem Network Token (GNT), now migrated to GLM, is the currency that facilitates the marketplace. Users, known as Requestors, set a bid for an amount of GLM they are willing to give in exchange for their tasks being completed. Providers, on the other hand, receive GLM by computing tasks for Requestors.

Golem operates by breaking down complex tasks into smaller subtasks and distributing them across the network. This process eliminates the need for a central authority and allows for a more efficient use of computing resources. Users can set their minimum and maximum price thresholds in their settings, providing flexibility and control over how much they are willing to give or receive. The Golem Network includes various tools such as Golem SDKs, execution environments, and APIs in Python, JavaScript, and Rust. These tools strive to facilitate the process of exchanging computation on the network.

Golem aims to provide a platform for a wide range of use cases. It can be used for tasks that require significant computational power, such as scientific calculations, machine learning, and CGI rendering. By distributing these tasks across a network of users, Golem strives to make these applications more accessible. Additionally, Golem's Application Registry allows any interested party to create and deploy software to the network, potentially opening up new possibilities for software development and distribution.

The Golem Project was first announced in 2016 by Golem Factory and launched on the mainnet in 2018. The idea for Golem Network was first presented during DevCon 0 in November 2014 as a decentralized platform for computer-intensive projects. After the concept was introduced, the team worked towards developing the Golem Network, launching a public crowdfunding event in 2016. In 2019, the team realized that they needed a new architecture to build a more generalized platform for distributed compute, leading to a new approach and architecture. Over the course of 2020, the Golem Network team built a completely new protocol, architecture, and codebase.