As the crypto universe evolves, one term begins to gain traction: DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks).
This concept bets on the idea of taking decentralization beyond the purely digital world, connecting physical resources (data storage, computing, video streaming, or even wireless networks) with blockchain technology. Instead of relying on a single provider, these networks harness the collective potential of diverse participants, creating more secure, cost-effective, and resilient ecosystems.
By 2025, this trend is expected to consolidate, with projects seeking to resolve bottlenecks in energy supply, computing, graphic rendering, content delivery, and much more. By closely observing this sector, there is an opportunity to monitor the development of the infrastructure for the future digital world and, as an added benefit, identify interesting potential investments.
What is a DePIN project?
DePIN stands for "Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks". These projects bridge the physical world with blockchain, creating an environment where vital infrastructure, such as data storage, intensive computing, or video streaming, is managed in a distributed and transparent manner.
So, instead of relying on a centralized data center or a single provider, it relies on a global network of nodes, each contributing and receiving incentives in the form of tokens.
The magic of DePIN lies in eliminating intermediaries and distributing 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 and more agile video distribution network that rewards its participants and reduces costs. It is a decentralization that extends to the real world, building solid bridges between Web3 and tangible infrastructures.
Next, we list six DePIN projects that deserve your attention in 2025, taking into account aspects such as current market value, adoption, and potential impact on the ecosystem. This article is an update to the list we showed in 2024, also here on Square.
1. Internet Computer (ICP)
Internet Computer aims to create a fully decentralized "world computer" where complex applications and complete 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 solid scalability. As the Web3 ecosystem matures, the need for reliable infrastructure without single points of failure grows exponentially.
ICP positions itself as the foundation for multiple services and solutions, ensuring that data execution and storage take place in a reliable environment that is highly integrated with blockchain logic.
2. Render (RENDER)
Render Network connects those who need computing power for rendering graphics, such as animation studios and 3D content creators, with individuals and companies that have idle GPUs.
This marriage reduces costs, democratizes access, and streamlines the production of digital content. In a world increasingly hungry for rich graphics, high-definition movies, and immersive experiences, Render Network creates a global, distributed, and reliable marketplace to meet these demands, offering flexibility and income opportunities to those providing resources.
3. Bittensor (TAO)
Bittensor combines artificial intelligence and blockchain, creating a collaborative marketplace for machine learning. Instead of a single provider offering AI models, we have an ecosystem where each participant contributes data, processing power, or expertise and receives 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 over 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 extra disk space) in FIL.
The result is a system without intermediaries, where data is encrypted, fragmented, and distributed worldwide. In an era marked by an explosion in the amount of data generated and consumed, having a cheaper, secure, and scalable alternative to traditional cloud storage becomes essential. Filecoin promises precisely that, combining cost reduction and increased resilience.
5. The Graph (GRT)
Graph is a data querying and indexing protocol on-chain that allows developers to access information stored across multiple blockchains in a fast and organized manner.
Although it does not directly deal with physical infrastructure, its ability to make data easily accessible is essential for 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, benefiting the entire ecosystem.
6. Theta Network (THETA)
Theta Network decentralizes the distribution of videos and live broadcasts. Users share their idle bandwidth and processing power in exchange for tokens, forming a network capable of delivering high-quality content at a lower cost.
In a world thirsty for streaming, movies, series, online games, and live events, reducing reliance on centralized and costly networks is strategic. Theta offers a model where everyone wins: creators, viewers, and infrastructure providers.
Looking towards the future of decentralized infrastructure
The rise of DePIN projects is a clear sign that the world of cryptocurrencies will not be limited to finance. By combining physical infrastructure (computing, storage, streaming) with the power of blockchain, these initiatives pave the way for a more robust, democratic, and efficient Web3.
Looking towards 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, artificial intelligence), they make it clear that decentralization can and will impact an increasingly broad range of services.
For investors, developers, and enthusiasts, following these projects is not just a way to understand the future of digital infrastructure: it is also an opportunity to be at the forefront of a movement capable of redefining the economy and the way we interact with the fundamental technologies of the world on a day-to-day basis. In 2025, there is much at stake, and anyone paying attention to the steps of DePIN could reap significant rewards.
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