Ewha Womans University Partners with Theta to Advance AI Research

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.

Aethir, a decentralized compute network, has recently entered into a partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), specifically its Endless Games and Learning Lab. This collaboration marks a significant milestone as it is Aethir's first venture with an educational institution. The primary goal of this partnership is to launch a pilot scheme that will explore scalable, real-world applications of applied AI within game-based learning environments. ASU is renowned for its innovation and patent achievements, making it an ideal partner for Aethir's ambitious project. The Endless Games and Learning Lab plans to utilize Aethir's distributed AI compute platform to facilitate applied research, student-led development, and interactive learning experiences. Aethir is also contributing up to $3 million in network credits to support this initiative. The first projects stemming from this collaboration are anticipated to commence in the 2025–2026 academic year. Aethir's network boasts over 435,000 containers of virtual GPU-powered hardware across more than 90 countries, including significant presences in Singapore, the US, and Hong Kong. Mark Ollila, the director of ASU’s Endless Games and Learning Lab, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that it enables the scaling of their ambitions through a high-performance, globally distributed AI infrastructure. He emphasized the vision of making educational AI and game-based learning accessible and meaningful. Aethir’s chief revenue officer, Paul Thind, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential for AI and edge computing to unlock new avenues for learning, creativity, and collaboration among students and researchers alike.

The memecoin market is experiencing significant shifts, with various platforms vying for supremacy across different blockchains. Notably, Pump.fun, the leading launchpad on Solana, has achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing $800 million in lifetime revenue. This platform, which imposes a 1% swap fee on transactions, has re-established its position at the forefront of the memecoin boom. Earlier this summer, it faced stiff competition from LetsBonk.fun, a rival platform that temporarily outperformed it in token graduations. However, recent trends indicate that Pump.fun has regained its lead as many prominent memecoin deployers return to its ecosystem. Pump.fun's revenue trajectory has been impressive, generating over $1 million daily, starkly contrasting with LetsBonk's revenue, which has plummeted from nearly $1 million per day to under $30,000. This growing disparity has reinforced Pump.fun's dominance in the sector. Adding to its success, the platform launched its native token last month, raising an astounding $600 million within minutes of its offering. Currently, it is engaging in token buybacks above market prices to stabilize its token and bolster long-term investor confidence. As the memecoin landscape evolves, new challengers like Base are emerging. Backed by Coinbase, Base has recently surpassed Solana in new launches, aided by its integration with the decentralized social platform Zora. Data indicates that Base saw nearly 58,000 new memecoins created in a single day, compared to Solana's 33,000. This rapid shift highlights the volatility and potential of the memecoin market, where platforms can rise and fall swiftly. For investors, while the memecoin sector remains a high-risk, high-reward arena, projects like MAGACOIN FINANCE are attracting attention from whales, suggesting potential for significant returns in the upcoming altcoin season.

In recent weeks, the TAO price has garnered significant attention as Bittensor continues to lead discussions in the AI-driven cryptocurrency sector. Despite a strong social sentiment surrounding the project, the price dynamics reveal ongoing challenges. Currently, the TAO price is navigating a critical phase, caught between bearish pressure and the potential for recovery. Market conditions indicate that while social engagement is high, with 24.8K posts and 3M interactions reported in just 24 hours, this enthusiasm is not yet reflected in the price action. The recent performance of TAO has been concerning, with a decline of 1.2% in the last 24 hours and over 23% in the past month. The price chart indicates that TAO has struggled to generate positive momentum amid a weak broader market. Resistance levels between $460 and $480 have proven to be significant barriers, and in August, TAO fell below the critical support level of $358, shifting the trend towards bearish sentiment. Currently, the token hovers around the $320 support level, with risks pointing towards a potential retest of $301. Looking ahead, the Bittensor price prediction remains cautious in the short term, as bears may target deeper corrections towards the $200 support. However, the long-term outlook for Bittensor remains optimistic due to its role in decentralized AI infrastructure. The unique design of rewarding distributed computing power with TAO tokens continues to attract long-term believers. If the broader cryptocurrency market rebounds, it could shift sentiment positively, allowing TAO to stabilize and potentially recover, with bulls eyeing the $490 level as a target for the year ahead.

The cryptocurrency market in 2025 presents a complex landscape characterized by contrasting dynamics. As the sector matures, three pivotal themes are emerging: meme coins, real-world asset (RWA) tokenization platforms, and decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN). Investors are now faced with the challenge of navigating this multifaceted environment, where speculative fervor meets institutional pragmatism. The evolution of meme coins, such as XYZVerse, illustrates this shift from mere internet jokes to serious investment vehicles, blending community engagement with innovative tokenomics to create a compelling investment opportunity. The tokenization of real-world assets has transitioned from a theoretical concept to a burgeoning market valued at $25.4 billion. Platforms like Ondo Finance and Centrifuge are leading the charge by offering fractional ownership of traditionally illiquid assets such as U.S. Treasuries and real estate. Ondo's USDY stablecoin, backed by government bonds, has notably outperformed traditional fixed-income instruments, showcasing the potential of RWAs to democratize access to valuable assets. However, the sector faces challenges, particularly regarding regulatory clarity, which remains a critical risk factor for investors looking to capitalize on this trend. Decentralized physical infrastructure networks are revolutionizing the way critical systems are built and maintained. Projects like Helium and Filecoin are creating scalable solutions that enhance accessibility and reduce costs. While the growth of DePIN tokens has been modest, their long-term potential is significant as they lay the groundwork for future blockchain adoption. Investors are encouraged to adopt a layered strategy, balancing high-risk meme coins with more stable RWA platforms and long-term DePIN investments. As the market evolves, recognizing the interplay between speculative demand and institutional utility will be key to identifying successful investment opportunities in the cryptocurrency space.