io.net

On December 11, 2025, io.net unveiled its groundbreaking Incentive Distribution Engine (IDE), a significant overhaul of its tokenomics aimed at fostering a resilient and open market for AI model training and deployment hardware. Since its inception in June 2024, io.net has facilitated over $20 million in compute leases, providing affordable access to AI innovators and researchers through its extensive GPU network. The IDE is designed to align the incentives of all stakeholders, ensuring reliable income for hardware providers and stable pricing for users, thereby enhancing the long-term health of the network. The previous tokenomics model of io.net faced criticism for creating inflationary pressures and leaving the network susceptible to market fluctuations. Concerns regarding the circular nature of hardware and compute agreements in AI development have hindered further investment. The introduction of the IDE aims to establish a trustworthy market that directly connects hardware providers with users, allowing for confident capital deployment by investors and manufacturers. This new model is expected to mitigate the risks associated with decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePINs), which have struggled to meet the demands of the AI sector. Gaurav Sharma, CEO of io.net, emphasized the importance of transitioning from centralized hyperscalers to decentralized, open markets for compute. The IDE is positioned as a pioneering solution that will enhance the growth of io.net by providing a reliable and transparent compute network. The launch of the IDE will not only stabilize income for GPU providers but also promote real-world utility for investors, ultimately creating a more robust compute network for users. The io.net community will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the new tokenomics proposal until February 27, with a final version set to be implemented in Q2 2026.

io.net, a decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) focused on AI compute, has announced a significant overhaul of its tokenomics with the introduction of the Incentive Dynamic Engine (IDE). This new demand-driven model aims to provide long-term stability for suppliers, users, and token holders by moving away from fixed token emissions. Instead, it will implement an automated system that adjusts emissions, buys back tokens, and burns a portion of revenue to mitigate inflationary pressures. Since its launch in June last year, io.net has processed over $20 million in verifiable compute leases, demonstrating real usage demand and necessitating this transition from a bootstrapping phase to a more stable foundation for enterprise and research workloads. At the core of IDE is a shift from a supply-driven rewards schedule to a real-time, demand-driven control system. This mechanism utilizes two counter-cyclical vaults and a “sustainability ratio” to balance payouts and reserves automatically. When revenue is high, the system retains tokens in reserve, while in times of lower demand, it releases tokens to stabilize supplier payouts. This approach aims to make supplier income predictable and enhance the network's resilience across varying market cycles, addressing the risks associated with the previous fixed-emissions model. Moreover, IDE incorporates a built-in deflationary mechanism, committing to using at least 50% of remaining revenue to purchase and permanently burn $IO tokens, with a target of removing over 150 million tokens from circulation over time. The proposal is currently open for community review, with feedback being collected until late February, and a final design is expected to be published ahead of a planned rollout in Q2 2026. Gaurav Sharma, CEO of io.net, emphasized the importance of this shift in enabling decentralized compute markets and aligning incentives for GPU providers, users, and investors, ultimately fostering a reliable and open compute network for AI systems.

In the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency, DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) emerges as a groundbreaking concept that aims to connect physical hardware devices through decentralized networks. By integrating cryptocurrency rewards, DePIN incentivizes network participants, allowing devices to operate autonomously for various purposes, such as GPU computing and global bandwidth infrastructure. This innovative approach combines blockchain and IoT technologies, positioning DePIN as a pivotal bridge between the digital and physical realms, thereby enhancing the status of cryptocurrencies as essential resources in the tech ecosystem. The core philosophy of DePIN revolves around democratizing technology to rival centralized solutions. Participants who contribute hardware to the network can earn cryptocurrency rewards, fostering a collaborative environment. Helium, a pioneer in this domain, launched a decentralized wireless network in 2019, inspiring subsequent projects to develop infrastructure solutions for 5G networks and environmental monitoring. IO.NET is a notable example, designed as a decentralized GPU network that connects providers of computing power with users, optimizing costs and accessibility compared to traditional cloud services. This model addresses the rising demand for AI processing, capitalizing on the vast pool of unused GPU resources globally. IO.NET's offerings, including the IO Worker product, emphasize user-friendly interfaces and real-time monitoring capabilities for connected devices. Additionally, the introduction of the IO.NET GPU worker NFT allows users to own a share of physical GPU devices, simplifying participation in the DePIN ecosystem. This innovative approach, termed "DePIN as a Service," aims to lower entry barriers for users, fostering greater engagement in the DePIN landscape. As the market for decentralized infrastructure continues to grow, projects like IO.NET are positioned to play a crucial role in shaping the future of cryptocurrency and AI applications.

