Unlocking the Future of DePIN: A Unique Perspective from Mariela Tanchez

Welcome, IoTeX community! We’re excited to have you join us for the debriefing of a recent ask-me-anything (AMA) session where we dived into the expanding realm of Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) and explored how IoTeX is shaping the future of blockchain and DePIN integration. Mariela Tanchez, our talented Business Development Lead, led the discussion together with Web3M in a session titled: "Top DEPIN projects to watch 2024-2025."

Mariela brings years of expertise and a passion for driving innovation at IoTeX. From building partnerships to empowering developers with our cutting-edge tools, she’s been at the forefront of connecting blockchain technology with real-world applications. Today, she’ll share insights into the transformative power of DePIN, what IoTeX’s role is in this rapidly growing ecosystem, and how you can be part of this exciting journey. Whether you’re a user, developer, investor, or just curious about the future of decentralized technology, this AMA is the perfect opportunity to learn and get inspired. Let’s dive into the highlights!

Web3M: What Are the Advantages of DePINs?

Mariela Tanchez (MT): I’m so glad you asked this question—it’s one of my favorites because it comes up all the time. Let’s think about our daily lives for a moment. We’re constantly sharing data. Whether it’s with Google, Facebook, or through our devices, we’re always connected to the internet. And if you’re connected, you’re already sharing your data—often without even realizing it. The problem is, you’re getting nothing in return for it. This is where DePIN comes in.

Well, DePIN shifts that power back to its users. It lets you say, “Okay, I have this device, it’s sharing data, and I want to decide how that data is used—and I want to get paid for it.” Instead of giving away your data for free, as you do with centralized companies, DePIN allows you to earn rewards for sharing it. That’s the first big advantage.

The second point is scalability. Centralized companies are struggling to keep up, especially with the rapid growth in AI and other tech innovations. They simply can’t scale their servers and infrastructure fast enough to meet the demands of today’s world. That’s why we see so many issues with telecom services, internet connectivity, and other centralized infrastructure.The solution is decentralization. DePIN empowers individuals to contribute their own infrastructure—whether it’s devices, computing power, or other resources—and earn money from it. By distributing the infrastructure load across a network of contributors, we can meet the increasing demands for modern technology far more efficiently.

These two points—the ability to monetize your data and the scalability offered by decentralization—are reasons why I find DePIN so exciting. It’s what I’m passionate about, and I truly believe it has the potential to change the world.

Web3M: Why do you think DePIN matters so much in today’s world?

MT: DePIN isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a real paradigm shift. Think about it: imagine earning rewards for the data your devices are already sharing. Not only that, but doing so securely and privately. There are three key reasons why DePIN is revolutionary.

First, it empowers users. Unlike traditional systems where centralized companies profit from your data, DePIN ensures that users are compensated for their contributions.

Second, it provides scalable infrastructure. As demand for AI and other tech services grows, centralized solutions just can’t keep up. DePIN distributes the load, leveraging collective infrastructure and creating a system that scales naturally.

Third, it puts privacy first. With technologies like zero-knowledge proofs, projects like IoTeX ensure that your data remains secure while still enabling functionality. You maintain control over your information.

Web3M: What industries do you think will be most impacted by DePIN?

MT: Oh, there are so many. DePIN has the potential to disrupt major industries like telecommunications, transportation, and energy. Take geomapping, for example. Traditionally, centralized firms have profited from user data without compensating the people who provided it. With DePIN, individuals now have the opportunity to monetize their contributions directly.

At IoTeX, we’re not just thinking about the technology—we’re also thinking about fairness. Our approach aims to create an inclusive and transparent ecosystem, especially in industries that have been historically dominated by monopolies.

Web3M: How can someone get involved in the DePIN space?

MT: There are a few simple ways, depending on your preferences. First, you can invest in devices. At IoTeX, we provide tools and resources to participate in decentralized networks. A great starting point is to explore platforms like depinscan.io, which lists viable projects and devices.

Second, you can buy tokens. If managing devices isn’t your thing, investing in tokens of credible DePIN projects is a great way to get involved.Finally, research and collaboration are key. As with any investment, it’s important to do your due diligence. Learn about projects, join communities, and collaborate with others in the space. We’re always here to help anyone who wants to learn more or start building.

Web3M: Mariela, thank you for these incredible insights. It’s clear that DePIN is shaping up to be a game changer.

MT: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this with you. I truly believe DePIN is the future, and I’m so excited for more people to discover its potential. Let’s build the future, together!

IoTeX: Pioneering DePIN for a Decentralized Future

Since 2017, IoTeX has been at the forefront of integrating IoT data with blockchain technology. Our mission? To empower developers and businesses to focus on innovation while we handle the technical heavy lifting. Through modular infrastructure and strategic collaborations, IoTeX offers a seamless way to launch DePIN projects. With cutting-edge solutions like WebStream and initiatives such as Get Goated Season 2, we enable decentralized networks where devices, data, and individuals coexist in a fair, secure, and incentivized ecosystem. These tools are designed to provide scalable infrastructure, making it easy for developers to create impactful projects without building everything from scratch. To learn more about the bourgeoning DePIN ecosystem, subscribe to our DePINscan newsletter here.