GEODNET

ETHDenver 2025 showcased a vibrant mix of energy and innovation, particularly highlighting the advancements in Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) and artificial intelligence (AI). The IoTeX team, including Giuseppe De Luca, Aaron Basi, and Larry Pang, shared their insights during an X Space debrief, emphasizing the event's dual nature as both a celebration and a reality check for the crypto industry. While some projects demonstrated tangible progress, others appeared to be struggling to maintain relevance in an evolving landscape. The discussions at the event underscored the importance of real-world applications and sustainable business models moving forward. A significant highlight from IoTeX's participation was the R3al World event, which focused on the intersection of DePIN and AI. Key announcements included the integration of GEODNET with ioID, which aims to enhance on-chain verifiable physical AI, and demonstrations of privacy-focused technologies like NovaNet's embedded zero-knowledge proofs on Raspberry Pi devices. The event also featured engaging fireside chats, including one between IoTeX's Larry Pang and industry experts, discussing the future of physical AI and the economic realities of DePIN. These conversations emphasized the necessity for decentralized networks to provide reliable, real-time data to support AI applications and the importance of creating viable economic models beyond mere token incentives. The overarching theme of ETHDenver was a shift towards real-world utility and revenue generation within the DePIN space. IoTeX's Aaron Basi noted that the focus is now on projects that solve actual problems and generate revenue, moving away from speculative ventures. This evolution is evidenced by the rise of hyper-specialized networks and AI-driven insights that cater to specific market needs. While ETHDenver had its standout moments, it also revealed the industry's growing pains, including regulatory uncertainties and a lack of groundbreaking innovations. As the crypto landscape matures, the emphasis is clearly on creating practical applications that deliver real value to users and businesses alike.

In a significant development within the blockchain and geospatial technology sectors, crypto investment firm Multicoin has spearheaded an $8 million acquisition of GEOD tokens. This investment is aimed at supporting Geodnet, a project that offers a hyper-accurate alternative to traditional GPS systems. Geodnet operates under the decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) model, which incentivizes individuals to host physical infrastructure, thereby creating a robust mapping service that can deliver location data with centimeter-level precision. Over the past year, the demand for Geodnet's services has surged, leading to a doubling of its token value, reflecting the project's growing relevance in various industries. Geodnet's technology is particularly beneficial for sectors that require precise location data, such as agriculture and robotics. According to project lead Mike Horton, the existing GPS systems fall short for applications like farming drones and industrial robots, which need location accuracy down to the size of a golf ball. With nearly 14,000 base stations already operational, Geodnet is outpacing competitors by a significant margin, having established more stations in two years than others have in two decades. This rapid scaling is attributed to the DePIN model, which alleviates the financial burden of deploying infrastructure by allowing individuals to earn GEOD tokens through hosting base stations. The strategic investment from Multicoin is seen as a pivotal move to enhance the capabilities of technologies reliant on precise geospatial data, including self-driving vehicles and delivery drones. Geodnet is currently generating over $3 million in annual recurring revenue and is targeting expansion into markets like India and South America, particularly within the agricultural sector. As the demand for accurate location services continues to grow, Geodnet's innovative approach positions it as a key player in the evolution of geospatial technology and its applications in automation and robotics.

Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePINs) are revolutionizing the management of both digital and physical infrastructure by enabling individuals to contribute and monetize various resources, such as wireless coverage, mapping data, GPS positioning, and IoT device data. This innovative approach leverages blockchain technology and cryptoeconomic incentives, allowing participants to earn rewards for their contributions. The article highlights four key projects within the DePIN space: Helium, Hivemapper, GEODNET, and AYDO, each focusing on different aspects of decentralized infrastructure, including wireless communication, mapping, positioning, and IoT data-sharing. While all these projects share the DePIN framework, their participation models and hardware requirements vary significantly. Helium allows users to deploy hotspots for decentralized wireless networks, while Hivemapper incentivizes the installation of dashcams for real-time mapping data. GEODNET enhances GPS accuracy through rooftop satellite miners, and AYDO stands out by enabling users to connect existing IoT devices to blockchain networks without the need for proprietary hardware. This flexibility positions AYDO as a unique player in the DePIN landscape, catering to a broader audience by supporting widely used IoT protocols. Despite the promise of DePINs, several challenges remain. Issues such as hardware accessibility, market demand for data, security, and regulatory uncertainty could hinder the widespread adoption of these models. The success of IoT-focused DePINs will depend on their ability to ensure interoperability, economic sustainability, and compliance with privacy regulations. As the DePIN ecosystem continues to evolve, it is evident that different models may cater to various sectors, offering a compelling alternative to traditional corporate-controlled infrastructure, while empowering individuals with greater control over their contributions and rewards.