Seoul, South Korea, is set to host the AI DePIN RWA Day during the Korea Blockchain Week 2025 on September 25, 2025. This four-hour event, running from 10 AM to 2 PM, aims to unite builders, investors, and innovators who are at the forefront of decentralized technologies. The event is strategically aligned with KBW Asia's premier blockchain conference, focusing on three transformative verticals in Web3: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Decentralized Physical Infrastructure (DePIN), and Real-World Assets (RWA). This convergence promises to showcase the latest advancements and insights in these rapidly evolving fields. The event is hosted by prominent organizations including Io.net, FailSafe, and ForkOff. Io.net is recognized as a leading decentralized GPU network that provides scalable infrastructure for AI and blockchain applications. FailSafe, backed by Sequoia and Dragonfly Capital, specializes in security services for blockchain companies, offering audits and risk monitoring. ForkOff, a culture studio, focuses on amplifying narratives and creating impactful experiences within the blockchain ecosystem. Together, these hosts represent critical pillars of Web3, emphasizing security, infrastructure, and culture. Attendees can expect a rich agenda featuring keynotes and discussions that delve into how AI, DePIN, and RWA are reshaping infrastructure and finance. There will also be opportunities for networking among investors, developers, and operators, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. With strategic partnerships from Taiko, Tectonic, Sogni Protocol, and Camp Network, the AI DePIN RWA Day aims to promote mainstream adoption and cultural integration within the Web3 space, making it a highlight of the Korea Blockchain Week 2025.

The concept of Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) is rapidly gaining traction in the cryptocurrency space, transforming how we perceive ownership and utility in our daily lives. No longer confined to speculative trading, DePIN offers a tangible approach to decentralizing essential infrastructure such as ride-sharing networks, cloud storage, and energy grids. By leveraging crypto incentives, individuals can contribute to these networks—whether by sharing unused GPU power or setting up solar panel nodes—and receive tokens in return. This shift not only democratizes access to services but also fosters a community-driven approach to infrastructure development. As we look toward 2025, the DePIN sector is projected to explode, with billions in market capitalization. Established players like Render, Helium, and Filecoin continue to dominate, while newcomers such as io.net and DIMO are making significant waves. The diversity of projects under the DePIN umbrella showcases its potential: from decentralized GPU rendering for artists to peer-to-peer energy trading platforms. This burgeoning ecosystem highlights the innovative ways in which blockchain technology can be applied to real-world challenges, creating a new paradigm for infrastructure ownership and service delivery. However, the road ahead is not without its challenges. Issues such as uneven hardware distribution, skewed tokenomics, and the risk of speculative behavior pose significant hurdles for the DePIN movement. As the community engages in lively discussions about the future of DePIN, it becomes clear that while the potential for disruption is immense, so too is the skepticism surrounding its sustainability. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether DePIN can realize its ambitious vision of a decentralized, community-owned infrastructure landscape or if it will succumb to the pitfalls of previous crypto trends. The stakes are high, and the implications for consumers, developers, and investors alike could reshape the digital economy as we know it.

This week, the cryptocurrency market is set to witness significant insider token unlocks, totaling over $219 million, with Aptos (APT), Immutable (IMX), and io.net (IO) among the prominent tokens affected. The unlocks are scheduled to occur between July 7 and 13, 2025, and could have a substantial impact on the prices of these altcoins. As Bitcoin hovers near $109,000, the market sentiment remains bullish, but the influx of new tokens could introduce selling pressure on APT, IMX, and IO, raising questions about their short-term price movements. Aptos, a layer-1 blockchain known for its scalability, is set to release approximately $50.78 million worth of tokens, representing 1.75% of its circulating supply. Immutable, focusing on NFT infrastructure, will see $10.43 million unlocked, accounting for 1.31% of its supply. Meanwhile, io.net, a decentralized AI computing network, will release $9.28 million, or 7.64% of its circulating supply. These large cliff unlocks, which occur after a vesting period, can lead to increased selling pressure if holders choose to liquidate their positions. Conversely, if insiders retain their tokens, it may indicate confidence in the projects, potentially stabilizing or boosting prices. The price forecasts for APT, IMX, and IO suggest that they may experience short-term pressure due to the new supply entering the market. Aptos has key support at $3.7 and resistance levels at $4.9 and $5.2, with potential targets of $8 and $10 if it breaks above $5. Immutable's demand zone lies near $0.32, while io.net has support around $0.5 and resistance at $0.75. The overall market sentiment and broader cryptocurrency trends will play a crucial role in determining the direction of these tokens in the coming days.