Solana Launches DePIN Compute to Meet AI's Growing Demand for Computing Power

The concept of Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) is rapidly gaining traction in the cryptocurrency space, transforming how we perceive ownership and utility in our daily lives. No longer confined to speculative trading, DePIN offers a tangible approach to decentralizing essential infrastructure such as ride-sharing networks, cloud storage, and energy grids. By leveraging crypto incentives, individuals can contribute to these networks—whether by sharing unused GPU power or setting up solar panel nodes—and receive tokens in return. This shift not only democratizes access to services but also fosters a community-driven approach to infrastructure development. As we look toward 2025, the DePIN sector is projected to explode, with billions in market capitalization. Established players like Render, Helium, and Filecoin continue to dominate, while newcomers such as io.net and DIMO are making significant waves. The diversity of projects under the DePIN umbrella showcases its potential: from decentralized GPU rendering for artists to peer-to-peer energy trading platforms. This burgeoning ecosystem highlights the innovative ways in which blockchain technology can be applied to real-world challenges, creating a new paradigm for infrastructure ownership and service delivery. However, the road ahead is not without its challenges. Issues such as uneven hardware distribution, skewed tokenomics, and the risk of speculative behavior pose significant hurdles for the DePIN movement. As the community engages in lively discussions about the future of DePIN, it becomes clear that while the potential for disruption is immense, so too is the skepticism surrounding its sustainability. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether DePIN can realize its ambitious vision of a decentralized, community-owned infrastructure landscape or if it will succumb to the pitfalls of previous crypto trends. The stakes are high, and the implications for consumers, developers, and investors alike could reshape the digital economy as we know it.

Karia Samaroo, the founder and CEO of xTAO, has been vocal about the necessity for decentralization in artificial intelligence (AI). In a recent interview, he emphasized that the current centralized nature of AI, predominantly controlled by major tech companies, poses significant risks. Samaroo draws parallels between Bittensor, a decentralized AI ecosystem, and Bitcoin, highlighting that both aim to eliminate centralization risks. By decentralizing AI, Bittensor allows for a more open and transparent system where users can access and contribute to AI models without the constraints imposed by a single authority. Samaroo points out that the Bittensor network operates as a “worldwide web of AI,” encompassing various subnetworks that address different challenges within the AI stack. This interconnectedness not only enhances scalability but also fosters an environment of open innovation where AI engineers can experiment and monetize their models freely. Unlike traditional AI models that require individuals to navigate through corporate hierarchies, Bittensor empowers users to directly engage with the network, thereby promoting a more inclusive and rewarding ecosystem. Furthermore, Samaroo discusses how decentralized AI can compete with data-rich models from big tech firms. By incentivizing crowdsourced data collection, decentralized networks can potentially match or exceed the quality of datasets controlled by major companies. He also addresses concerns regarding safety and bias in AI outputs, explaining that Bittensor incorporates validators to monitor and ensure the quality of outputs. This decentralized governance model allows participants to adjust incentives based on performance, fostering a system that is more representative and accountable to its users. Ultimately, Samaroo believes that decentralized AI can provide a fairer and more transparent alternative to the current centralized models, aligning better with user needs and expectations.

The decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) are facing significant challenges, particularly for prominent players like Helium (HNT) and Filecoin (FIL). As market fears resurface, both tokens have dropped to critical support levels, raising concerns about their future viability. The initial excitement surrounding the potential of using crypto incentives for services such as cell coverage and cloud storage is now being tested by a combination of a shaky global economy and project-specific issues. This transition from hype to sustainable business models is proving to be a daunting task for these projects. Helium's price chart illustrates a painful descent towards a crucial support zone between $3.10 and $3.20, which has historically acted as a floor. A breach of this level could trigger a wave of stop-loss orders, pushing the price down further. Despite Helium's impressive growth in terms of physical infrastructure, with over 375,000 active IoT units and partnerships with major companies like AT&T, the actual demand for data transfers remains lackluster. Most of the network fees are generated from onboarding new hotspots rather than from a thriving ecosystem of devices actively using the network, indicating a fundamental imbalance in its economic model. Similarly, Filecoin is grappling with its own set of challenges as it approaches a long-standing price floor between $2.30 and $2.75. A weekly close below this range could undermine the bullish outlook for many long-term investors. Although Filecoin is attempting to pivot with the introduction of the Filecoin Virtual Machine (FVM) to support DeFi and smart contracts, the ongoing inflation from continuously printing new FIL tokens to pay storage providers creates persistent sell pressure. For both Helium and Filecoin, the pressing need is to generate sustainable demand for their services, or risk further declines that could impact the entire DePIN sector. The current macroeconomic climate, characterized by high interest rates and a lack of appetite for speculative investments, adds to the urgency for these projects to prove their economic viability.

