Lit Protocol Launches Event Listener for Enhanced Blockchain Interoperability

In June, CUDOS made significant strides in the realm of decentralized computing, highlighted by its presence at the NVIDIA GTC Paris event. The keynote by Jensen Huang showcased CUDO Compute as a leading GPU cloud provider, emphasizing its role in supporting AI infrastructure in the UK. This recognition underscores the broader CUDO ecosystem, where CUDO Compute serves as the high-performance backend while CUDOS Intercloud offers a permissionless, wallet-authenticated layer for users seeking privacy and a Web3-native experience. This collaboration is pivotal for the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (ASI), aiming to democratize infrastructure for sovereign AI. The deployment of the Nexus Node Template marks a significant advancement for CUDOS Intercloud, allowing users to launch EVM-compatible blockchain nodes effortlessly. With wallet-authenticated access and no KYC requirements, users can deploy a validator node in under two minutes, starting at just $0.02 per hour. This initiative is designed for contributors, earners, and DePIN node operators, enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of decentralized computing. The quick deployment guide and low-latency uptime further facilitate the onboarding process for new users. June also marked a milestone for CUDOS Intercloud, celebrating six months of powering the ASI's decentralized infrastructure. A live discussion with core contributors reflected on the progress made in AI workloads and the transition from centralized cloud services to sovereign AI infrastructure. The ecosystem metrics for June were impressive, with over 2.5 million GPU compute hours delivered and more than $2.2 million in cumulative revenue. This growth trajectory indicates a robust demand for permissionless computing solutions, setting the stage for future advancements in the decentralized compute landscape.

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.

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 ride-hailing, the introduction of Soulbound Tokens (SBTs) is set to revolutionize how mobility is perceived and valued. Traditionally, drivers' reputations are confined to ephemeral ratings and feedback systems controlled by platforms. SBTs, proposed by Ethereum's Vitalik Buterin, are non-transferable digital credentials that reside on the blockchain, representing a driver's identity, reputation, achievements, and trustworthiness. This innovation allows for a more permanent and verifiable record of a driver's history, ensuring that their accomplishments are not lost when they switch platforms or take breaks. For drivers, SBTs promise to log every completed ride on-chain, reflecting long-term reliability and building a verifiable trust score. This could open doors to accessing capital, insurance, or better job opportunities, fundamentally changing the way drivers interact with mobility platforms. By empowering drivers with ownership of their work history, SBTs create a self-sovereign identity that transcends the limitations of traditional ride-hailing apps, ensuring that their contributions are recognized and rewarded. Riders, too, stand to benefit from the implementation of SBTs. These tokens can reward loyalty with on-chain credentials, proving reliability for faster matching and enabling cross-platform benefits without compromising sensitive data. DRIFE is at the forefront of this movement, building an infrastructure layer for mobility identity that allows both drivers and riders to control their reputations. As SBTs are integrated into the DRIFE ecosystem, the focus shifts from mere ratings to a comprehensive mobility protocol, ensuring that everyone involved in urban mobility gains the recognition and sovereignty they deserve.

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.