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 it has faced resistance due to issues with the Phantom wallet. Here 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 in exchange for points redeemable for RIZ tokens.

The testnet encourages users to contribute to the decentralized infrastructure for AI data applications and sets up high-reward leaderboards 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 and has raised $33 million in funding ahead of the anticipated token generation event (TGE).

While details regarding potential airdrops have yet to be confirmed, users can support Dawn's development by engaging with 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 receive 1,440 reward points. Users will earn points based on download time, 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 and rewarding them for contributing idle computing power.

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

Nexus

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

To qualify for 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 allowed this AI data asset platform to attract users who utilize 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 invite 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 utilize 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 offers services like 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 your 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 the Oasis AI airdrop is now available 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 a confirmed project for airdrops. It encourages users to register through its extension and complete tasks, 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, and points are accumulated through various activities on the platform. Like other successful projects in the field, these points may play a role in future token distribution.

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

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

Gradient Network

Gradient is a Solana-focused project supported 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 that support AI and Web3 applications.

Although the airdrop has not been confirmed 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 that allow users to profit by sharing data on the Navigate network. Navigate has secured funding from Kraken and currently has a user base of 5,000, with users able to download its extension and start mining. The network offers 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 benefit economically from it.