#USA #Eightco Holdings #Futurum Group #FOTAP #Easton, PA and Austin, TX

Eightco and Futurum Group Join Forces to Enhance AI Trust

In a significant move that aims to redefine how AI vendors are assessed, Eightco Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ORBS) and Futurum Group have announced a strategic partnership to launch the Futurum ORBS Trust and Authentication Platform (FOTAP). This pioneering initiative is expected to establish a comprehensive trust and transparency scoring system specifically designed for AI solutions providers.

The announcement came on January 26, 2026, and emphasizes the urgent need for reliable and objective insight into AI solutions, as enterprises navigate an increasingly complex technology landscape. The newly forged partnership aims to combine Eightco's robust authentication infrastructure with Futurum's industry insights and AI market intelligence, effectively setting a new industry standard.

A Game Changer for AI Solutions

Kevin O'Donnell, the CEO of Eightco, stated that the AI trust market is booming but currently lacks a credible scoring system to aid buyers in their decisions. The partnership will leverage Futurum's authoritative data on AI vendors, which includes evaluations, performance outcomes, and market share. By integrating these insights with ORBS' authentication capabilities, the FOTAP platform will offer:

• - Quantitative Trust Scores (0-100): These scores will gauge various aspects, including data governance, algorithm transparency, security measures, compliance, and ethical practices.
• - Comparative Vendor Rankings: Users will be able to assess multiple vendors side-by-side through these rankings, illuminating trust evaluations in a more transparent manner.
• - Trend Analysis: The platform will track trust score fluctuations over time to highlight vendors’ improvements or declines, ensuring that buyers are kept informed.
• - Risk Alerts: FOTAP will also notify users about any concerning incidents or compliance gaps related to vendor trust.

Meeting Market Demand

As AI technology becomes more entrenched in corporate strategies, the pressure for transparency and accountability has intensified. Companies are increasingly aware of the risks associated with AI investments, and trustworthy systems are essential for mitigating these risks. In this environment, FOTAP aims to not only provide insights but also to assure that companies are making informed decisions based on meaningful data.

Daniel Newman, CEO of Futurum Group, reinforced the significance of this collaboration. He indicated that trust in AI is evolving from a subjective concept to a tangible metric that can be measured and compared. The platform is poised to become the industry benchmark for evaluating AI vendors, equipping decision-makers with accurate, data-driven scores rather than relying on gut instincts or unsubstantiated marketing claims.

Future Implementation

The partnership plans to initiate beta testing for FOTAP in the second quarter of 2026, engaging selected enterprise customers and AI vendors to fine-tune the offering. By the fourth quarter of 2026, FOTAP will be generally available, with access provided via subscription to enterprises, investors, and policymakers. Notably, vendor trust scores will also be made publicly accessible on a quarterly basis, promoting transparency in a traditionally opaque area.

Conclusion

The partnership between Eightco and Futurum illustrates a significant step towards enhanced accountability in the AI landscape. By providing a systematic approach to evaluating trustworthiness, FOTAP aims to create a more secure environment for AI deployment. Both companies are committed to redefining the standards of trust in technology, ultimately enabling enterprises to embrace AI with greater confidence. As they move forward, stakeholders across the AI ecosystem are keenly awaiting the launch of this innovative platform, foreseeing a transformative impact on the way AI vendors are evaluated.