ihopkins

Noticing the DePIN + AI infra wave heating up again:
DePIN's maturing fast—not just hardware, but core infra for AI compute, storage, and networks that rivals AWS without the central chokeholds.
Fluence $FLT — serverless compute layer for Web3 apps; devs deploy AI backends across global nodes, slashing costs and enabling true edge processing.
Filecoin $FIL — decentralized storage powerhouse; powers AI data lakes with permanent, verifiable archiving—over 1.1B market cap and climbing on enterprise adoption.
Artificial Superintelligence Alliance $FET — merged AI ecosystem (Fetch.ai + SingularityNET + Ocean); fuels autonomous agents and data markets for on-chain ML, with massive dev traction in 2025.
Helium $HNT — wireless DePIN giant; crowdsources IoT coverage for AI edge devices, now at $350M+ cap with real-world hotspots in 190+ countries.
These are syncing up as AI's compute crunch meets Web3's permissionless backbone—feels like the decentralized "cloud" is finally viable.

Watching the Web3 space, it's clear DePIN and decentralized compute are evolving into the unsung heroes of AI infrastructure—providing the distributed power needed for everything from model training to edge processing, all without the bottlenecks of legacy clouds.

Fluence $FLT stands out as a serverless platform that deploys code across a global node network, enabling efficient, verifiable execution for AI tasks that demand low-latency and cost-effective scaling.

Aethir $ATH taps into a massive pool of enterprise-grade GPUs, letting users rent out or access distributed rendering and inference resources, which has fueled its growth amid surging AI compute needs.

Internet Computer $ICP powers full-stack dApps with on-chain smart contracts and canister smart contracts, integrating AI directly into the blockchain for seamless, tamper-proof data processing and storage.

Filecoin $FIL offers a robust marketplace for decentralized file storage via IPFS, making it ideal for AI datasets that require secure, scalable archiving without centralized vulnerabilities.

This convergence feels like it's hitting critical mass, bridging hype with actual deployment. Curious—which of these ecosystems do you see scaling fastest?

Been spotting a fresh sync-up in the DePIN and decentralized compute space lately - $FLT, $FIL , $AKT , and $HNT are all stirring with real utility as AI infra demands ramp up.
It's like the market's waking up to how these networks are flipping centralized bottlenecks into community-driven powerhouses.
Breaking it down quick:
FLT (Fluence): Crafts a serverless compute layer across global nodes, making Web3 apps verifiable and scalable without big-tech dependencies - perfect for on-chain AI without the lock-in.
FIL (Filecoin): Powers a massive decentralized storage grid on IPFS, letting users rent out spare drives for secure, censorship-resistant data hoarding that's exploding with AI dataset needs.
AKT (Akash Network): Runs an open marketplace for cloud compute, undercutting AWS prices by auctioning idle resources - a DePIN staple for devs chasing affordable GPU bursts in ML workflows.
HNT (Helium): Deploys a vast network of hotspots for decentralized wireless coverage, enabling low-cost IoT connectivity that feeds into AI edge computing - turning everyday devices into a global data backbone.
They're all zeroing in on that core tension: compute scarcity in a post-hype world. Narratives this cohesive often signal legs

Projects building the backbone for decentralized compute and AI infra are gaining real traction within the DePIN narrative. It's less about hype and more about solving scalability bottlenecks—like turning idle hardware into shared, verifiable resources that power AI models without relying on Big Tech clouds.
Take Fluence $FLT : It's emerging as a decentralized compute protocol that lets devs deploy and execute code across distributed nodes, making AI workloads more efficient and censorship-resistant. This fits neatly into DePIN by incentivizing global providers to contribute CPU/GPU power, potentially slashing costs for on-chain AI apps.
Echoing that, Render $RNDR is quietly dominating decentralized GPU rendering, pooling underused graphics cards worldwide for tasks like 3D visuals and generative AI—essential for metaverse builds and model training without centralized bottlenecks.
Then there's Akash Network $AKT , which operates as an open cloud marketplace where anyone can bid on compute resources via blockchain auctions. It's a DePIN play on democratizing servers for AI and Web3 devs, often undercutting AWS prices while boosting resilience.
Arweave $AR fits here with its decentralized storage network, ensuring permanent, tamper-proof data for AI models and dApps. It’s a foundational layer for Web3 infra, rewarding node operators to maintain long-term data integrity.

