VanEck Invests $2.5 Million in Solana-Based DePIN Project Dawn

Decentralized cloud computing platform Aethir has launched Batch 6 of its $100 million Ecosystem Fund, expanding its support to include real-world asset (RWA) startups alongside its existing focus on AI agents. This initiative, announced on April 23, aims to integrate promising RWA projects into Aethir's decentralized cloud ecosystem by providing grants in the form of decentralized GPU cloud computing power. The fund has already supported over 25 AI-focused grantees, and the latest batch includes innovative projects such as Zoo Finance, Upside OS, and PinLink, which are set to enhance the intersection of traditional finance and digital markets. The Ecosystem Fund operates by granting access to Aethir's extensive global GPU network, which boasts over 425,000 GPU containers and high-performance chips like NVIDIA H200s and GB200s. This model eliminates the need for expensive centralized infrastructure, allowing early-stage teams to scale applications that rely heavily on AI and RWAs. Aethir's aim with Batch 6 is to empower more founders to develop the next generation of applications that leverage decentralized computing, thereby fostering innovation in both the RWA and AI sectors. The RWA sector is experiencing rapid growth, with on-chain assets already surpassing $20 billion and projections suggesting it could reach $500 billion by 2025, and potentially $30 trillion by 2030. This surge has given rise to new segments like "RWAfi," which merges RWAs with decentralized finance. Aethir is collaborating with projects such as Plume and GAIB to explore these opportunities, supporting the tokenization of computing infrastructure through initiatives like the RWAI Initiative and its GPU Tokenization Pilot on the BNB Chain.

AT&T has announced its first foray into decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN) through a partnership with Helium, enabling customers to access a network of user-powered WiFi hotspots. This collaboration, revealed on April 24, is seen as a significant advancement in Helium's mission to provide affordable and accessible connectivity. Helium operates a decentralized wireless network where individuals deploy low-power devices called Hotspots, functioning as miniature cell towers and offering wireless coverage in exchange for token-based rewards. Currently, Helium boasts over 93,500 active Hotspots, primarily in the United States. The partnership allows AT&T to leverage Helium's hotspot coverage via Passpoint integration, a WiFi authentication protocol that facilitates automatic and secure connections to participating hotspots. This integration enhances user connectivity, especially in areas with weak mobile signals, while allowing AT&T to expand its service footprint without the need for additional infrastructure. For Helium, this partnership increases the utility of its network and raises its profile among mainstream users. Additionally, AT&T gains access to real-time network quality metrics, providing valuable insights into performance across decentralized nodes, a level of transparency often lacking in traditional infrastructure models. This collaboration is a notable milestone for the DePIN movement, but it is not Helium's first engagement with the telecom sector. Previously, Helium partnered with Telefónica's Movistar in Mexico, integrating its network to support connectivity for over 2.3 million subscribers. Furthermore, Helium has been enhancing its technology stack to promote broader adoption, including a licensing program for hardware manufacturers. The launch of Helium Mobile's Zero Plan in February 2025, which offers free data and talk time by utilizing Helium's decentralized network alongside T-Mobile's 5G service, marks another significant step forward for the project.

Aleph.im, a prominent player in decentralized infrastructure, has officially rebranded as Aleph Cloud, marking a significant evolution in its service offerings. This transformation, announced on April 23, reflects the company's ambition to become a comprehensive decentralized cloud provider. The rebranding comes with an expanded product suite that includes decentralized compute, storage, virtual machines, and GPU resources, all aimed at supporting next-generation Web3 and AI applications. In conjunction with this rebrand, Aleph Cloud has introduced a $1 million startup accelerator program designed to assist Web3 builders and startups in moving away from centralized cloud services like AWS and Google Cloud, which currently dominate the blockchain infrastructure landscape. The newly launched accelerator program aims to provide essential resources such as compute credits, storage, and technical support across various ecosystems, including Ethereum, Base, Solana, BSC, and Avalanche. Jonathan Schemoul, CEO of Aleph Cloud, emphasized the importance of decentralization in blockchain applications, stating that reliance on centralized services poses risks. The program is structured to support early-stage developers by offering free access to cloud services for projects with a tangible product or proof of concept, thus fostering a thriving ecosystem of decentralized applications. Aleph Cloud’s strategy positions it as a competitor in the growing market for decentralized infrastructure, where it faces established players like Filecoin and Akash. Schemoul highlighted the platform's unique all-in-one design, which allows users to manage compute, storage, and hosting through a single interface. With a focus on compliance and data privacy, Aleph Cloud operates as a GDPR-compliant, chain-agnostic platform, ensuring that neither the company nor its node operators can access stored data. This commitment to decentralization and user privacy sets Aleph Cloud apart as it seeks to redefine the cloud services landscape for Web3 and AI developers.

