Helium

In 2025, DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks) has transitioned from a niche within the cryptocurrency space to a critical component of the real world. This evolution is not merely theoretical; it encompasses tangible elements such as routers, GPUs, sensors, and solar panels, all contributing to a new kind of internet that is peer-to-peer, tokenized, and built from the edge. DePIN fundamentally alters the traditional infrastructure model by enabling everyday users to contribute compute, storage, bandwidth, or energy, and in return, they receive compensation. With a market cap exceeding $50 billion and over 350 tokens, DePIN has emerged as Web3's fastest-growing vertical, supported by real-world deployments and increasing revenue streams. Leading projects like iExec, Arweave, and Helium are at the forefront of this movement, utilizing smart contracts to operate their networks without intermediaries. Contributors can easily set up nodes, serve the network, and earn tokens, all while ensuring data privacy and system resilience. However, scaling these networks presents significant challenges, including the need for coordination, cross-chain interoperability, and navigating regulatory landscapes. iExec, in particular, excels in providing confidential computing infrastructure that is essential for AI, data management, and real-time applications. Ultimately, DePIN is on the path to establishing a decentralized operating system for the physical world. This innovative approach is not only fast and composable but also represents a paradigm shift in how infrastructure is conceived and utilized. Rather than relying on rented systems, the future of infrastructure is about earning it, one node at a time, empowering individuals to take part in this transformative ecosystem.

In a recent report, Messari, a prominent crypto data platform, has projected that the market capitalization of Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) could reach an astounding $3.5 trillion by 2028. This forecast comes on the heels of a significant event in Europe, the "2025 Iberian Peninsula blackout," which resulted in a €1.6 billion setback and highlighted the vulnerabilities of centralized systems. The incident has prompted a reevaluation of aging energy and communication infrastructures, emphasizing the urgent need for decentralized alternatives like DePIN. Messari's analysis indicates that the DePIN market is gaining momentum, with its value estimated to grow to $50 billion in 2024. The first quarter of this year showcased a surge in capital markets, technology adoption, and sector innovation, despite the sector still being in its early stages. With over 13 million devices contributing to the decentralized network and $350 million in seed funding, the demand for DePIN is expected to rise exponentially in the coming years. The anticipated market cap of $3.5 trillion would surpass the $1.8 trillion valuation of the telecom services market by 2024, according to Data Bridge. The report also underscores the roles of Solana and Base as pivotal players in the DePIN ecosystem. Messari noted that DePINs launched a year prior to its Q1 2025 report achieved an average fully diluted valuation of $760 million, marking significant growth. Solana is positioned to become a leading network infrastructure, while Base is expected to see increased demand for consumer-focused applications. Other notable projects within the Solana ecosystem include Render, Helium Mobile, Hivemapper, Xnet, and Nosana, all of which are set to play crucial roles in the evolution of DePIN.

In a recent interview at Consensus 2025 in Toronto, Frank Mong, the COO of Nova Labs, emphasized the financial benefits of decentralizing telecommunication infrastructure for both small businesses and large telecom corporations. He highlighted that local operators, such as bars and restaurants, can generate revenue by hosting wireless hotspots, thereby expanding network coverage. This decentralized approach allows significant cost savings for telecom giants, who can utilize the Helium Network's telemetry to enhance their services in areas that typically lack coverage, known as dead zones. Mong pointed out the high costs associated with traditional telecom infrastructure, noting that establishing a single 5G tower can cost around $300,000. Instead of burdening consumers with expensive phone plans, he proposed a model where individuals with Wi-Fi networks can share their connections securely, providing valuable data to major companies like AT&T. This innovative use of decentralized physical infrastructure networks exemplifies how blockchain technology can enhance resilience against outages and disruptions while delivering real-world value. In addition to these insights, Nova Labs has been actively forming partnerships with telecom companies to improve network coverage. Notably, in January 2024, they collaborated with Telefónica in Latin America, and more recently, in April 2025, they partnered with AT&T to facilitate automatic access for users within the Helium Network's coverage area. With over 95,000 mobile hotspots in the U.S. and more than 284,000 active IoT hotspots globally, Mong believes that the success seen in the U.S. and Mexico should be replicated worldwide as Nova Labs continues to expand its reach through strategic partnerships.

