Projects are focused on IoT and distributed sensor and data collection.
| Project Name | Description | Category | Problem-Solution Fit | Revenue Model & Scalability | Hardware & Node Feasibility | Team & Funding | Tokenomics & Governance | Roadmap & Milestones | Transparency & Community Engagement | Website | Prime Moover Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Helium | Decentralized wireless network for IoT devices. | Connectivity | Solves the need for affordable, decentralized IoT connectivity. | Revenue from data transfer fees; scalable through hotspot deployments. | Requires hotspot hardware; accessible for general users. | Backed by Andreessen Horowitz; strong track record. | HNT token with halving events; governance via Helium Improvement Proposals (HIPs). | Over 1 million hotspots deployed; expanding to 5G. | Active community with open updates and developer engagement. | helium.com | I’m heavily invested as an node operator in this project since inception, it offers a mature and unique service applied to a global scope. The addition of mobile data backhaul was a great add. However, adoption, of the original IoT networks has been slower than expected. |
| Nodle | Decentralized IoT network providing connectivity via Bluetooth. | Connectivity | Provides a low-cost alternative for IoT connectivity using existing devices. | Revenue from device data monetization; scalable via smartphones acting as nodes. | Requires no hardware; uses smartphones for connectivity. | Funded by industry leaders; strong technical team. | NODL token incentivizes participation; governance evolving. | Growing network with millions of nodes live globally. | Transparent development and user-friendly updates. | nodle.io | The IoT uplink for a tag or monitoring service like AirTags. However, I’m not comfortable with the battery impact and potential security exposure for my mobile device. |
| Chirp | Decentralized wireless infrastructure built on the Sui blockchain. | Connectivity | Targets IoT connectivity gaps using low-cost gateways. | Revenue from IoT data transmission and gateway usage; scalable via partnerships. | Requires Blackbird gateway hardware; moderately accessible. | Early-stage project with growing partnerships. | CHIRP token rewards operators; governance to be defined. | Focused on expanding gateway coverage in 2024. | Building an engaged early community. | chirptoken.io | Interesting project to map wireless signals and provide IoT gateways. I can see the market for this data and am interested in the project. However, an obfuscated purchasing system prevents this. |
| WeatherXM | Global network of weather sensors | Data Collection | WeatherXM addresses the scarcity of hyper-local weather data by deploying a global network of community-operated weather stations, enhancing data accuracy and accessibility. | Revenue is generated through the sale of weather stations and data licensing to enterprises. The model scales with increased station deployment and data demand. | Operators install WeatherXM stations, such as the WS2000, which are designed for easy setup and integration with local WiFi or Helium. | Led by engineers and weather scientists, WeatherXM has secured $7.7 million in funding to expand its network. | Operators earn $WXM tokens for data contribution. The token launched on Arbitrum One and Ethereum L1, with data licenses auctioned in $WXM. | As of May 2024, over 5,000 stations are deployed globally, with plans to become the largest weather network by 2025. | WeatherXM maintains active communication through its Help Center and GitHub repositories, encouraging community contributions. | weatherXM | I was an early adopter of this project. It is interesting and has some first-mover advantage. It has a clearly defined and understood potential market for its data. I like this project but it is difficult to scale for most individuals. |
| DIMO | Decentralized platform for vehicle IoT data monetization. | Automotive IoT | Empowers drivers to own, collect, and monetize vehicle data. | Revenue from data marketplace and analytics; scalable with vehicle adoption. | Requires a DIMO device or compatible hardware; accessible for car owners. | Raised $9M in seed funding; strong partnerships. | DIMO token for ecosystem transactions; community governance planned. | Expanding integrations with vehicle models. | Transparent updates and active user support. | dimo.zone | This is a clear project with a purpose and I can see a market for this data. It’s not for me as I don’t drive much or maintain a fleet of vehicles. |
| Peaq Network | Decentralized infrastructure for Machine Real-World Assets (RWA). | Blockchain Infrastructure | Optimized for decentralized applications that connect machines and devices. | Revenue from ecosystem fees and DePIN integrations; scalable via machine adoption. | Software-based nodes; no special hardware required. | Supported by DePIN Fund III and other blockchain investors. | PEAQ token facilitates transactions and governance. | Expanding integrations for DePIN projects in 2024. | Transparent reporting with developer engagement. | peaq.network | I can see the potential of a unified interface and IoT at scale data aggregation layer. However, it is not clear how one can participate. |
