On November 26, CZ(Binance founder) tweeted, "I am not against memes, but meme coins are getting "a little" weird now. Let's build real applications using blockchain." Indeed, the market has focused on meme coins for too long, overlooking many highly promising utility-driven blockchain projects, leaving them significantly undervalued. Network3 stands out as a project with the potential to create a new 100x token legend in the practical AI sector as a high-potential Edge AI Infra project.
1. Project Overview: A Pioneer in DePIN and Edge AI
Network3 represents a next-generation decentralized Edge AI infrastructure that integrates blockchain tokenomics, decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN), federated learning, and Edge AI. Its mission is to break big tech's monopoly on AI development and narratives, providing services to AI developers worldwide.
Using a decentralized federated learning framework, Network3 enables collaborative model training without sharing users' raw data, ensuring privacy and data security. Additionally, the token-incentivized distributed node network lowers participation barriers while maintaining network stability.
Recently, Network3 has demonstrated astonishing growth potential—its node count increased by over 100,000 in just one week, with a 25% growth rate. According to DePINscan, Network3's nodes have surpassed 543,010 across 185 countries and regions, overtaking Helium and ranking fifth globally among DePIN projects. This massive network supports diverse AI applications and accelerates the democratization of computing power and data.
2. Market Potential: A Trillion-Dollar Opportunity
The combination of DePIN and Edge AI is at the forefront of technological revolutions, with vast untapped potential. Network3's technical layout, node scale, and token incentive model position it as a leader in this transformative space.
2.1 DePIN: The Gateway to the Physical World in Web3
Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) connect blockchain with the real world by incentivizing users to contribute physical resources (e.g., hardware, data, and computing power) to build large-scale distributed networks that support on-chain and off-chain applications.
According to Messari’s State of DePIN 2023 report:
2024 market size: $2.2 trillion
2028 market size: $3.5 trillion
CAGR: 12.31%
Currently, the total market cap of the DePIN sector in the crypto market is only $1.33 billion—less than 1% of the overall market. This significant undervaluation highlights the early-stage nature of the DePIN sector, with immense growth potential. As more enterprises and developers join, DePIN is poised for rapid expansion.
2.2 Edge AI: A Key Technology Driving Decentralized AI
Edge AI refers to executing AI model inference and computation on edge devices (e.g., smartphones, sensors, or mining machines). It addresses the shortcomings of traditional cloud-based AI, including privacy, security, and real-time performance.
According to Fortune Business Insights:
2024 global market size: $27.01 billion
2032 global market size: $269.82 billion
CAGR: 33.3%
Compared to centralized AI, Edge AI excels in data privacy, bandwidth efficiency, and latency optimization, making it a strategic priority for tech giants like NVIDIA, Google, Microsoft, Intel, and Huawei.
In summary, the convergence of DePIN and Edge AI enhances data privacy and computing efficiency while unlocking long-term growth potential. Network3 is well-positioned to capitalize on this massive market opportunity.
Network3 on DePIN Sector Map, source：Messari
3. Tokenomics: Clear Investment Returns
3.1 Economic Model
According to the official tokenomics model, the total supply of Network3’s token $N3 is 1 billion. N3 Edge V1 mining device users can obtain 50% of the tokens through staking and mining, with the tokens distributed over four years via a monthly linear release mechanism. This steady income model ensures the health and sustainability of the overall mining ecosystem while providing the market with a long-term, stable investment opportunity.
Additionally, 5% of the tokens are allocated for community pre-TGE airdrops (50% unlocked during the TGE phase, with the remaining portion released linearly three months after the TGE). This community incentive structure, combined with diverse market strategies during the pre-TGE phase, effectively enhances users’ expectations for the token while ensuring the long-term vitality of the ecosystem.
3.2 Hardware Performance
As per DePINScan data, the N3 Edge V1 mining device currently yields approximately $12.8 daily, with a payback period of about 71 days. The N3 Edge V1 mining device also supports dual mining with IoTeX’s IOTX token, providing rewards in both N3 and IOTX. The team plans to integrate more blockchain networks to maximize user returns.
3.3 Token Distribution
4. Funding and Strategic Planning: Backed by Leading Institutions
Network3 has secured $5.5 million in funding from top-tier investors, including Borderless, EV3 Labs, IoTeX Eco Fund, Mask Network, Bing Venture, Waterdrip Capital, SNZ, and Candaq. The funds are allocated for technical development, global expansion, and ecosystem building.
According to official sources, a new $10 million funding round is underway, with multiple leading institutions confirmed as participants.
5. Competitive Analysis: Unique Technological Advantages
Network3’s focus on decentralized Edge AI and federated learning gives it a distinctive edge in terms of technology, market positioning, and long-term growth. Compared to competitors like Aethir and Grass, Network3's emphasis on privacy protection, decentralized AI training, and edge computing aligns with the increasing demand for privacy and compliance in AI applications.
6. Milestones
Successful sale of N3 Edge V1 mining device
On August 10, 2024, Network3’s Edge V1 mining device sold out within seconds of launch. Over 5,000 devices are now actively mining, supporting dual mining of N3 and IoTeX tokens via integrated modules like ioID and data verification.
Upcoming Launch of Network3 Local LLM
The Network3 Local Large Language Model (LLM) has completed internal testing and will soon be available to users. This model offers features like free usage, no geographic restrictions, unique algorithm design, on-device inference, and a “Prompt-to-Earn” incentive system.
Network3 TGE and First Airdrop to Launch Soon
Network3’s Token Generation Event (TGE) and airdrop plan are set to begin soon, marking a significant milestone for the platform’s development and unlocking new growth opportunities. Details on timelines, airdrop rules, eligibility, and token distribution will be announced shortly.
Conclusion
With its unique technological advantages, clear market positioning, and community-driven business model, Network3 presents a promising opportunity for long-term investors. While hardware costs and competitive challenges may pose risks, the project’s TGE and growing market demand position it as a key player in the DePIN and decentralized AI sectors. For investors, this is a high-potential sector worth close attention.
