IoTeX Partners with HashKey Exchange for AI Ecosystem Center

On September 1st, 2025, IoTeX, a blockchain platform focused on Real-World AI, announced the launch of Season 2 of "Crypto's Got Talent" (CGT), a community-driven competition aimed at identifying and supporting promising DePIN projects. Sponsored by 0G Network, the largest Layer 1 blockchain designed for AI, this season aims to blend entertainment with ecosystem collaboration and funding to foster Web3 infrastructure adoption. Applications for the competition opened in August, with the live show set to begin on September 8. The event will consist of eight to nine episodes, culminating in a livestreamed finale where around 25 selected teams will compete for milestone-based grants, ultimately leading to six funded winners. The first season of CGT was a significant success, garnering nearly 200,000 impressions and close to 3,000 community votes. Five standout projects received grants and are now making strides in various sectors, including electric vehicle charging, 3D mapping, drone detection, environmental data, and on-chain finance. Jing Sun, co-founder of IoTeX, emphasized the program's goal of highlighting builders addressing real-world infrastructure challenges, and with the backing of 0G, Season 2 is expected to be even larger and more impactful. Season 2 will maintain the unique format of public pitch rounds, video demonstrations, and a final showcase to determine winners based on innovation, execution, and real-world impact. Michael Heinrich, Co-Founder and CEO of 0G, expressed pride in sponsoring CGT, aligning with their mission to empower builders in the AI and Web3 space. Together, IoTeX and 0G aim to support teams that are advancing decentralized infrastructure and real-world AI applications, paving the way for a democratized future of intelligence.

The convergence of decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) and artificial intelligence (AI) is witnessing a significant transformation, particularly through strategic partnerships like that of IoTeX and 0G Network. As the need for verifiable real-world data and scalable infrastructure intensifies, these collaborations are foundational in ushering in a new era of Web3 innovation. The partnership exemplifies a forward-thinking approach, co-hosting "Crypto’s Got Talent Season 2" to identify and fund 25 DePIN startups, with six winners receiving milestone-based grants and ongoing support. This initiative builds on the success of Season 1, which funded projects in energy, mapping, and environmental data, showcasing a clear trajectory toward scaling real-world applications. IoTeX’s Quicksilver framework, which processed 1,700 daily requests in July 2025—a 70% increase from the previous month—demonstrates its expanding AI capabilities. This framework facilitates real-time AI applications by connecting DePIN devices with machine learning models, enabling autonomous decision-making in sectors like mobility and energy. Additionally, the Unify Protocol enhances the discovery and validation of physical-world data, crucial for AI systems that rely on trustless, real-time inputs. User-facing innovations such as ioPay’s binoAI democratize access to DePIN insights, allowing users to query on-chain data directly within their wallets, while multi-agent collaborations signify a shift toward autonomous AI networks. IoTeX’s strategic alliances with HashKey Exchange and Animoca Brands further solidify its position as a bridge between DePIN and institutional-grade infrastructure. The AI Ecosystem Center in Hong Kong, launched with HashKey, promotes regulated digital asset development and the tokenization of real-world assets, including EV charging station management via IoTeX’s blockchain. Furthermore, cross-chain expansions into Solana, Ethereum, and Base enable interoperable DePIN networks, aligning with broader industry trends. IoTeX’s recent funding round and increasing daily request volume for Quicksilver reflect strong investor confidence, making this partnership not just a collaboration but a blueprint for the future of DePIN and AI, addressing scalability, trust, and real-world applicability challenges.

WeatherXM is revolutionizing the way weather data is collected and utilized by establishing a decentralized network that enhances accessibility and reliability. Traditional weather infrastructure has been centralized and costly, leading to inefficiencies and blind spots in data collection. WeatherXM aims to change this by allowing anyone to contribute to the network, thereby creating a self-sustaining ecosystem where data collection, demand, and token value are interlinked. This innovative approach not only benefits individual contributors but also society at large by providing more comprehensive weather data that can influence various sectors, including agriculture and energy. In the past year, WeatherXM has made significant strides in forming partnerships and deploying its technology globally. Collaborations with organizations like Esri and the Hydrometeorological and Environmental Industry Association have enhanced the visibility and credibility of WeatherXM’s data. These partnerships enable WeatherXM to integrate its data into widely used platforms, improving workflows in critical areas such as emergency response and agriculture. Additionally, collaborations with forecast providers like Spire Global and meteoblue have allowed WeatherXM to fill data gaps and improve the accuracy of weather forecasts, making it a recognized contributor to the global forecasting ecosystem. Looking ahead, WeatherXM is focused on scaling its operations and expanding its global footprint. The company is actively deploying its stations in regions with high climate risk but low data coverage, such as rural India and parts of Africa. Furthermore, WeatherXM is exploring integration into prediction markets, positioning itself as a trusted source for on-chain weather data. As the network grows, WeatherXM aims to create a robust ecosystem that not only meets the demands of traditional industries but also embraces decentralized finance (DeFi) and innovative financial products. This holistic approach ensures that WeatherXM remains at the forefront of weather data solutions, unlocking new opportunities in climate risk management and parametric insurance.

