The Evolution of Layer 2 Solutions and Decentralized Cloud Services on Filecoin

This week, several altcoins are experiencing significant gains, with Cardano (ADA) and Bittensor (TAO) leading the charge. Cardano has surged approximately 27-30% and is now targeting a price of $1.62, following a breakout from a bearish trend. With its price currently around $0.74 and a market cap of $26.01 billion, ADA is closing in on Tron’s market position. Analysts are optimistic, projecting potential price milestones of $0.86, $1.62, and even $2.65, bolstered by a 16.65% increase in trading volume that reflects renewed investor interest. Bittensor (TAO) is also making headlines, having climbed above the $420-$435 range after breaking through the critical $400 resistance level. This represents a remarkable recovery from its June low of $220, nearly doubling its value. With a daily gain of 6% and an 80% increase in trading volume, TAO is showing strong bullish patterns, including a double bottom formation. Analysts are now eyeing resistance zones at $500-$520 and a longer-term target of $1,000, as long as TAO maintains its position above $415. Meanwhile, BlockDAG is quietly outperforming its competitors, driven by high-profile sports partnerships and a unique GLOBAL LAUNCH release offer. With backing from UFC champion Alex Pereira and partnerships with clubs like Inter Milan and the Seattle Orcas, BlockDAG is gaining cultural traction in the sports world. The recent fundraising of $341 million and a special offer price of $0.0016 for its coins until August 11 suggests a potential return of 3,025% based on its launch target. This positions BlockDAG as a formidable contender in the crypto market, potentially making it the biggest gainer of the week.

In a significant advancement for the integration of blockchain technology into real-world applications, Volkswagen's autonomous vehicle division, ADMT, has formed a partnership with Hivemapper, a startup based on the Solana blockchain. This collaboration aims to develop a cutting-edge mapping system for Volkswagen's upcoming Robotaxi fleet. By leveraging the Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN), this blockchain-powered solution not only incentivizes contributors but also enhances the operational efficiency of autonomous vehicles. Hivemapper’s Bee Maps protocol allows a global community of users to collect real-time road data, fundamentally transforming data collection and usage for autonomous navigation systems. The partnership is particularly timely as Volkswagen prepares to test its Robotaxi Buzz AV unit in Hamburg, with plans to expand to Los Angeles by 2025. One of the primary challenges for autonomous vehicles is the need for high-quality, up-to-date maps, especially in urban environments. The DePIN framework ensures that the mapping data is consistently fresh and accurate, which is essential for the safe navigation of these vehicles. By utilizing blockchain technology, Volkswagen not only addresses the challenges of data reliability but also promotes community engagement through fair rewards for data contributors. As the commercial launch of the Robotaxi fleet approaches in 2026, the integration of DePIN technology signifies Volkswagen's commitment to mobility innovation. This partnership highlights a growing trend where traditional industries are increasingly adopting Web3 solutions for practical applications rather than mere speculation. The use of DePIN not only enhances mapping accuracy but also ensures data security and transparency, paving the way for further advancements in the management of physical infrastructure reliant on geospatial data.

Aethir, a decentralized GPU cloud network, has partnered with Credible Finance to launch what they claim is the first credit card and loan product powered by a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN). This innovative move aims to provide Aethir's native ATH token holders and node operators with access to stablecoin credit without the need to liquidate their tokens. By blending on-chain infrastructure with real-world financial capital, this product allows eligible users to collateralize their ATH tokens to access a revolving credit line or preload a no-fee card with ATH or stablecoins on the Solana blockchain. The loan approval process utilizes Credible's AI-driven credit engine, which assesses a user's on-chain activity, asset holdings, and transaction history to determine credit limits. This initiative comes at a time when crypto borrowing has seen a significant decline, with decentralized lending platforms experiencing a $4.75 billion drop in open loans in the first quarter of 2025. The team highlights that this downturn emphasizes the limitations of overcollateralized lending models and the necessity for credit systems that accurately reflect real on-chain activity and infrastructure ownership. Shrikant Bhalerao, CEO of Credible Finance, stated that this is the first DePIN-native token being activated for real-time credit, effectively transforming tokenized infrastructure into usable financial capital. Initially, credit card access will be available to GPU providers, node operators, and token holders, with plans for future expansion. This launch represents a significant step towards integrating decentralized finance with tangible infrastructure, potentially reshaping the lending landscape in the crypto space.