If you're tracking infra trends, these feel like the ones quietly stacking fundamentals.

Noticing a clear pattern in Web3 right now: DePIN and decentralized compute are powering the next wave of AI infra, making high-end resources accessible without Big Tech gatekeepers. It's like the space is quietly building a parallel economy for AI workloads.
Fluence $FLT stands out in this - it's a DePIN for cloudless computing, aggregating enterprise data centers into a resilient network for AI and Web3 apps, slashing costs via tokenized staking and governance.
Echoing that, Render $RENDER decentralizes GPU rendering, letting creators tap idle hardware for AI-generated visuals and VFX, turning spare compute into a marketplace.
Bittensor $TAO takes it further with a peer-to-peer machine learning net, where nodes collaborate on AI models and earn via subnet incentives - pure decentralized intelligence at scale.
Then there's Aethir $ATH , pooling global GPUs for on-demand AI training and inference, bridging DePIN efficiency with enterprise-grade speed for devs building tomorrow's tools.
If you're tracking infra plays, these feel like the threads weaving AI into Web3's fabric. What's catching your eye in this shift? #DePIN #AICrypto

Seeing more projects tie decentralized hardware to AI workloads. DePIN’s market cap is around $35B now, and GPU demand is pushing things forward.
A few examples:
Fluence ($FLT): Runs compute jobs across distributed nodes, including GPUs for AI. Focuses on verifiable execution and edge deployment.
Aethir $ATH : DePIN for GPU cloud services, aimed at AI training and rendering. Partners with platforms to scale decentralized compute access.
Grass $GRASS : Builds a network for sharing unused bandwidth to scrape web data for AI models. Rewards users for contributing to decentralized datasets.
io.net $IO : Aggregates GPUs from data centers and miners into a shared cloud for AI workloads. Handles batch jobs and inference at lower cost.
They’re all part of the same shift: moving compute from big providers to open networks. Makes sense as AI tools scale. #DePIN #AICrypto

DePIN, decentralized compute, and AI infra keep building in Web3, with projects crowdsourcing hardware for storage, GPUs, and AI tasks to cut reliance on big clouds. It's straightforward utility driving the space forward.
Fluence ($FLT) runs decentralized compute, connecting devs to a worldwide GPU pool for serverless dApps. It keeps things cheap and flexible, matching DePIN's goal of open access without middlemen.
Bittensor ($TAO ) sets up a marketplace for AI models and machine learning, letting users trade compute power on a blockchain network. It supports decentralized AI training, making advanced models available without centralized control.
ionet ($IO ) aggregates spare GPUs from miners and data centers for AI and ML workloads. It offers scalable, low-cost cloud alternatives, helping startups access high-end compute on demand.
Arweave ($AR ) provides permanent decentralized storage via a "pay once, store forever" model. It secures data for AI datasets and dApps, emphasizing long-term resilience in DePIN setups.
These show Web3 infra evolving practically - FLT, TAO, IO, and AR are solid to track as real use cases stack up