IoTeX has officially announced the launch of Crypto’s Got Talent (CGT) Season 2, a competition aimed at showcasing and funding high-potential decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) projects. Sponsored by 0G Network, this season is set to kick off on September 8, featuring 25 teams competing across eight to nine episodes. The previous season garnered nearly 200,000 impressions and successfully supported five innovative projects spanning various sectors, including energy, mapping, drone technology, environmental data, and finance. The CGT competition is designed to blend entertainment with ecosystem collaboration and real funding opportunities to foster Web3 adoption. Applications for the competition opened in August, and the event will culminate in a live finale. The selected teams will compete for milestone-based grants, with six winners receiving funding. Additionally, the program will provide 4-6 months of post-competition support to help projects scale and achieve measurable outcomes. Jing Sun, co-founder of IoTeX, emphasized the need for innovative DePIN projects and expressed confidence that Season 2 will be larger and more impactful. Michael Heinrich, CEO of 0G Network, expressed pride in sponsoring the CGT competition, highlighting its alignment with their mission to empower AI and Web3 builders. IoTeX, founded in 2017, currently supports over 100 projects and 40 million devices across various sectors, including mobility, robotics, energy, and health. The platform's infrastructure enables access to verified real-time physical world data, which is crucial for AI systems and decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. Furthermore, IoTeX has been officially listed on CF Benchmarks, allowing banks and asset managers to create regulated products with IOTX.

The Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) is gaining traction in the technology and blockchain sectors. By leveraging blockchain technology and token incentives, DePIN platforms enable individuals to collaboratively build and manage physical infrastructure. This innovative approach not only enhances infrastructure efficiency but also allows participants to earn rewards through token systems. Here, we explore five leading DePIN platforms that are transforming infrastructure usage: Helium Network, Filecoin, Render Network, Akash Network, and The Graph. Helium Network stands out as a decentralized IoT network that provides wireless connectivity for IoT devices. Users can contribute by setting up wireless hotspots, which facilitate communication for these devices, and in return, they earn HNT tokens. Filecoin, on the other hand, focuses on decentralized data storage, allowing users to rent out their unused storage space and earn FIL tokens. Render Network offers a platform for users to rent their GPU processing power for graphics rendering, rewarding them with RENDER tokens. Similarly, Akash Network provides a decentralized cloud computing service where users can lease their computing resources and receive AKT tokens in return. Lastly, The Graph serves as a decentralized data indexation service for decentralized applications (dApps), allowing users to earn GRT tokens for their indexing services. These platforms exemplify how blockchain can facilitate decentralized and efficient physical infrastructure. However, potential participants should conduct thorough research and understand the associated risks before engaging in these opportunities, as the crypto market is known for its volatility and unpredictability.

IoTeX Secures Investment from Animoca Brands IoTeX, a leading blockchain platform specializing in transforming real-world data into collective intelligence for AI, announced a significant investment from Animoca Brands. This partnership also involves Animoca Brands becoming a network validator and ecosystem partner for IoTeX. Since 2017, IoTeX has been instrumental in providing infrastructure for AI and blockchains by utilizing real-world data from machines and decentralized physical networks (DePINs). The platform supports over 100 projects and 40 million devices in various sectors such as mobility, robotics, energy, and healthcare. With substantial funding from investors like SamsungNext, Draper Dragon, and more, IoTeX's network facilitates AI's access to real-time data, enabling autonomous interactions with the physical world. The company's core infrastructure, including its Layer 1 blockchain, ioID decentralized identity, $IOTX token, and Quicksilver AI data framework, empowers developers to create impactful AI models and applications. Strategic Partnership for AI Innovation Animoca Brands' investment and strategic involvement mark a significant milestone for IoTeX, reinforcing its position in the AI sector and accelerating the adoption of Web3-powered AI applications. This collaboration aims to tap into the multi-trillion-dollar market for AI and real-world data. By supporting IoTeX's expansion in Asia and globally, Animoca Brands will leverage its network and industry expertise to drive innovation at the intersection of blockchain, decentralized infrastructure, tokenized assets, and AI. As a network validator for IoTeX, Animoca Brands will enhance the security, decentralization, and sustainability of the network, ensuring a robust foundation for future Web3 and AI applications. The partnership signifies a crucial step towards unlocking the full potential of decentralized infrastructure, as stated by Yat Siu, co-founder and executive chairman of Animoca Brands, and Raullen Chai, co-founder and CEO of IoTeX. Empowering AI with Real-Time Physical Data Founded in 2017, IoTeX plays a pivotal role in providing blockchain infrastructure that integrates real-time physical data to empower AI systems. With a focus on enabling intelligent systems to operate in real-time physical environments, IoTeX's technology bridges the gap between blockchain and AI, offering opportunities for real-world AI applications. The collaboration between IoTeX and Animoca Brands signifies a significant advancement in the realm of AI innovation, aiming to drive the next phase of Web3 and AI development.