CUDOS Intercloud is pioneering a new era of sustainable computing as part of the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance. The company aims to redefine the landscape of AI infrastructure by focusing on green computing practices. On April 24, 2025, CUDOS will participate in the Peace One Day #Ai2Peace event, where CEO Matt Hawkins and VP of Sales Pete Hill will discuss the importance of distributed AI infrastructure in fostering a peaceful and sustainable future. This initiative highlights the necessity of building a fair and open AI ecosystem that prioritizes environmental responsibility. Traditional cloud computing has a significant environmental impact, with a single 1MW data center consuming millions of kilowatt-hours of electricity and vast quantities of water annually. The carbon footprint of such centralized infrastructures is immense, as evidenced by Google’s data operations consuming 27 terawatt-hours of energy in 2024 alone. CUDOS Intercloud addresses these inefficiencies by utilizing existing data centers, optimizing their capacity without the need for additional resources. This approach not only reduces costs but also minimizes the carbon footprint associated with new infrastructure development. CUDOS Intercloud is committed to sustainability at its core, operating on 100% renewable energy and ensuring that its GPU-focused clusters utilize sustainable practices. The company has already saved significant costs by maximizing the efficiency of existing data centers and redirecting wasted energy into productive use. By joining initiatives like the Stripe Climate program and committing resources to carbon removal projects, CUDOS is not just making claims about sustainability but is actively working towards a greener future. This commitment positions CUDOS as a viable alternative to traditional Big Tech, promoting a distributed and environmentally friendly approach to cloud computing.

The decentralized exchange (DEX) landscape on Solana is experiencing significant changes, with Raydium's long-standing dominance being challenged by emerging competitors. As of April 20, 2025, Raydium still holds the largest share of DEX trading volume at 31%, but this marks a steep decline from its peak of 63% earlier in the year. New platforms like Pumpfun, Orca, and SolFi are rapidly gaining traction, indicating a shift towards a more competitive environment. Pumpfun, in particular, has made a remarkable entrance, capturing 19% of the DEX volume just weeks after its launch, showcasing the potential for innovation within the Solana ecosystem. Pumpfun's success can be attributed to its hybrid model, combining a memecoin-focused launchpad with a high-speed automated market maker (AMM). This dual functionality has attracted retail interest and provided efficient liquidity, positioning Pumpfun as a formidable player in the DEX space. However, the sustainability of its growth remains uncertain as it faces the challenge of retaining liquidity providers and attracting serious traders in a volatile market. Meanwhile, Orca and SolFi are vying for dominance in key trading pairs, with Orca slightly leading in the SOL-USD market, highlighting the competitive nature of decentralized exchanges beyond the memecoin frenzy. Despite Raydium's declining market share, it still maintains a significant presence in the Solana DEX ecosystem. The platform must adapt to modern trading demands and innovate to retain its user base. The evolving DEX landscape presents both challenges and opportunities, with new protocols emerging and existing players striving to enhance their offerings. As the competition intensifies, the next few months will be crucial in determining whether a few dominant players will emerge or if the multi-DEX ecosystem will continue to thrive, fostering specialization and innovation in the Solana DeFi space.

As the Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) sector gains traction in the cryptocurrency landscape, a critical question arises regarding its position within the U.S. regulatory framework. Current congressional legislation primarily addresses digital assets in a broad sense, encompassing stablecoins, tokens, and market infrastructure. However, the implications for DePIN are profound, as these policies will influence how DePIN projects secure funding, incentivize contributors, and deliver real-world services. Notably, legislation such as the STABLE Act and the GENIUS Act could significantly impact the stablecoin ecosystem that many DePIN projects rely on, potentially steering them towards more centralized options. The FIT21 Act, which classifies tokens based on their decentralization and utility, is particularly relevant for DePIN. Tokens like $IOTX (IoTeX) serve as crucial infrastructure enablers, rewarding users and validating data. If classified as securities, these tokens could face stringent regulations that limit their exchange listings and user access. Additionally, the Digital Asset Market Structure Act introduces compliance requirements that may burden DePIN projects, especially those interacting with real-world payments. These developments highlight the urgent need for clarity in the regulatory landscape to foster innovation within the DePIN sector. Advocacy efforts led by IoTeX and the Blockchain Association are pivotal in ensuring DePIN's recognition as legitimate infrastructure rather than mere financial speculation. Their recent engagement with congressional offices aims to educate lawmakers on the real-world applications of DePIN, emphasizing the need for supportive regulations. As the U.S. navigates this evolving landscape, it faces a choice: to lead in infrastructure innovation or risk losing it to other nations. With continued advocacy, DePIN can secure its place as a vital component of the national infrastructure narrative, paving the way for a decentralized future that benefits society as a whole.