Watching the DePIN space closely lately—it's all about tokenizing physical infra like compute, storage, and wireless networks to build resilient alternatives to centralized giants. With the sector's market cap hitting around $15B in October 2025 , projects are deploying real devices (over 41M globally) and seeing steady CMC volume from AI and IoT use cases. Tokens like $FLT, $RNDR , $IO , and $HNT are key players, each decentralizing a hardware slice practically.
> Fluence: Decentralized compute platform where node operators stake tokens to supply CPU/GPU resources across a global network. Devs rent for AI inference or dApps at lower costs than clouds, with verifiable results. As DePIN compute, it turns idle hardware into a shared marketplace, governed by stakers for upgrades—essential for scalable, censorship-free workloads in Web3.
> Render: GPU DePIN for rendering and AI tasks, linking creators to distributed graphics power from unused rigs. Providers earn tokens per job, like 3D or video gen. It addresses compute shortages in media/AI by offering on-demand, pay-per-use access—integrating with tools like OctaneRender, it's growing with gen AI demands and partnerships like Apple.
> io net: Solana-based DePIN for ML compute, aggregating spare GPUs from data centers to edge devices for training/inference. Users bid on resources via tokens, emphasizing low-latency for real-time AI. Stands out for accessibility—home setups included—making high-end ML affordable and decentralized, with 2025 focus on LLM integrations for broader adoption.
> Helium: Wireless DePIN building a global IoT/5G network through community hotspots (over 960K deployed in 191 countries). Hosts earn HNT for coverage, enabling low-power device connectivity. It decentralizes telecom by crowdsourcing signals, now expanding 5G for urban/rural gaps—key for IoT data flows in smart cities and DePIN ecosystems.
These are filling tangible gaps in hardware access, with crossovers like AI on wireless nets emerging

Web3’s narrative is shifting toward decentralized infrastructure, with projects like Fluence $FLT, Render $RNDR , Bittensor $TAO , and Grass $GRASS leading the charge in DePIN and AI compute. As cloud costs soar and AI workloads grow, these tokens are powering a trend toward scalable, community-owned solutions that challenge centralized giants.
Fluence: Fluence’s DePIN aggregates underused data center capacity into a serverless compute marketplace. With GPU support for AI tasks and 85% cost savings over AWS, it’s hitting $92K in monthly revenue, offering developers a vendor-agnostic platform for scalable workloads.
Render: Render’s decentralized GPU network fuels AI rendering, 3D modeling, and streaming, cutting costs by up to 74%. Its global pool of idle GPUs supports media and gaming industries, with partnerships driving adoption in compute-intensive workflows.
Bittensor: Bittensor’s peer-to-peer AI marketplace lets nodes collaborate on machine learning, rewarding contributors for shared intelligence. Backed by ties to IBM and Google, it’s advancing open-source AI training without centralized control.
Grass: Grass turns unused bandwidth into a DePIN for AI data scraping, feeding datasets for model training. Post-airdrop, it surged 200% to a $600M cap, showing strong demand for decentralized data infrastructure.
This isn’t just hype—these projects are delivering measurable efficiency for AI and compute needs. What other DePIN or AI infra tokens are you watching?

Noticing a clear convergence in Web3 right now: DePIN, decentralized compute, and AI infra are blending to tackle real scalability bottlenecks, from GPU scarcity to data silos.
Projects like $FLT (Fluence) are threading the needle—its decentralized compute layer lets devs spin up edge functions without AWS lock-in, powering AI agents and dApps at a fraction of centralized costs. It's like the unsung glue for on-chain inference.
Echoing that, $TAO (Bittensor) is quietly reshaping machine learning by crowdsourcing model training across a peer-to-peer network, turning idle nodes into a global brain—perfect for AI that's not just hype but actually collaborative.
$RNDR (Render) flips the script on graphics rendering, pooling distributed GPUs to handle AI-driven 3D and video workloads, which feels essential as metaverses and generative tools explode without choking on cloud bills.
$IO keeps it hardware-focused, aggregating underused data centers for affordable compute bursts—think democratizing access for indie AI devs who can't drop six figures on servers.
This isn't isolated; it's the stack forming for Web3's next leg up. Watching closely.

