Latest DePIN News

In a recent message, Acurast's Co-Founder Alessandro De Carli celebrated a year of significant progress for the project, emphasizing the importance of community involvement. He expressed gratitude to various contributors, including Cellhasher for their hardware R&D, Passive Crypto Mining for their educational content, and Kevin for his valuable feedback. De Carli highlighted the importance of a collaborative community in achieving Acurast's vision of transforming computing by leveraging billions of smartphones to create a decentralized, secure, and confidential computing platform for developers. The message also detailed Acurast's journey since the launch of the Acurast Lite, noting unprecedented growth in compute provision and activity on their incentivized testnet, which has become the most active chain in the Kusama ecosystem with over 120 million transactions. This success allowed the team to optimize the protocol significantly, achieving over 100x scalability. However, as more developers engaged with the protocol, it became clear that the pricing and reward system required a redesign to ensure long-term sustainability and community participation. Looking ahead, Acurast has set a target for the Token Generation Event (TGE) in April 2025, following extensive discussions on the benefits of delaying the event for better system design. Upcoming milestones include the public release of iOSTokenomics, the launch of a new reward and pricing system, and the introduction of staking and economic security. Acurast aims to redefine the future of computing, particularly in the context of AI, and invites the community to join in this transformative journey.

GEODNET is revolutionizing global positioning services through its decentralized Real-Time Kinematics (RTK) network, which provides cost-effective and precise GPS and GNSS corrections. With centimeter-level accuracy, GEODNET caters to high-precision applications including autonomous vehicles, agricultural automation, and drone deliveries. Founded in 2021 by Mike Horton, who has over 25 years of experience in GNSS and RTK technology, GEODNET has rapidly expanded to over 10,000 RTK base stations globally, making it the largest RTK network in the world. This growth has resulted in an impressive $2 million in annualized revenue, reflecting a 455% increase from the previous year. Utilizing a Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) model, GEODNET significantly reduces the capital and operational costs associated with building a global RTK network. By distributing costs among infrastructure owners, the company has managed to cut expenses by 90% compared to traditional models. This innovative approach has allowed GEODNET to deploy its base stations quickly and efficiently. The network's partnerships with organizations such as the US Department of Agriculture demonstrate its practical applications and scalability, particularly in supporting tractor auto-steering technology. GEODNET's ecosystem continues to grow through strategic collaborations with companies like Boson Motors, Wingbits, and Propeller, enhancing its RTK capabilities across various sectors. These partnerships not only extend GEODNET's reach but also improve the accuracy of applications ranging from precision agriculture to advanced flight tracking. As GEODNET aims to expand its node network to achieve full global coverage within the next few years, its focus on cost efficiency, scalability, and reliability positions it to meet the increasing demand for precise geolocation services in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

In the evolving landscape of the internet, concerns about data privacy are at an all-time high. A recent MAGNA/Ketch survey revealed that only 5% of individuals feel completely secure regarding how companies collect and utilize their personal information. As we transition into Web3, a new paradigm is emerging that empowers users to regain control over their data. By leveraging blockchain technology alongside Privacy-Enhancing Technologies (PETs), Web3 not only enhances data security but also redefines the standards for privacy and transparency in data management. Decentralization is a key principle that enhances data privacy in Web3. Traditional methods of securing data often involve centralizing it in one location, which can create a single point of failure for malicious actors. In contrast, decentralized systems distribute data across multiple locations, making it significantly harder for attackers to exploit. Blockchain technology plays a crucial role in this transformation by providing a transparent and immutable record of transactions while ensuring that sensitive information remains protected off-chain. This dual approach fosters a more trustworthy environment for users, allowing them to verify data management practices without compromising their privacy. Web3 technologies also pave the way for innovative solutions that allow users to monetize their data while maintaining control over its usage. By utilizing smart contracts, individuals can establish clear rules regarding who can access their data and under what circumstances. This shift from being mere users to becoming data owners marks a significant change in the digital economy. With tools like iExec's Privacy Pass, users can earn tokens while keeping their personal information confidential. Ultimately, Web3 is not just about enhancing data privacy; it is about empowering individuals to reclaim ownership of their data and benefit from its value in a secure and transparent manner.