In 2024, the Solana-based Global Earth Observation Decentralized Network, GEODNET, has experienced remarkable growth, with a staggering 219% increase in active RTK (Real-Time Kinetics) satellite miners. This surge has positioned GEODNET as the leading player in the satellite mining industry, surpassing established centralized competitors like Trimble. By the end of the year, GEODNET has amassed over 12,000 active RTK satellite miners, reflecting a growing demand for decentralized Earth observation and real-time satellite data, which is becoming increasingly critical in various sectors. A significant highlight for GEODNET in 2024 was the impressive rise in the value and market capitalization of its native token, GEOD. By year-end, the token reached a circulating market capitalization of $62 million, marking a 59% increase quarter-over-quarter and an astounding 524% year-over-year. Notably, a major token unlock on December 28, 2024, involving 32.46 million GEOD tokens, did not negatively impact the token's price; instead, it rallied post-unlock, showcasing the market's confidence in GEODNET's potential. This positive momentum positions GEOD as a serious contender in the decentralized geospatial data arena. GEODNET's strategic initiatives in 2024 included securing $2 million in funding from prominent investors like Animoca Brands and ParaFi, which will be used to diversify revenue streams and enhance technology adoption. The launch of the GEO-PULSE GPS receiver, priced at $149, further exemplifies GEODNET's commitment to delivering precise navigation solutions. Additionally, partnerships with industry leaders such as Septentrio and Bad Elf were announced at CES 2025, aimed at expanding the adoption of GEODNET's RTK network across various sectors, including autonomous vehicles and precision agriculture. With these advancements, GEODNET is poised for a bright future in the decentralized Earth observation landscape.

IoTeX and GEODNET's Collaboration for GEO-PULSE x ioID IoTeX and GEODNET have launched a groundbreaking collaboration for GEO-PULSE x ioID, marking a significant milestone in the blockchain industry. The integration of ioID and W3bstream into GEODNET's new GEO-PULSE device brings verifiability to DePIN devices and kickstarts IoTeX's DePIN x AI data pool using real-world data. This collaboration sets a new standard for DePIN verifiability, offering users the opportunity to earn rewards in $GEOD and $IOTX tokens by completing quests and verifying location data. The collaboration has activated the end-to-end tech stack that powers the GEO-PULSE device, which is now being shipped to early adopters. Users can register their devices, complete driving quests, and share location data to earn tokens. The GEO-PULSE device, known for its high-precision lane-level positioning, collects valuable real-world information verified through IoTeX's technology stack, including ioID and W3bstream.

GEODNET is revolutionizing global positioning services through its decentralized Real-Time Kinematics (RTK) network, which provides cost-effective and precise GPS and GNSS corrections. With centimeter-level accuracy, GEODNET caters to high-precision applications including autonomous vehicles, agricultural automation, and drone deliveries. Founded in 2021 by Mike Horton, who has over 25 years of experience in GNSS and RTK technology, GEODNET has rapidly expanded to over 10,000 RTK base stations globally, making it the largest RTK network in the world. This growth has resulted in an impressive $2 million in annualized revenue, reflecting a 455% increase from the previous year. Utilizing a Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) model, GEODNET significantly reduces the capital and operational costs associated with building a global RTK network. By distributing costs among infrastructure owners, the company has managed to cut expenses by 90% compared to traditional models. This innovative approach has allowed GEODNET to deploy its base stations quickly and efficiently. The network's partnerships with organizations such as the US Department of Agriculture demonstrate its practical applications and scalability, particularly in supporting tractor auto-steering technology. GEODNET's ecosystem continues to grow through strategic collaborations with companies like Boson Motors, Wingbits, and Propeller, enhancing its RTK capabilities across various sectors. These partnerships not only extend GEODNET's reach but also improve the accuracy of applications ranging from precision agriculture to advanced flight tracking. As GEODNET aims to expand its node network to achieve full global coverage within the next few years, its focus on cost efficiency, scalability, and reliability positions it to meet the increasing demand for precise geolocation services in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.