As the crypto universe evolves, a term begins to gain traction: DePIN — Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks.
This concept focuses on the idea of taking decentralization beyond the purely digital world, connecting physical resources (data storage, computing, video transmission or even wireless networks) with blockchain technology. Instead of relying on a single provider, these networks harness the collective potential of multiple participants, creating safer, more cost-effective and resilient ecosystems.
By 2025, this trend is expected to continue, with projects seeking to solve bottlenecks in energy supply, computing, graphics rendering, content delivery, and more. By closely observing this sector, there is an opportunity to closely monitor the development of the infrastructure of the digital future — and, in the process, identify interesting potential investments.
What is a DePIN Project?
DePIN stands for “Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks”. These projects bridge the physical world with the blockchain, creating an environment where vital infrastructure, such as data storage, intensive computing or video streaming, is managed in a distributed and transparent way.
So instead of relying on a centralized data center or single provider, you rely on a global network of nodes, each contributing and receiving incentives in the form of tokens.
The magic of DePIN is that it removes the middlemen and distributes control. Imagine sharing your computer’s processing power to render graphics or offering unused storage space to other users, and receiving tokens in return. Or think of a cheaper, faster video distribution network that rewards its participants and reduces costs. This is decentralization extending to the real world, building solid bridges between Web3 and tangible infrastructure.
Below, we’ve listed six DePIN projects worth your attention in 2025, taking into account aspects such as current market cap, adoption, and potential impact on the ecosystem. This article is an update to the list we shared in 2024, also here on Square.
1. Internet Computer (ICP)
The Internet Computer seeks to create a completely decentralized “world computer” in which complex applications and entire services run directly on a global network of independent data centers.
Instead of relying on large cloud providers, developers can host their applications in a distributed manner, with cryptographic security and robust scalability. As the Web3 ecosystem matures, the need for reliable infrastructure with no single points of failure grows exponentially.
ICP is positioned as the basis for multiple services and solutions, ensuring that data execution and storage take place in a trusted environment that is highly integrated with the blockchain logic.
2. Render (RENDER)
The Render Network connects those who need computing power for graphics rendering, such as animation studios and 3D content creators, with people and companies who have idle GPUs.
This combination reduces costs, democratizes access, and makes digital content production more agile. In a world increasingly hungry for elaborate graphics, high-definition films, and immersive experiences, Render Network creates a global, distributed, and reliable marketplace to meet these demands, offering both flexibility and revenue opportunities to those who make resources available.
3. Bittensor (TAO)
Bittensor combines artificial intelligence and blockchain, creating a collaborative machine learning marketplace. Instead of a single provider offering AI models, we have an ecosystem where each participant contributes data, processing power or insights, receiving tokens in return. This turns the race for artificial intelligence into a collective effort, reducing research costs and making the development of sophisticated algorithms more accessible.
Given the growing importance of AI, Bittensor offers a decentralized, scalable and meritocratic path, ensuring that there is no monopoly on knowledge or computational resources.
4. Filecoin (FIL)
Filecoin is a decentralized data storage marketplace. Users who need to store information securely pay independent providers — anyone with spare disk space — in FIL.
The result is a system without intermediaries, where data is encrypted, fragmented and distributed across the globe. In an era marked by the explosion in the amount of data generated and consumed, having a cheaper, safer and scalable alternative to traditional cloud storage becomes essential. Filecoin promises just that, combining cost reduction and greater resilience.
5. The Graph (GRT)
The Graph is an on-chain data indexing and querying protocol, allowing developers to access information stored across multiple blockchains quickly and in an organized manner.
While it doesn't directly address physical infrastructure, its ability to make data easily accessible is essential to the functioning of many DePIN projects. As Web3 grows, applications will need to query data from numerous sources.
The Graph simplifies this task, ensuring agility and reliability in accessing information, which benefits the entire ecosystem.
6. Theta Network (THETA)
The Theta Network decentralizes the distribution of videos and live broadcasts. Users share their bandwidth and idle processing power in exchange for tokens, forming a network capable of delivering high-quality content at a lower cost.
In a world hungry for streaming, movies, series, online games and live events, reducing dependence on centralized and expensive networks is strategic. Theta offers a model where everyone wins: creators, viewers and infrastructure providers.
Looking to the Future of Decentralized Infrastructure
The rise of DePIN projects is a clear sign that the crypto world will not be limited to finance. By marrying physical infrastructure (computing, storage, transmission) with the power of blockchain, these initiatives open the door to a more robust, democratic, and efficient Web3.
Looking ahead to 2025, solutions like ICP, RENDER, Bittensor, Filecoin, The Graph, and Theta Network are at the forefront of this transformation. By focusing on different verticals (computing, storage, data, video streaming, AI), they make it clear that decentralization can, and will, impact an ever-increasing range of services.
For investors, developers, and enthusiasts, following these projects isn’t just a way to understand the future of digital infrastructure—it’s also a chance to be on the front lines of a movement that could redefine the economy and how we interact with fundamental technologies in our daily lives. The stakes are high in 2025, and those who keep their eyes on DePIN’s every move could reap significant rewards.
Photo by mockupstrend, available on Freepik.