Web3 is leaning hard into decentralized infrastructure, with DePIN, compute, and AI leading the charge. Four tokens - $FLT (Fluence), $ATH (Aethir), $RNDR (Render), and $TAO (Bittensor) - are at the forefront, each driving unique, scalable solutions for a community-owned future.
FLT (Fluence): Fluence powers a cloudless compute platform, cutting costs by up to 80% by using excess data center capacity. Built on Arbitrum Orbit and secured by Ethereum, $FLT fuels staking and rewards for a network optimized for AI workloads. Partnerships like AR.IO and integrations with Filecoin and Arweave make it a DePIN staple, enabling decentralized web access and compute.
ATH (Aethir): Aethir focuses on GPU compute for AI, gaming, and streaming, prioritizing low latency. Launched in 2022, ATH encourages providers to stake for network reliability. On Arbitrum Orbit, its compute API simplifies AI integration, offering a decentralized alternative to enterprise GPU clouds, aligning with DePIN’s infrastructure goals.
RNDR (Render): Render runs a decentralized GPU marketplace for 3D rendering and AI workloads. RNDR connects creators with GPU providers, bypassing centralized platforms. Supporting various 3D engines, it uses token burning to manage supply, though demand keeps it inflationary. It’s a mature DePIN player for creative and AI infrastructure.
TAO (Bittensor): Bittensor creates a decentralized AI marketplace for model training and inference. TAO rewards miners and validators across 110+ subnets on its Substrate layer-1. The Dynamic TAO upgrade boosts market-driven incentives, supporting open-source AI. Its fair launch draws institutional interest, solidifying its AI infrastructure role.
These tokens reflect Web3’s shift toward transparent, cost-effective infrastructure, challenging centralized giants. Each carves a distinct path in the decentralized compute and AI ecosystem.

Solid projects

Web3 is shifting toward DePIN, decentralized compute, and AI infrastructure, with Fluence ($FLT), Akash Network $AKT , Bittensor $TAO , and Render $RNDR leading the way. Each plays a vital role in building scalable, community-driven infrastructure for AI, dApps, and beyond. Here’s how they’re shaping this trend.
Fluence ($FLT) offers a decentralized cloud compute platform, tapping into global data center capacity to provide compute at up to 80% lower costs than centralized providers (per recent Fluence data). Its permissionless network ensures censorship resistance, ideal for Web3 dApps and AI workloads. As a DePIN project, Fluence redistributes compute resources, aligning with the push for open, resilient infrastructure.
Akash Network AKT, dubbed the “Airbnb of cloud,” enables users to lease compute resources via a decentralized marketplace. This DePIN model offers a cost-effective alternative to AWS, supporting dApps and websites. Akash’s focus on accessibility and competition drives adoption, making it a cornerstone of decentralized cloud computing.
Bittensor TAO decentralizes AI infrastructure, creating a peer-to-peer network for collaborative machine learning. Nodes share compute to train AI models, fostering open-source innovation. Bittensor’s scalable approach meets the compute demands of AI, positioning it as a key player in Web3’s AI infrastructure wave.
Render RNDR) powers decentralized GPU computing for AI, rendering, and simulations. Its network connects users with idle GPUs, offering affordable, high-performance compute. As a DePIN project, Render democratizes access to specialized resources, bypassing corporate control.
Together, FLT, AKT, TAO, and RNDR are building a decentralized internet where compute is a public good. They’re driving innovation in DePIN and AI infrastructure, creating resilient, community-owned systems. This space is one to watch.

DePIN & AI Infra: Unpacking Key TokensWeb3’s DePIN trend - leveraging decentralized compute and storage - is gaining traction, especially for AI, where scalable, resilient networks challenge Big Tech clouds. Here’s a quick dive into four tokens driving this shift.
Fluence $FLT: Fluence aggregates excess data center capacity into a global DePIN for verifiable compute. In 2025, its GPU Mesh launched for AI inference and fine-tuning, cutting costs by ~75% vs. centralized clouds. $FLT is staked for resource access; TVL exceeds 25M tokens. It’s eyeing RWA hardware tokenization by 2026, a real cloud alternative.
Bittensor $TAO : A decentralized ML marketplace where nodes compete via “Proof of Intelligence.” In 2025, a halving (TAO emissions drop to 3,600/day), EVM compatibility, and dTAO for subnets are expected. With 100+ subnets (NLP to predictions), it’s open-source AI infra; price is up 12% this week.
Render $RENDER : A decentralized GPU rendering network, integrating OctaneRender and AI tools like Stability AI. 2025 tests with RTX 5090 for AI workloads hit 80% utilization. RENDER powers payments and staking, serving 3D, VR, and metaverse apps, with a ~$1.9B market cap.
Filecoin $FIL : The largest DePIN for storage, with capacity for millions of GPT trainings. 2025’s F3 upgrades (2–5 min finality) and PDP enabled hot storage for AI datasets; partnerships with Aethir and SingularityNET ensure verifiable data. FIL drives deals; inflows rose 11% QoQ despite volatility.
This stack signals a shift to utility-driven infra: compute, AI models, rendering, and storage. Less hype, more demand. Thoughts? #DePIN

