A Comprehensive Market Map Of Solana-Based DePIN Projects In The APAC Region
Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) is the trending narrative in the Blockchain industry, and this is because it's transforming how we build and manage physical infrastructure using blockchain technology.
By leveraging decentralized networks, DePIN projects enable more efficient, transparent, and community-driven solutions for internet access, energy grids, and so much more that will be covered in this article.
Solana blockchain, known for its high-speed and low-cost features, has become a key platform for DePIN projects.
Its scalability and efficiency make it ideal for supporting the complex needs of decentralized infrastructure.
This article focuses on the APAC region, where innovation in DePIN ecosystem is thriving. APAC is home to some of the most exciting DePIN projects on Solana.
In this article, you’ll discover the leading DePIN projects on Solana in the APAC region — making an impact across key areas, and also explore DePIN projects by country in the APAC region.
Top DePIN Projects On Solana in the APAC Region and Their Categories
Let's dive into the details of DePIN categories such as wireless, content delivery, energy, consumer, mapping/sensors, and highlight the DePIN projects in APAC within each category.
Wireless (Decentralized Internet & Connectivity)
Wireless DePIN projects aim to provide affordable and accessible internet connectivity.
These networks often rely on community-driven infrastructure, reducing reliance on traditional telecom providers.
Here are the comprehensive details of some solana-based DePIN projects leading the charge in this category, in the APAC region:
Roam (By Metablox)
Roam is a decentralized WiFi roaming network designed for high device density, which addresses connectivity challenges, especially in urban areas.
By integrating the WBA (Wireless Broadband Alliance) into its protocol, Roam fosters uninterrupted Wi-Fi connections worldwide.
It also offers a decentralized eSIM solution that provides global coverage, instant activation, and easy top-ups, all while delivering more data at a fraction of the cost.
Unlike conventional providers, Roam ensures you only pay for what you use, which in turn eliminate the frustration of high bills for unused data.
In Dec 2024, Roam ranked No. 1 on DePinscan, and also attained a milestone of 1,000,000 Nodes, with 1,726,055 registered users.
- Funding: Roam raised an undisclosed amount from 19 prominent investors including Synergis Capital and Samsung NEXT.
It’s worth noting that Roam completed over $2 Million seed round raise in 2022, co-led by Synergis Capital and Collab Currency.
- Partners: Huma Finance, Crowdcreate, DIN, EMC protocol, etc.
- Co-Founder: Jeffrey Manner
Dabba Network
The Dabba Network is another DePIN project on Solana in the APAC region designed to bring high-speed internet access to areas that need it most, starting with India.
By uniting stakeholders, including local communities, hardware providers, and network operators, Dabba is creating a decentralized ecosystem to deliver affordable and reliable connectivity.
The Dabba network uses its native token, DBT, to incentivize participation. Stakeholders, including hotspot operators and users, are rewarded for contributing to the growth and maintenance of the network.
The project aims to bring internet access to one billion Indians over the next decade.
It’s on a mission to also deploy over 100,000 decentralized internet hotspots to provide low-cost public WiFi, particularly in India.
In 2024, Dabba sold out genesis presales of 1000 hotspots in 4 months ahead of time. Currently, 4000 Dabba hotspots have been deployed.
Dabba Network also recently attained 1000 TB (Terabytes) paid data consumption across sold devices in just 56 days.
They claimed that it took them 156 days to achieve the 1st consumption of 1000 terabytes of paid data.
- Funding: Raised undisclosed amount from 5 investors including Y combinator, Borderless, and Multicoin Capital.
- Partner: Helio
- Founder: Karam Lakshman
Content Delivery & Computing (Cloud, AI, and Web3 Infrastructure)
The DePIN projects on Solana in the APAC region that fall into this category focuses on decentralized solutions for data storage, processing, and delivery, enabling faster and more efficient services.
Leading APAC DePIN projects in this category are:
Aethir
Aethir is a decentralized cloud infrastructure platform tailored for gaming and AI companies, leveraging Solana’s infrastructure to power the future of AI.
In November, 2024, Aethir deployed a $100 million ecosystem fund to invest in AI projects — focusing on agents and applications.
- Funding: Raised 5 million dollars from 280 investors and others.
- Partners: Avalanche Foundation, InfStone Global, Lingo, Super scale, Ionet, Magic Eden, Zero1 Labs, Plume Network, EigenLayer, etc.
- Co-founder: Mark
AIOZ Network
AIOZ Network is a decentralized network for AI, storage, and streaming, supporting the growing demand for Web3 infrastructure.
- Funding: N/A
- Partners: DWF Labs, Innovion Web3 Marketing Agency, etc.
- Founder: Erman Tjiputra
Gradient Network
Gradient Network is providing decentralized computing services, which are essential for supporting blockchain interoperability and infrastructure.
It's making wave in the DePIN ecosystem with over 100k Discord members. In December 2024, Gradient reported that it attained 950,000+ verified users.
- Funding: Raised undisclosed amount from 3 investors including Multicoin Capital and Pantra Capital.
- Partners: N/A
- Co-founder: Yuan
Render Network
Render Network is a solana-based DePIN project in the APAC region that provides decentralized GPU rendering services, with the aim to enable artists, studios, and developers access scalable computing power for rendering graphics
It supports the growing demand for decentralized cloud computing and content creation, making it a key player in the Web3 infrastructure space.