Grass ($GRASS), a decentralized project built on the Solana blockchain, has experienced an 8% decline in value over the past 24 hours, following an impressive 500% surge earlier this month. This downturn raises questions about the sustainability of its recent growth, particularly as it aligns with a broader market correction. Despite this setback, $GRASS has managed to retain a 14-day gain of approximately 13%. The token, which launched in October 2024, has seen significant price fluctuations, reaching an all-time high of $3.90 before settling around $1.88, placing it among the top 123 cryptocurrencies by market capitalization at roughly $460 million. Grass distinguishes itself by merging Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) elements with Artificial Intelligence (AI) functionalities. Users who install the Grass browser app can share their excess internet bandwidth to train AI models, earning rewards in the process. This innovative model has led to substantial growth, with the user base expanding from 200,000 to over 3 million between Q4 2024 and early 2025. The platform's capabilities were further enhanced by the Sion Upgrade, which significantly improved its ability to scrape and process multimodal web content, achieving daily data collection rates that rival those of major tech companies. Despite the recent dip in activity, with daily data scraping falling to around 759,000 TB, Grass remains a formidable player in the DePIN space, second only to Helium on Solana. The project has secured listings on major exchanges, and many traders believe it is currently undervalued, with bullish predictions suggesting a market cap of $1 billion and a potential price target exceeding $4 by year-end. Technical analysis indicates that while the asset has faced resistance, a rebound from current support levels could signal a new upward trend, although a drop below key moving averages might lead to further declines.

The Helium Foundation has announced a significant commitment of $50 million in grant funding aimed at expanding the Helium Network's coverage and accessibility. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance decentralized wireless services, which have already connected over one million users daily. The foundation's goal is to support deployers who contribute to the network's growth while reducing the costs associated with deploying new wireless coverage. With partnerships established with major carriers like AT&T and Telefónica’s Movistar, the Helium Network is poised to make a substantial social impact by providing affordable connectivity to underserved areas. As the demand for Helium Network coverage continues to rise, the foundation is focusing on empowering local communities and individuals to deploy wireless coverage in their neighborhoods and businesses. This initiative is not only about enhancing connectivity but also about creating economic opportunities for those who participate as network deployers. The foundation's commitment includes funding for education, case studies, and strategic initiatives that promote decentralized wireless technology, ensuring that a diverse range of stakeholders can benefit from its advantages. The grant program will kick off in New York City and is set to expand across the United States and Mexico through 2025. The Helium Foundation aims to onboard more mobile service providers and offload partners globally, reinforcing its mission to support decentralized wireless growth. By investing in innovative projects and educational efforts, the foundation seeks to advocate for the broader adoption of decentralized wireless, showcasing its potential as a transformative use case for cryptocurrency and technology in general. The future of Helium looks promising as it strives to reshape global connectivity and empower communities worldwide.

In a cooling crypto market, Amp (AMP) and Aethir (ATH) have emerged as standout performers, each experiencing a notable 16% increase in value. Amp is currently valued at $0.0051, buoyed by strong bullish momentum supported by key Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs) and favorable trading signals from indicators like MACD and RSI, despite warnings of overbought conditions. Meanwhile, Aethir, which focuses on AI-driven blockchain solutions, has surged to $0.052, breaking past significant resistance levels and maintaining bullish optimism, although the overbought RSI suggests that traders should remain vigilant. The divergence in the crypto market is evident as Helium (HNT) faces downward pressure, trading at $4.00 and struggling below the critical 200-day EMA. This situation poses a risk of further declines if it breaches the 100-day EMA support at $3.83. The contrasting trajectories of Amp and Aethir against Helium highlight the persistent volatility and innovation within the digital asset market, prompting traders to balance ambition with risk management strategies. As traders navigate these turbulent waters, the resilience of Amp and Aethir underscores the potential for growth even amid market stagnation. Investors are encouraged to monitor key technical indicators closely, particularly EMAs and RSI levels, to identify optimal entry points and manage risks effectively. The ongoing developments in these projects reflect the dynamic nature of the cryptocurrency landscape, where innovation continues to drive interest and investment opportunities.