Compute + DA + scalability + UX = the missing stack

The Web3 ecosystem is shifting toward DePIN, decentralized compute, and AI infrastructure, moving away from centralized cloud reliance. Projects like Fluence ($FLT), Aethir ($ATH ), Render ($RNDR ), and Akash Network ($AKT ) are driving this trend, delivering scalable, cost-effective, and transparent solutions for compute-heavy applications.
Fluence ($FLT) leverages global data center capacity for its cloudless platform, offering compute at up to 80% lower costs than AWS. Its cryptographic verifiability ensures trustless execution, making it ideal for decentralized AI workloads where transparency is key.
Aethir ($ATH) focuses on decentralized GPU compute for AI and gaming. By aggregating global GPU resources, it provides low-latency, high-performance solutions, supporting DePIN’s community-driven model.
Render ($RNDR) powers decentralized GPU rendering for 3D modeling, animation, and AI tasks. It reduces costs and enhances accessibility for creators, with blockchain ensuring transparent resource allocation.
Akash Network ($AKT) enables a decentralized cloud marketplace, connecting users with unused compute resources. Its open system supports AI and app hosting, aligning with DePIN’s goal of resilient infrastructure.
These tokens - $FLT, $ATH, $RNDR, and $AKT—reflect Web3’s push for affordable, trustless compute. They’re solving real problems, from AI scalability to cost reduction, shaping the future of decentralized infrastructure.

Web3 is building a decentralized future, with Fluence ($FLT), Aethir ($ATH), Filecoin ($FIL), and The Graph ($GRT) driving key narratives like DePIN, decentralized compute, and AI infrastructure. These projects address real challenges in a world skeptical of centralized control, each contributing uniquely to a resilient, open ecosystem. Here’s how they fit into this pivotal moment for Web3.
Fluence ($FLT) offers a “cloudless” platform, using excess data center capacity for scalable, low-cost compute—up to 80% cheaper than AWS. Its permissionless, verifiable network, governed by a DAO, supports AI workloads and censorship-resistant apps. Developers stake $FLT for compute resources, creating a transparent alternative to centralized cloud services.
Aethir ($ATH) focuses on decentralized GPU compute for AI, gaming, and VR. By pooling global GPU resources, it provides low-latency, high-performance compute for dApps, reducing reliance on costly centralized providers. $ATH incentivizes node operators, meeting the growing demand for AI-driven infrastructure.
Filecoin ($FIL) powers decentralized storage, with a global network of nodes for secure data storage and retrieval. $FIL incentivizes this ecosystem, enabling dApps to operate independently of centralized servers. It’s a DePIN cornerstone, offering a secure alternative to traditional cloud storage.
The Graph ($GRT) indexes blockchain data for efficient dApp querying, supporting DeFi to NFTs. Its decentralized network of indexers ensures transparent data access, with $GRT rewarding node operators. It’s a critical piece of Web3’s infrastructure.
These projects signal a shift toward community-governed, decentralized systems prioritizing efficiency and resilience. DePIN and decentralized compute address the need for alternatives to centralized tech giants. $FLT, $ATH, $FIL, and $GRT are foundational to a decentralized Web3, each tackling distinct challenges. Their evolution will be key as adoption grows. Which project catches your eye?