AI tokens are rapidly establishing their significance within the cryptocurrency market, yet comprehending their emissions strategies is essential for mitigating short-term risks. This article explores the tokenomics of several prominent AI projects and their forthcoming supply expansions, providing insights into how these changes may impact market dynamics. Bittensor's $TAO token is projected to experience a substantial 3.02% increase in circulating supply over the next month, translating to an additional $129.26 million in market value. This considerable emission could lead to heightened liquidity and potential selling pressure, prompting investors to closely monitor trading volumes and price fluctuations to gauge market appetite for the increased supply. In contrast, both $AKT from Akash Network and $AIOZ from AIOZ Network are set to expand their circulating supplies by more moderate percentages of 0.82% ($7.92 million) and 0.59% ($7.37 million), respectively. This measured approach aims to balance token dilution while maintaining a controlled release schedule, thereby minimizing market shocks. On the other hand, FetchAI's $FET and Render Network's $RENDER are adopting conservative supply expansion strategies, with $FET seeing a modest 0.30% increase ($14.15 million) and $RENDER planning a minimal 0.10% increase ($4.60 million). These strategies are crafted to safeguard token value by limiting supply-side inflation, particularly during volatile market conditions. Additionally, Virtual AI Agents distinguishes itself by maintaining a static token supply since its inception, with no planned emissions, thereby eliminating dilution risk entirely. This strategy, while stabilizing supply dynamics for token holders, may restrict growth incentives through future token releases. Understanding these diverse emissions strategies is vital for effectively navigating the AI token landscape and managing associated risks.

In a significant move for the decentralized AI ecosystem, io.net has announced a partnership with Zerebro, a creative autonomous AI agent, to enhance Ethereum Validator operations. This collaboration will enable Zerebro to utilize io.net's scalable and geo-distributed GPU network, thereby boosting its computational power for Ethereum validation. The partnership aligns with io.net's mission to provide affordable and scalable GPU resources to AI startups, ensuring reliability and scalability in their operations. This initiative marks a pivotal step in integrating decentralized compute resources into the burgeoning field of AI and blockchain technology. Zerebro's Co-Founder, Agustin Cortes, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating that access to decentralized GPU services will empower users to explore innovative AI applications and complex decentralized applications (DApps). He remarked, "Zerebro is at the forefront of bridging the AI and crypto future," highlighting the commitment to decentralization while fostering innovation. The collaboration is expected to facilitate the development of creative and scalable applications, allowing developers to harness the potential of decentralized compute networks for a variety of on-chain tasks. As Zerebro continues to develop its open-source framework, Zerepy, the focus on securing the Ethereum blockchain through Validator operations is paramount. The partnership with io.net not only aims to enhance Zerebro's core functionalities but also to create a sustainable future for autonomous AI agents. By leveraging io.net's GPU clusters, Zerebro can sustain operations and explore innovations such as large language models on decentralized networks. This collaboration signifies a promising future for the integration of AI and blockchain, fostering an environment that is both autonomous and decentralized, ultimately revolutionizing the landscape of AI agents in the web3 infrastructure.

In a significant development for the AI landscape, io.net, a leader in decentralized physical infrastructure, has partnered with Mira Network, renowned for its trust-less AI output verification. This collaboration aims to enhance the speed, reliability, and scalability of AI validation by leveraging a decentralized network of GPUs. The partnership seeks to address the prevalent issues of inaccuracy and scalability that have hindered the broader adoption of AI technologies across various industries. By utilizing advanced AI verification techniques, the combined efforts of io.net and Mira aim to reduce error rates significantly, with goals to lower first-pass errors to under 5% and ultimately achieve less than 0.1% error rates in AI validation. As Mira Network integrates into io.net's expansive decentralized GPU infrastructure, it gains access to a global pool of computational power. This integration not only accelerates the validation process but also enhances operational efficiency, enabling Mira to scale its verification processes to meet the increasing demands of AI applications. Tausif Ahmed, Chief Business Development Officer at io.net, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating that reliable, consistent, and unbiased insights are crucial for AI to realize its full potential. The collaboration is set to redefine accuracy in AI, showcasing the transformative power of decentralized computing. Furthermore, the partnership supports Mira's Node Delegator Program, which invites individuals and organizations to contribute their GPU resources for AI verification operations. Participants in this program will be rewarded for their contributions, promoting a decentralized and democratized approach to AI validation. Stone Gettings, head of growth at Mira Network, noted that this integration will accelerate AI adoption, highlighting that reliability and trust are essential for the future of AI. As the demand for dependable and scalable validation systems rises, this collaboration between io.net and Mira Network promises to make a lasting impact on the AI ecosystem.

VanEck has announced a significant investment of $2.5 million into DAWN, a decentralized internet service provider (DePIN) project developed by Andrena. This funding comes from VanEck’s Digital Assets Alpha fund and VanEck Ventures, marking a notable moment as it is the first instance where multiple funds within VanEck have directly invested in the same company. This latest round follows a previous successful raise of $18 million by Andrena in August. Neil Chatterjee, CEO of Andrena, emphasized that DAWN is designed to leverage the ongoing shift from wired to wireless internet, particularly with the advancements of 5G and Starlink technology, aiming to empower households to own and benefit from their own networks. The innovative hardware developed by DAWN allows users to share internet access regardless of their current service provider, enabling individuals with underutilized bandwidth to monetize their excess capacity without the complexities of customer acquisition. The $2.5 million investment will be utilized to enhance retail engagement and facilitate the creation of mini-networks for internet sharing, with an eye towards expanding DAWN's user base beyond its current stronghold in the United States. Chatterjee's team is actively seeking partnerships with data centers, internet service providers, and real estate companies to rapidly scale their operations. VanEck Ventures views DAWN as a competitive product that challenges the monopolistic tendencies of traditional internet service providers. General partner Wyatt Lonergan highlighted that the project not only aims to provide consumers with a superior product but also empowers them by turning users into owners through tokenization. This approach is intended to foster network effects that enhance the overall service. Lonergan expressed confidence in the DAWN team, noting that the simplicity of WiFi makes the project more accessible to mainstream audiences compared to other crypto initiatives. Overall, the investment aligns with VanEck's strategy of supporting innovative, early-stage projects with the potential for significant impact in the market.

