DePIN: The Future of Decentralized Infrastructure in Crypto

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.

IoTeX is set to present a keynote at the Breaking DePIN Physical AI unConference in Zurich on September 16. This presentation will focus on innovative technological methods for supplying authenticated real-time physical data to decentralized applications. The discussion will highlight recent advancements aimed at enhancing data integrity and utility within the emerging physical AI infrastructure. The event promises to be a premier gathering of leading researchers and builders in the field, where IoTeX's Head of Developer Relations, Simone, will showcase the platform's breakthrough technology designed to deliver real-time, real-world data. As an open-source blockchain platform tailored for the Internet of Things (IoT), IoTeX emphasizes scalability, privacy, and the development of decentralized applications and ecosystems. It was created to tackle the technical challenges that existing IoT ecosystems face, including security vulnerabilities, high maintenance costs, and scalability issues. The project is actively working on a new blockchain architecture that can support a vast number of IoT devices, ensuring efficient management and operation. Central to IoTeX's functionality is the concept of a "blockchain within a blockchain." The primary network, referred to as the "root blockchain," oversees network management and security, while internal blockchains, or "sub-blockchains," are utilized to manage various IoT devices and process transactions. The IoTeX network operates using its native token, IOTX, which is essential for transaction fee payments and participation in network governance, further solidifying its role in the IoT landscape.

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.

World Mobile Chain (WMC), a leading blockchain-powered global mobile network, has announced a strategic partnership with Raydium, a decentralized exchange (DEX) and automated market maker (AMM) operating on the Solana blockchain. This collaboration aims to enhance accessibility and decentralized connectivity for the Solana community, ensuring that users can enjoy seamless integration and fast, secure transaction services. The announcement was made through World Mobile Chain's official X account, highlighting the importance of this partnership in the evolving blockchain landscape. At the heart of this partnership is a commitment to providing secure and user-centered services. Both World Mobile Chain and Raydium are focused on creating a safe environment for transactions while promoting decentralized connectivity on a global scale. Raydium's role will be crucial in facilitating smooth transactions, thereby enhancing user access within the Solana ecosystem. This collaboration underscores the significance of Web3 technology, which serves as a foundation for both platforms, ensuring authenticity and reliability in their services. Furthermore, the agreement between World Mobile Chain and Raydium emphasizes their dedication to protecting user assets and privacy. In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, safeguarding user information and ensuring error-free transactions have become paramount. Both partners prioritize these aspects, aiming to deliver seamless and accessible services to the Solana community. This partnership not only strengthens their individual offerings but also contributes to the broader goal of enhancing decentralized connectivity worldwide, ultimately benefiting users across the blockchain space.