DePIN Year in Review | Sami Kassab, Dylan Bane & Maartje Bus | Messari Annual Theses 2025
Dec 18, 2024
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Sami Kassab, a partner at Crucible Labs specializing in BitTensor, joins Dylan Bane, a research analyst at Messari focused on DePIN, to explore transformative trends in decentralized infrastructure. They discuss the intersection of DePIN and AI, highlighting innovative projects like GRASS and BitTensor. The conversation dives into how decentralized networks can revolutionize energy management and revenue streams in Web3, alongside predictions for the future of these technologies in 2025. Their insights make for a compelling look at the evolving crypto landscape.
Distributed energy resources (DERs) are decentralizing energy generation, empowering individuals to invest in and benefit from their own energy systems.
The rise of distributed physical infrastructure networks (Deepin) in 2024 showcases successful projects like Helium, highlighting real-world applications and user engagement.
Collaborations between Deepin projects and mainstream institutions, such as GeoNet's partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, emphasize practical utility and market integration.
Deep dives
Impact of Distributed Energy Resources
The discussion highlights the significant role of distributed energy resources (DERs), including solar panels, wind turbines, and EV chargers, in the energy landscape. These resources are inherently decentralized, allowing individuals to invest in and benefit from energy generation on their own properties. The feasibility of financing such projects, despite initial costs, empowers more individuals to participate in the energy market. As a result, DERs are positioned to enhance energy accessibility and reduce reliance on traditional centralized systems.
2024: A Breakthrough Year for Deepin
The year 2024 marked a breakout for distributed physical infrastructure networks (Deepin), evidenced by a significant rise in market performance and fundraising efforts. Protocols like Helium saw firsthand success by leveraging innovative models that facilitated real-world applications, leading to increased user engagement and funding. For instance, Helium Mobile grew to over 120,000 subscribers, showcasing a tangible user base and market demand. This surge in participation reflects a growing recognition of Deepin's potential and practicality within the crypto space.
Real-World Applications and Collaborations
Deepin projects are increasingly establishing collaborations with mainstream institutions, demonstrating their relevance and practical utility. Notably, GeoNet partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to enhance precision farming through a vast real-time kinematics network. GLOW garnered attention by operating over 70 solar farms and generating millions in revenue, highlighting the effective monetization of decentralized energy initiatives. These partnerships reveal the potential for Deepin to bridge gaps between emerging technologies and established industries.
Challenges and the Future of Deepin Integration
Despite the promising developments in Deepin, challenges remain regarding real-world adoption and integration into existing systems. The transition to decentralized frameworks necessitates overcoming operational hurdles, as evidenced by the difficulties in scaling virtual power plants. Additionally, while revenue generation is increasing, a proportion of it comes from supply-side activities rather than direct demand-side revenue. These factors suggest that while the momentum for Deepin is building, patience and strategic planning are essential for long-term sustainability and success.
AI and Data: The Next Frontier for Deepin
The intersection of Deepin and AI presents new opportunities for innovation, especially in decentralized computing and data sharing. Projects like GRASS aim to create ethical models for data scraping by incentivizing user participation in data contribution for AI training. This approach contrasts with traditional methods, allowing users to monetize their data securely. As the demand for data continues to grow in AI applications, leveraging Deepin's decentralized networks could prove revolutionary in how data is collected and utilized.
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00:00 Intro & Summary of Dylan's DePIN 2025 Theses
13:59 Helium
27:06 DePIN x AI
32:39 Grass
36:07 Bittensor
48:31 Predictions for 2025
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This episode and its contents do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Messari, Inc. Hosts and guests may hold cryptocurrencies discussed in this content. This content is meant for informational purposes only. It is not meant to serve as investment advice. You should conduct your own research, and consult an independent financial, tax, or legal advisor before making any investment decisions. Nothing contained in this content is a recommendation or suggestion, directly or indirectly, to buy, sell, make, or hold any investment, loan, commodity, or security, or to undertake any investment or trading strategy with respect to any investment, loan, commodity, security, or any issuer. This content should not be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any security or commodity. Messari does not guarantee the sequence, accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of any information provided in this content.
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