The first decentralized supercomputer was SETI@HOME by 17-05-1999. It was later migrated to BOINC platform, which was created in 10 April 2002 in order to support other science computing projects. In 16 October 2013 Gridcoin was created, a cryptocurrency whose Proof of work mechanism is based in collaboration with BOINC projects.
Info:
http://gridcoin.us/
https://setiathome.berkeley.edu/
https://boinc.berkeley.edu/
I 've not had a chance to look into Gridcoin yet. Do you feel it has a chance to outdo The Golem Project?
Yes, I think it is possible, but not anytime soon.
Me thinks Gridcoin is more oriented towards science and research computing.
Golem is generic and in the long term will not be restricted to any particular field
Golem runs under ethereum i think golem will be like the litecoin of bitcoin but golem for ethereum just an example.