Decentralised Physical Infrastructure Networks

Put really, REALLY simply, a DePIN is a decentralized program where participants input data and get rewarded for it. 

Of course, that’s way too simplistic to do DePIN justice. So, to avoid upsetting any passionate DePIN pioneers, let’s dive deeper—breaking down what DePINs are, how they work, and why they matter.

What is DePIN and how does it work?

The Crypto Project Helium was the first big DePIN endevour, letting people set up wireless hotspots and earn tokens for expanding network coverage—basically crowdsourcing infrastructure with blockchain.

DePINs bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds by using blockchain to publicly record services like WiFi, mapping, and storage data. Participants contribute to these networks and earn crypto rewards in return.

Since “physical infrastructure network” is in the name, you might wonder how services like wireless networks or mapping qualify as physical. Trust me, it’s a bit confusing—but hey, would it really be Web3 without some overcomplication?

While the data recorded isn’t always physical, it relies on real-world infrastructure—antennas, routers, servers, and even people—to function. These tangible components make it part of a decentralized physical network.

The blockchain tracks all actions, including service transactions, user interactions, and network updates. These records are typically public, ensuring transparency, security, and accountability while allowing anyone to access and verify them, like a “peer review” process but for data. 

At its core, DePIN is a crowdsourced infrastructure network where individuals contribute and access shared resources seamlessly. Instead of relying on a single centralized entity, DePINs distribute control among participants, ensuring transparency, security, and open accessibility for everyone.

DePIN use cases

The use cases for DePINs are both political and practical. As we move deeper into the information age—where facts, history, and data exist primarily in the digital realm—it becomes crucial to have decentralized databanks that provide an immutable record of all data and edits.

In this way, authoritarian regimes or corrupt “democratic” governments cannot easily manipulate reality or rewrite history. With a transparent breadcrumb trail of all changes, DePINs create a safeguard against censorship and misinformation.

At Guava Studio, we believe DePINs are a significant step toward protecting truth and data integrity and resisting nefarious actors in the future.

But politics aside, DePIN technology powers real-world applications by decentralizing infrastructure, making services more accessible, transparent, and cost-efficient. Many companies are leveraging DePIN models to revolutionize traditional industries:

• Decentralized Wireless Networks – Helium uses DePIN technology to enable individuals to deploy hotspots, expanding global connectivity while earning rewards.
• Crowdsourced Mapping – Hivemapper leverages DePINs to build real-time, user-generated maps without reliance on centralized corporations.
• Decentralized Cloud Storage – Filecoin and Arweave use DePIN models to provide censorship-resistant, distributed storage solutions.
• Energy & Smart Grids – Gridless utilizes DePIN infrastructure to let users contribute excess power to decentralized energy networks.
• Mobility & Transportation – DIMO applies DePIN technology to help drivers monetize vehicle data for smart mobility solutions.
• Supply Chain Transparency – Various DePIN-based tracking systems enhance product traceability, authenticity, and logistics efficiency.

DePINs not a fad

Instead of just another passing trend—we believe its a new way to build and manage infrastructure without relying on top-down control. Instead of a few centralized entities running the system, DePIN distributes access, incentives, and decision-making across a network. It uses blockchain to ensure transparency, security, and efficiency, making it resistant to corruption or single points of failure. By shifting power away from traditional gatekeepers, DePIN isn’t just another tech buzzword—it’s a new model for governance and infrastructure that puts networks, not corporations, in control.