IoTeX Launches Crypto’s Got Talent Season 2 to Support DePIN Projects

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.

The DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) sector is experiencing significant transformation in 2025, with projects like Moonchain ($MCH) leading the charge in redefining blockchain's interaction with real-world data. As both institutional and retail investors seek robust opportunities in the crypto space, Moonchain's strategic integration with the Binance Alpha ecosystem positions it as a prime candidate for early-stage capital allocation. This article delves into Moonchain's unique value proposition, its alignment with Binance Alpha's institutional-grade infrastructure, and its potential to surpass traditional DePIN projects such as Helium and Filecoin. Moonchain sets itself apart by monetizing real-world data through an innovative Initial Hardware Offering (IHO) model. Unlike previous DePIN projects that depended on niche hardware, Moonchain collaborates with consumer tech brands like JBL and CyberCharge to distribute mining devices at no upfront cost, thereby democratizing access to decentralized infrastructure. This model not only lowers entry barriers but also capitalizes on the increasing demand for AI-driven data generation, a trend propelled by the rise of IoT devices and wearable technology. The project's native token, $MCH, functions as a multi-faceted utility asset, facilitating staking for network security, governance participation, and transaction fee discounts, thus fostering a self-sustaining ecosystem. The listing of Moonchain on Binance Alpha on September 3, 2025, marks a significant milestone, as Binance Alpha has emerged as a launchpad for high-conviction projects with strong institutional backing. The platform's dual airdrop for Alpha Points and GT holders ensures early liquidity and user acquisition, while its impressive daily trading volume and active user base indicate robust institutional interest. Moonchain's partnership with Binance Alpha not only enhances liquidity but also aligns with its long-term goals of cross-chain interoperability and deflationary token models. Analysts believe that Binance Alpha's validation of projects with real-world utility, such as Moonchain's AI Value layer, could significantly accelerate adoption beyond mere speculative trading, making it a compelling investment opportunity in the evolving DePIN landscape.

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.

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.