VanEck, a prominent global asset manager, has made headlines with its recent investment of $2.5 million in the Solana-based DePIN project known as Dawn. This significant financial commitment is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first occasion where multiple funds under the VanEck umbrella have collectively invested in a single entity. The investment is poised to facilitate the development of internet-sharing mini-networks, which will enhance connectivity for users, while also focusing on the expansion of the retail market through innovative hardware solutions. The announcement, reported by crypto media outlet Blockworks, highlights the collaboration between VanEck's Digital Asset Alpha Fund and VanEck Ventures in this venture. The funds will be directed towards creating decentralized networks that leverage blockchain technology to improve physical infrastructure and systems. By utilizing the Solana blockchain, DePIN aims to revolutionize the way tangible infrastructure is managed and accessed, promoting a more decentralized approach to internet sharing and connectivity. This investment not only underscores VanEck's commitment to advancing blockchain technology but also reflects a growing trend among traditional asset managers to explore opportunities within the crypto space. As the DePIN project Dawn progresses, it is expected to pave the way for innovative solutions that enhance user experience and expand market reach, further solidifying the role of blockchain in modern infrastructure development.

As 2024 draws to a close, WiFi Map, the world's largest decentralized crowdsourcing platform, celebrates a remarkable year marked by significant achievements and community-driven progress. The platform has seen explosive growth, surpassing 15 million new app installs, a 40% increase from the previous year, bringing its total downloads to 190 million. This growth underscores WiFi Map's global appeal and relevance in today's interconnected world. Additionally, over 700,000 new contributors joined the platform, pushing the total contributor count to 13 million, with expectations to reach 14 million soon. The introduction of the $WIFI utility token has also revolutionized user engagement, with 3.6 million tokens distributed as rewards, significantly boosting participation rates to an impressive 4.5-5%. In 2024, WiFi Map launched several transformative features, including a dynamic layer system that allows for the rapid deployment of new categories for real-world data, such as public restrooms and drinking fountains. The platform's amenities contribution feature gained traction, with contributors adding over 20,000 amenities, 50,000 photos, and 45,000 reviews in just a few months. The number of newly added WiFi hotspots grew by 22% compared to 2023, while contributors performed an average of 408,000 speed tests per month, a 20% increase from the previous year, reinforcing WiFi Map's reliability as a resource for assessing network performance. Looking ahead to 2025, WiFi Map aims to enhance its impact by migrating all data to the blockchain for improved transparency and security, expanding the utility of the $WIFI token ecosystem, and increasing active wallets and transaction volumes. The platform is committed to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that connectivity becomes a universal right. With community, transparency, and innovation at its core, WiFi Map is poised for another transformative year in 2025, inviting users to join its global community and contribute to the decentralized network that is redefining connectivity.

Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePINs) are revolutionizing the way physical and digital realms interact. By utilizing technologies such as Wi-Fi, cellular connectivity, and data storage, DePINs enable users to share resources directly without intermediaries. This integration of digital and physical infrastructure is essential for the functionality of services like IoT devices, which rely on robust physical networks. The use of blockchain and cryptocurrencies in DePINs ensures that processes are transparent and easily trackable, paving the way for innovative applications across various industries. Among the notable DePIN devices is Dôr, a thermal-sensing people counter that provides valuable insights into customer behavior for businesses. By collecting foot traffic data, Dôr helps retailers enhance customer service and optimize operations. The device's acquisition by blockchain firm Constellation highlights the growing importance of data analytics in retail. Additionally, the US Army employs Dôr to monitor visitor traffic in its museums, showcasing the versatility of this technology. Another significant player is Helium, which operates a decentralized wireless network on the Solana blockchain, rewarding participants for deploying hotspots and enhancing IoT connectivity. Filecoin also stands out as a decentralized storage network that allows users to rent storage space in exchange for cryptocurrency. Its marketplace approach ensures secure data storage and easy access, supported by a vast network of storage providers. HyperAiBox, designed for AI computing, and Shieldeum, a Web3 cybersecurity platform, further illustrate the diverse applications of DePINs. However, the sector faces challenges related to technical complexity, particularly in integrating physical infrastructure with blockchain technology. Solutions like Dôr aim to simplify this process, making it accessible for non-technical users and promoting broader adoption of DePIN technologies.