Render network announced in December 2024 that it achieved 3X increase in usage.
- Funding: Raised $30M from Solana ventures, Multicoin Capital, Sfermion, Alameda, etc.
- Partners: OpenZeppelin, Decentraland, Ionet etc.
- Founder: JulesUrbach
Energy (Decentralized Power & Resource Networks)
Energy-focused DePIN projects are driving the adoption of renewable energy and decentralized power grids.
Here is a notable project in the APAC region that is building innovative solution in this category:
Starpower
Starpower is a solana-based DePIN project in the APAC region that focuses on incentivizing the deployment of solar panels and solar power plants through token rewards to accelerate the shift toward renewable energy.
- Funding: Raised $4M from Solana Ventures, Alliance, and other 12 investors etc.
- Partners: Pluck and Play Tech Center, and SoBit.
- Founder: Darcy
Consumer (DePIN Applications for Everyday Use)
The projects under the consumer category bring decentralized infrastructure directly to individuals, making it accessible in daily life.
Here’s notable one located in the APAC region:
DAWN
DAWN is a DePIN platform on Solana, creating internet-sharing mini-networks and retail-focused decentralized infrastructure.
- Funding: Raised $18M from Robot Ventures, 6thManVentures, WinterMute, ParaFi Capital, Escape Velocity, etc.
- Partner: Helium
- Founder: Neil Chatterjee
Mapping/Sensors (Data Collection & Spatial Computing)
Mapping and sensor projects use decentralized networks to collect and analyze data, improving urban planning and spatial computing.
Deep dive into the details of solana-based DePIN project taking a lead in this category:
Mawari Network
Mawari Network is another outstanding Solana-based DePIN project focused on spatial computing, XR, and AR integration, pushing the boundaries of digital-physical interactions.
- Funding: Raises $10.8M from Animoca, Accord Ventures, Parami Capital, SamsungNext, etc.
- Partner: XREAL, T-Mobile,
- Founder: Luis Oscar Ramirez
Depin Projects By Country In The Apac Region
Let’s explore notable countries in the APAC region that are leading the charge in the DePIN ecosystem on Solana, across various categories such as wireless, consumer, content delivery, energy, and mapping/sensors.
I’ve also segmented solana-based DePIN projects by country in the APAC region, alongside extensive insights into why each country excels in each category.
South Korea
- Key categories: Wireless, Consumer Applications.
Key Projects:
- Roam: A decentralized WiFi roaming network designed for high device density, addressing urban connectivity challenges.
- Dawn: Internet-sharing mini-networks and retail-focused decentralized infrastructure.
Why South Korea Excels In Wireless and Consumer Categories
- South Korea has the fastest average internet speed in the world at 149.80 Mbps (According to Speedtest Global Index, 2023).
- The country’s smartphone penetration rate is over 88% and expected to reach 95.11% by 2029, which signals a tech-savvy population eager for innovative solutions like Roam and Dawn.
- Government initiatives like the “Digital New Deal” aim to expand 5G and AI infrastructure, further supporting wireless and consumer-focused DePIN projects.
India
- Key category: Wireless.
Key Project:
- Dabba Network: Deploying over 100,000 decentralized internet hotspots to provide low-cost public WiFi.
Why India is Leading in the Wireless Category
- India has over 900 million internet users, but only 52.4% of rural areas have access to the internet, creating a massive demand for projects like Dabba Network.
- Government programs like “Digital India” and “Saubhagya” (universal electrification) provide a supportive environment for DePIN projects.
Australia
- Key categories: Content Delivery, Computing.
Key Projects:
- Aethir: Decentralized cloud infrastructure for gaming and AI companies.
- AIOZ Network: Decentralized AI, storage, and streaming solutions for Web3.
Why Australia Excels in this Category
- Australia’s cloud computing market is projected to grow to $15.36 billion by 2025 (according to Statista), creating demand for decentralized solutions like Aethir.
- The country’s gaming industry was worth 4.4 billion Australian dollars in 2023, and it keeps growing since then, which drives the need for scalable infrastructure.
- Australia ranks 12th globally in AI readiness global index 2023, making it a hotspot for AI-focused projects like AIOZ Network.
Japan
- Focus category: Mapping/Sensors.
Key Project:
- Mawari Network: Solana-based spatial computing, XR, and AR integration.
Why Japan Excels in Mapping/Sensors
- The IoT market in Japan is expected to reach a revenue of $30.26 billion by 2025.
- Japan’s AR/XR market is expected to reach $2.7million in revenue by 2025 (as reported by Statista), which provide a strong foundation for Mawari Network.
Singapore
- Key category: Content Delivery.
Key Project
- Gradient Network: Decentralized computing services improving blockchain interoperability.
Why Singapore Excels in Content Delivery
- The country’s “Smart Nation” initiative invests heavily in tech innovation, including blockchain and decentralized infrastructure.
Conclusion
The APAC region is at the forefront of DePIN innovation, with projects across wireless, energy, content delivery, and more.
Solana’s scalability and efficiency have made it a key platform for these initiatives, as it enables faster and more cost-effective solutions.
As the DePIN ecosystem grows, APAC’s unique strengths — tech talent, market demand, and government support — will continue to drive its success.
This article has provided you with a comprehensive market map of the DEPIN projects on Solana — that you can always use to explore the DePIN ecosystem in the APAC regions.
