Authors: Lockridge Okoth & Daria Krasnova

Compiled by: Felix, PANews

DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network) is a hot trend for 2024 and one of the popular narratives in the crypto market. One of the leading projects in this field is Grass, a decentralized network for collecting and building public network data.

Grass has recently gained attention due to airdrops, but has faced backlash due to issues with the Phantom wallet. Below are 9 alternatives to Grass.

Rivalz Network

Rivalz offers a unique AI-driven platform that rewards users for sharing and processing data. The network incentivizes participants to run nodes to earn points redeemable for RIZ tokens.

The testnet encourages users to contribute to the decentralized infrastructure for AI data applications and sets high reward rankings based on participation. To participate in the Rivalz airdrop, users must link their wallets and complete social participation tasks to earn points.

Tokens distributed during the airdrop may be used for various purposes within the platform, including staking, rewards, and in-game purchases.

Dawn

Dawn is a decentralized communication protocol aimed at enhancing the Solana ecosystem, which is nearing saturation. Dawn positions itself as a key player in decentralized internet access, having raised $33 million in funding prior to its anticipated Token Generation Event (TGE).

Although the details regarding potential airdrops have yet to be confirmed, users can support the development of Dawn by participating in its community and testnet. Reward criteria assess connection duration, referrals, following DAWN on social media, and participation as a validator node.

Every 24 hours, users are eligible to earn 1,440 reward points. Users will earn points based on download duration, activity level, and connection status.

Kuzco

Kuzco is a decentralized GPU network optimized for efficient language model processing, supported by a16z. Kuzco is designed for high-speed AI computation, incentivizing users to download and run its software, rewarding them for contributing idle computing power.

The platform offers reward mining, making it an attractive option for those looking to leverage Kuzco's processing power.

Nexus

NexusLabs is the first zkVM prover network, providing mining opportunities through a simple process: users participate by keeping the Nexus window open. NexusLabs has received $27.2 million in funding from investors such as Pantera Capital, Dragonfly, and Lightspeed Ventures, rewarding participants with points that can be converted to tokens at mainnet launch.

To receive airdrops and rewards, users must complete specific tasks, strictly follow instructions, and monitor task updates. This is another opportunity for rewards following the closure of the Nexus node testnet in late October, marking the next phase of development for NexusLabs.

Aggregata

Aggregata enables users to monetize AI-generated data and participate in its ecosystem. The leading investor, Binance Labs, has enabled this AI data asset platform to attract users who use ChatGPT and connect their wallets. Participants interact with ChatGPT and earn Byte points.

The more questions users ask, the more Byte points they can earn; the quality of the questions may also affect the number of Byte points users receive.

Additionally, users can earn reward points by using the platform's extension and invitation codes. This creates a reward cycle for interactions within the Aggregata ecosystem.

Oasis AI

Oasis AI converts spoken language into refined text, rewarding users for interacting with its platform. After raising $2.8 million, the project offers points to users who use its browser extension. By accumulating points, users can participate in the platform's development and potentially profit from data monetization.

At the same time, Oasis AI also provides services such as chat assistants, image generators, and speech-to-text. Users can earn OAI by connecting to the network and leveraging existing GPU and CPU resources to support the models.

Oasis states: 'Oasis AI is airdropping free OAI tokens to users who register and share computing power. Create an account, install the extension, and share computing power to start earning OAI tokens. Users can also earn more by referring friends.'

Point mining has been open since May, and a recent article on Medium indicates that Oasis AI airdrop has opened for claiming.

BlockMesh Network

BlockMesh is designed for decentralized and secure communication, advocating for ethical AI oversight. BlockMesh has secured $250,000 in investment and is confirmed to be airdropping tokens. It encourages users to register and complete tasks through its extension, providing points that can be redeemed for future token airdrops or rewards.

Specifically, Blockmesh users can monetize excess internet bandwidth by contributing to the decentralized network. The airdrop is currently in its early stages, with points accumulated through various activities on the platform. Similar to other successful projects in the field, these points may play a role in future token distributions.

The airdrop plan includes multiple monetization mechanisms. These include sharing bandwidth through a Chrome extension, social media participation, and referral systems. Users increase their earning potential by completing various tasks and maintaining active involvement in the network.

BlockMesh states: 'While the exact token exchange rate has not been announced, it is expected that points will impact future token distributions. The more points accumulated, the higher the potential rewards during the token distribution period.'

Gradient Network

Gradient is a Solana-focused project backed by Sequoia and Multicoin Capital, optimizing computing resources through liquid staking services to enhance interoperability between blockchain networks. By joining Gradient's computing network and downloading its mining extension, users can earn rewards supporting AI and Web3 applications.

Although airdrops are still unconfirmed and no tokens have been launched yet, Gradient has introduced a points program called 'Sentry Node Open Beta.' To earn points, participants must register, follow Gradient on X (formerly Twitter), and install the extension.

Users can also increase their points by inviting friends to receive airdrops when the project tokens go live. Gradient prioritizes fair and transparent community participation.

Each user only needs to register one account and install one Sentry Node on each device.

Navigate AI

Navigate AI provides Web3 data-sharing opportunities, allowing users to profit from sharing data on the Navigate network. Navigate has received funding from Kraken and currently has a user base of 5,000, where users can download its extension and start mining. The network provides a monetization path for its unique data ecosystem.

Summary

The aforementioned cryptocurrency airdrops provide viable alternatives to Grass. They indicate a growing trend of creating decentralized profit opportunities using Web3 technology, which can incentivize user participation, data sharing, and computational contributions.

Whether by running nodes, contributing data, or simply participating in AI-driven platforms, these projects enable ordinary users to engage in the ever-expanding Web3 economy and gain economic benefits.

Related reading: After the airdrop, what characteristics does the network crawler project Grass, which combines AI and DePIN, have?