Lightning Rod (Foresight)
Developer API that returns calibrated probabilities (Foresight models).
Overview
Lightning Rod runs Foresight models behind an OpenAI-compatible API that returns calibrated probabilities. It's for developers, not a consumer chat app. Foresight models appear on the ForecastBench leaderboard.
Output tokens cost $6 per million.
A forecast is one input to compare against market prices. No AI system has been shown to beat prediction markets.
18+ to open a Kalshi account (some states require 19 or 21). Laws change, check your state. Legal status of prediction markets varies by state.
Best for
Developers who want calibrated probability forecasts through an API.
Skip it if
Skip it if you want a consumer app with a chat UI; FutureSearch fits better.
Pricing
$6 per 1M output tokens. Checked Oct 14, 2026 on the official pricing page.
Pros
- An OpenAI-compatible forecasting API; Foresight models are ranked on ForecastBench.
- $6 per 1M output tokens.
Cons
- No consumer app; API only.
- You meter your own usage.
- A forecast is not an edge over the market.
- Its site pitches it for building prediction-market bots; we list it for research forecasts only.
How it compares
For AI forecasting our Best pick is FutureSearch, and Lightning Rod's Foresight API is the runner-up for developers. The free pick is FutureSearch's $20 credit.
Verdict
Our runner-up for AI forecasting, for developers who want an API.
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