Cortex (CTXC) is the native cryptocurrency token of the Cortex project. The project is centered around a decentralized, autonomous system, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms on blockchain. The goal of the Cortex project is to provide state-of-the-art machine-learning models on the blockchain where users can infer them using smart contracts on the Cortex blockchain.

The Cortex (CTXC) token functions as a 'gas' or utility token within the platform, and is necessary for performing various activities. It is used to reward miners, validate transactions, and participate in the creation and utilization of AI models.

Beyond its utility within the platform for transaction validation and miner rewards, CTXC tokens are used in the model marketplace of Cortex. This allows developers to post their AI models, and others can make inferences using these models by spending CTXC. It is also used for voting on protocol upgrades, ensuring a level of decentralized governance within the Cortex ecosystem.

This leads to a broader use case where CTXC and the Cortex project can enable decentralized AI applications. By making machine-learning models available on the blockchain, Cortex creates an open platform where developers and users can benefit from advances in AI technology without centralized control.