Web3’s infrastructure is quietly shifting, with projects like DePIN and decentralized compute taking the spotlight in 2025.
$RENDER , part of the Render Network, connects creators with idle GPUs for rendering digital art, animations, and AI models. It offering a cheaper, decentralized alternative to traditional rendering services. By tapping into unused compute, it’s making high-performance rendering accessible for artists and developers, aligning with the growing need for cost-effective creative tools.
$IO , tied to io.net, is all about AI and machine learning compute. Its decentralized GPU network aggregates over 325K verified GPUs globally, cutting costs by up to 70% compared to centralized providers like AWS. With partnerships like Aethir and Filecoin, it’s building a scalable ecosystem for AI developers, addressing the skyrocketing demand for affordable, high-powered compute in AI-driven applications.
$ATH , from Aethir, focuses on low-latency compute for gaming and AI. Its dual setup—Aethir Earth for AI tasks like model training and Aethir Atmosphere for real-time cloud gaming—leverages enterprise-grade GPUs like NVIDIA H100s. With over 40,000 GPUs and a $100M ecosystem fund, Aethir delivers fast, decentralized solutions for industries needing real-time performance, like gaming and AI inference.
$FLT . Fluence stands out by offering a cloudless compute platform powered by its token, $FLT. Unlike traditional cloud providers, it uses underutilized global hardware to deliver compute at up to 75% lower cost, targeting AI workloads, Web3 apps, and data-heavy tasks. Its permissionless, secure marketplace for compute resources fits perfectly into the DePIN narrative, emphasizing efficiency and decentralization.
Fluence integrates into the broader picture by providing a flexible, cost-effective backbone for Web3 and AI, complementing specialized players like $RENDER , $IO , and $ATH.
Together, they signal a practical shift toward decentralized infrastructure that’s less about hype and more about solving real-world problems.

Crypto in 2025 is buzzing, and $ETH, $BNB, $KAITO, and $FLT are shaping the narrative. Each brings something unique, but @Fluence ($FLT) is quietly standing out. Here’s why it fits the bigger picture.
$ETH remains Web3’s backbone. The Pectra upgrade has boosted its speed and validator efficiency, drawing developers to build decentralized apps. It’s the foundation projects like $FLT rely on, proving decentralized infrastructure is here to stay.
$BNB powers Binance’s ecosystem -trading, staking, airdrops. Its recent 7% surge shows altcoin momentum, and its listings, like $KAITO, amplify new projects. BNB bridges centralized and decentralized worlds, creating space for $FLT to shine.
$KAITO is the AI-crypto crossover we need. Its Binance listing and $1.34 pre-market price reflect hype around “tokenized attention” and data analytics. It’s a glimpse into how AI will shape markets, but it needs infrastructure to scale.
Enter $FLT (Fluence). At $0.045 with a $7M market cap, it’s under the radar but ambitious. Fluence builds a decentralized, serverless computing platform - a “cloudless” alternative to AWS. Providers stake $FLT for reliability, and developers get permissionless compute power. It’s a big idea for a big problem: centralized cloud dominance.
Why now? #DePIN is trending, and Fluence is at its core, offering transparent compute on Ethereum. With founders like Tom Trowbridge and Evgeny Ponomarev and a DAO-driven model, it’s got cred. AI integration by 2027 adds long-term potential.
My take: Fluence isn’t chasing memes - it’s solving a real issue. Its daily volume screams undervalued. Still, it’s building for the future, like $ETH did early on. $KAITO makes data smarter, $BNB boosts visibility, but $FLT’s compute layer could power it all.
Crypto’s maturing - $ETH lays the rails, $BNB amplifies, $KAITO innovates, and $FLT builds quietly. What’s on your radar? Let’s talk.

Yo, I hit 2040 in the Pointless Program on Fluence Network!

It's so addicting - killer challenges and a slick setup keep it fresh.

Not playing yet? Time to check out Fluence Network and dive into the Pointless Program.

Trust me, you'll be hooked from the first round!

#PointlessProgram #FLT