DePIN’s impact in 2025 and beyond in blockchain infrastructure

In the latest Hashing It Out podcast episode, Tom Trowbridge, co-founder and CEO of Fluence Labs, discussed the potential impact of Decentralised Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) on the blockchain landscape in the coming years.

DePIN is an emerging concept that involves using decentralised networks to crowdsource physical infrastructure, incentivised by crypto-economics.

Trowbridge explained that this model could revolutionise industries by offering services like data storage and mapping networks at lower costs than traditional, centralised alternatives.

“DePIN projects need to offer superior products or they won’t work,” he emphasised the importance of quality in DePIN projects.

According to Trowbridge, these decentralised networks must deliver tangible value to customers, prioritising product outcomes over the technology that powers them.

Trowbridge reflected on his journey, noting his transition from launching Hedera Hashgraph to co-founding Fluence Labs, which aims to challenge cloud computing giants.

Fluence’s decentralised computing platform is designed to offer improved security and scalability, while also providing flexibility for users.

Despite its promise, the DePIN sector faces challenges, including customer acquisition and the need for simplified messaging.

Trowbridge pointed out that while the sector has attracted contributors, it still struggles to persuade businesses to adopt these solutions.

He also emphasised the need to make the messaging more accessible to non-crypto audiences, focusing on product utility rather than technical jargon.

Looking ahead to 2025, Trowbridge is optimistic about DePIN’s potential to generate real-world revenue.

This could reduce its dependence on the volatile cryptocurrency market.

As the sector matures, DePIN is expected to play a significant role in the future of Web3 infrastructure.