| IoTeX | Blockchain network connecting IoT devices securely and at scale. | IoT Blockchain | Addresses IoT data integrity, trust, and security gaps. | Revenue from device data and smart contracts; scalable through partnerships. | Supports a variety of IoT devices; developer-focused infrastructure. | Funded by top blockchain VCs; experienced team. | IOTX token supports staking, governance, and transactions. | Growing adoption in smart devices and smart cities. | Transparent open-source ecosystem with developer grants. | iotex.io | Interesting project that has a clear purpose and revenue model. Alas, this opportunity to be come a delegator/node requires staking 1.2M IOTX token and is out of my budget. Will be watching for a dip/opportunity. |
| Meshtastic | Open-source, decentralized mesh network protocol for long-range IoT communication. | Mesh Networking | Targets off-grid communication challenges using radio devices. | Non-monetized; scalable through user adoption and open-source contributions. | Requires off-the-shelf radio modules; very low cost. | Community-driven with active developer involvement. | Open-source; no formal governance or token model. | Growing adoption for emergency communication. | Transparent documentation and community-driven updates. | meshtastic.org | This is an interesting DIY project. No money in it but worth a mention for people who need off-the-grid texting. |
| FreedomFi | Decentralized open 5G network enabling private cellular deployments. | Cellular Networking | Solves the cost and accessibility challenges of private cellular networks. | Revenue from 5G data services; scalable via gateway deployment. | Requires specialized 5G hardware; moderate cost barrier. | Backed by Helium and FreedomFi investors. | Incentives tied to HNT; governance through Helium proposals. | Expanding coverage with new partnerships. | Transparent documentation and active operator support. | freedomfi.com | This is a good idea with a clear market, some barrier to entry (geography and equipment. If I owned multiple properties or was in an area with a dense or transient population (like a beach resort or college) I would be an investor. |
| Streamr Network | A decentralized platform for real-time data streaming from IoT sensors and devices. | Data Streaming | Provides a decentralized alternative for real-time data sharing. | Revenue from data subscriptions; scalable with increased data streams. | Requires data publishers and subscribers; low entry barrier. | Collaborations with various data platforms. | DATA token used for transactions; governance via community involvement. | Ongoing development with expanding use cases. | Transparent operations and active community forums. | streamr.network | The project has singular and unique focus and clear target market,. It is an interesting project and I may revisit in the future. |
| Hivemapper | A decentralized mapping network utilizing dashcam devices to build a global map. | Mapping | Offers a decentralized alternative to traditional mapping services. | Revenue from map data usage; scalable with more contributors. | Requires dashcam hardware; accessible for drivers. | Partnerships with various organizations. | HONEY token rewards contributors; governance model evolving. | Active map development with growing data contributions. | Engaged community with regular updates. | hivemapper.com | I’ve not used it myself, but this is an interesting project. It is also operating in a market with goring competition and I’m not sure what their special sauce is now vs will be. |
| Wicrypt | A decentralized mobile internet sharing and monetization network. | Connectivity | Enables users to share and monetize their internet connections. | Revenue from data sharing; scalable with user adoption. | Requires mobile devices; accessible for general users. | Partnerships with tech organizations. | WNT token facilitates transactions; governance through community input. | Expanding network coverage and user base. | Transparent operations and active community support. | wicrypt.com | There are many last-mile wifi sharing projects. In the past decade there have been many commercial wifi sharing services. I don’t see it, not for me. |
| Air Quality Egg | A community-led project for monitoring air quality using IoT sensors. | Environmental Monitoring | Provides localized air quality data through community participation. | Non-profit model; scalability depends on community involvement. | Requires air quality sensor hardware; accessible for enthusiasts. | Community-driven with various contributors. | Open data platform; governance through community consensus. | Continuous data collection and platform improvements. | Active community forums and data sharing. | airqualityegg.com | This is an emerging project with a clear purpose and revenue model. I’m challenged by who, outside of academia would use this data and is their a sustained model. I also don’t have multiple sites to scale this. So it’s interesting, but not for me. |
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