The cryptocurrency market has recently experienced a surge, particularly in AI and DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) tokens, which have captured the attention of traders. Among the standout performers is Aethir (ATH), a decentralized GPU cloud platform that has seen its price skyrocket by 67% in just 24 hours, reaching a market cap of approximately $470 million. This impressive growth can be attributed to a significant partnership with OpenLedger, enhancing Aethir's enterprise-level integrations. Additionally, a collaboration with Arizona State University for AI research has further solidified its position in the market, highlighting the increasing demand for GPU utilization in real-world applications. Worldcoin (WLD), another notable player, has also made headlines with a remarkable 130% increase over the past few days, driven by the launch of its Anonymized Multi-Party Computation (AMPC) upgrade. This new technology allows users to verify their identities anonymously, addressing privacy concerns that have surrounded the project since its inception. As a result, WLD has gained substantial support from both traders and privacy advocates, with analysts predicting a potential push towards the next resistance level at $2.5. The growing interest in AI-driven projects has provided a favorable backdrop for Worldcoin's rally, suggesting that the AI meta may be gaining traction once again. Lastly, Ultima (ULTIMA) has experienced a strong rally fueled by positive updates regarding its financial services network and token utility. After a period of consolidation, the price surged over 44%, reflecting traders' optimism about the project's future. Currently holding steady at around $6.8K, Ultima is seen as quietly building momentum for its next breakout. Meanwhile, Bitcoin Hyper is making waves in the presale market, combining Bitcoin's trust with meme coin energy and offering attractive staking rewards. As the crypto landscape evolves, these projects are at the forefront of the ongoing transformation, capturing the interest of investors and traders alike.

The convergence of on-chain AI agents and decentralized data infrastructure is reshaping the Web3 landscape, creating a new paradigm where autonomous systems optimize physical and digital resources. This shift is driven by DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks), which leverage blockchain incentives to coordinate distributed hardware and services. As of 2025, the DePIN sector has surpassed $50 billion in market capitalization, with over 350 tokens representing compute power, storage, wireless connectivity, and energy grids. Strategic investors are now prioritizing projects that integrate AI-driven automation, decentralized data validation, and cross-chain interoperability to unlock scalable, real-world applications. The DePIN ecosystem has matured rapidly, with projects like Helium (HNT), Filecoin (FIL), and Render (RENDER) leading the charge. Helium’s transition from a community-driven LoRaWAN network to a 5G infrastructure model demonstrates the sector’s evolution, while Filecoin and Render address decentralized storage and GPU rendering, respectively. In the compute domain, IoTeX is pioneering secure, privacy-preserving AI processing through Trusted Execution Environments (TEEs), enabling enterprises to outsource sensitive workloads without compromising data integrity. Ethereum and Solana have emerged as dominant ecosystems for DePIN projects, hosting numerous top-tier initiatives that underscore the importance of technical efficiency in scaling decentralized infrastructure. AI agents are now integral to DePIN’s value proposition, automating tasks like demand forecasting, resource allocation, and predictive maintenance. For example, IoTeX’s Quicksilver AI framework processes 1,700 daily requests, enabling autonomous decision-making in energy grids and mobility systems. These agents enhance DeFi and DAOs by optimizing returns and streamlining decision-making processes. Investors should focus on projects that combine technical innovation with real-world utility, such as IoTeX and Aethir Cloud’s GPU-as-a-Service model. The DePIN sector is poised for further growth, but risks include regulatory uncertainty and competition from centralized providers. Strategic allocations to projects like IoTeX and Aethir will be essential for long-term growth in this evolving landscape.

The blockchain industry is entering a new phase focused on enhancing the infrastructure that supports decentralized applications. A significant development in this area is the recent partnership between Pocket Network (POKT) and Kleomedes, a prominent staking platform within the Cosmos ecosystem. This collaboration aims to tackle the centralization risks associated with Remote Procedure Call (RPC) services, which are crucial for dApps and user interactions with blockchains. By deploying decentralized RPC and open data services across 14 Cosmos chains, including Akash Network and Osmosis, Pocket and Kleomedes are setting a precedent for resilient and censorship-resistant infrastructure, vital for the long-term sustainability of Web3 ecosystems. Centralization in RPC services poses a critical vulnerability for many Cosmos-based chains, which often depend on centralized providers, leading to potential outages and censorship. The partnership will allow Kleomedes to operate nodes within Pocket’s relay marketplace, which boasts hundreds of independently run nodes. This diversification enhances data access and ensures higher uptime, benefiting projects like Router Protocol and Osmosis by providing faster and more reliable data without the risks of vendor lock-in. The collaboration not only addresses immediate technical challenges but also aligns with the broader goals of the Cosmos ecosystem, which emphasizes interoperability through the Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) protocol. Looking ahead, the partnership between Pocket and Kleomedes represents a strategic move towards decentralization and scalability within the Cosmos ecosystem. While challenges remain, such as governance complexities and the need for developer adoption, the trend towards decentralized infrastructure suggests a promising future. This collaboration is not merely a technical enhancement; it embodies a strategic alignment with the evolving landscape of Web3. For investors, the Pocket-Kleomedes partnership is a compelling opportunity, as it strengthens the Cosmos ecosystem’s defensibility and positions it favorably in the transition to decentralized, interoperable systems.