Bittensor has recently experienced a significant price surge, climbing 34% over the past week and currently trading at $438. This uptick is attributed to a bullish sentiment in the artificial intelligence market, with buyers eager to capitalize on the momentum. As the price approaches a key trend line resistance, there is potential for a major breakout if the bulls can maintain their strength. Other AI-related cryptocurrencies, such as NEAR Protocol, Internet Computer, Render, and Artificial Superintelligence Alliance, have also seen gains, indicating a broader trend in the market. NEAR Protocol rose nearly 5% to $2.67, while Internet Computer increased by 3% to $5.52, benefiting from the launch of CaffeineAI's early access. The surge in interest for Bittensor is further highlighted by a spike in Google search trends, which have reached all-time highs, particularly in China where the interest signal strength is at a maximum. Analysts suggest that Bittensor could break above the $500 mark and target a range between $1,000 and $1,800, especially with the upcoming network boost that will facilitate swaps between SOL and TAO. This new bridge will allow users within the Solana ecosystem to exchange TAO and SOL seamlessly, enhancing liquidity and accessibility for traders. In addition to the technological advancements, the regulatory landscape is also playing a crucial role in shaping market sentiment. Investors are closely watching the developments in U.S. legislation regarding blockchain and cryptocurrency, as there is a growing push for clearer regulations. Former President Donald Trump has expressed ambitions for the U.S. to become the leading hub for cryptocurrency, which could further bolster investor confidence in the market. As decentralized AI continues to gain traction, the combination of technological innovation and regulatory clarity may lead to significant growth for tokens like Bittensor in the near future.

The Helium network has recently emerged as a significant player in the Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) sector, boasting a remarkable increase in daily active users (DAU). As of July 15, 2025, Helium recorded over 1.16 million DAUs, surpassing the combined DAUs of Ethereum, Toncoin, and Arbitrum. This surge in user engagement is attributed to Helium's innovative approach to providing wireless coverage through a network of user-owned Hotspots, which rewards participants with cryptocurrency. The DePIN market cap is currently around $19.2 billion, with Helium standing as the 9th largest network at a valuation of approximately $669 million. The growth of the Helium network has been further supported by its transition to the Solana ecosystem, allowing for seamless scalability and enhanced performance. With around 100,000 mobile hotspots in operation, Helium facilitates the transfer of 36.7 TB of data daily, primarily in the United States. This unique infrastructure not only addresses real-world connectivity issues but also fosters organic growth through community involvement, positioning Helium as a leading contender in the DePIN landscape. In terms of market performance, the price of HNT has gained bullish momentum, reflecting the overall recovery in the cryptocurrency market, particularly following Bitcoin's recent rally. Currently trading at approximately $2.96, HNT has seen a 32% increase in the past two weeks. Technical analysis suggests that HNT is on the verge of a macro bullish breakout, with potential targets reaching up to $4.3. As the Helium network continues to expand its user base and enhance its infrastructure, the outlook for HNT remains optimistic, making it a noteworthy project in the evolving blockchain space.

In the evolving landscape of decentralized infrastructure, DePIN, or decentralized physical infrastructure network, is emerging as a revolutionary model. Amira Valliani, head of DePIN at the Solana Foundation, describes it as a token-driven system that enables communities to build and manage hardware networks more efficiently and affordably. Unlike traditional infrastructure projects that require substantial budgets and centralized coordination, DePIN allows individuals and small operators to deploy nodes, known as waystations, and earn tokens for providing valuable data or coverage. This innovative approach not only democratizes access to infrastructure but also accelerates the deployment process, making it more accessible to a broader range of participants. The significance of DePIN is underscored by three converging trends: decreasing hardware costs, rising capital expenses, and the increasing demand for real-world data to fuel AI applications. Valliani emphasizes that advancements in manufacturing have made custom sensors and receivers more affordable, while tighter financing conditions have made it challenging for companies to undertake large-scale projects without immediate returns. Furthermore, modern AI models require accurate, real-time data from the physical world, which DePIN can provide. One notable example is GEODNET, a mapping company that leverages DePIN to deliver centimeter-level accuracy globally, allowing anyone to contribute to the network by installing waystations and earning tokens for their contributions. Despite the promise of DePIN, challenges remain, particularly in token economics and governance. Valliani highlights the need for a balance in token issuance to reward node operators while avoiding inflation. Additionally, establishing clear protocols for data validation and privacy is essential to meet regulatory standards. The Solana Foundation is actively working on developing open specifications to ensure hardware interoperability across networks. Valliani remains optimistic about the future of DePIN, believing that it can transform how communities build and maintain critical infrastructure, from high-precision mapping to environmental monitoring systems, by empowering individuals to become infrastructure builders themselves.