Projects like dischargea decentralized charging network for electric vehicles, exemplifies this transformation. It allows individuals and small businesses to install and maintain chargers, automatically track usage via blockchain, and earn directly from users.
DeCharge was recognized at India Blockchain Week for having crossed 1 million minutes of charging by the end of 2024 and raising $2.5 million in early-stage funding. This model decentralizes ownership, promotes clean mobility, and distributes profits within local communities.
The global DePIN ecosystem is expanding rapidly. Massari has estimated that DePIN projects will invest more than $5 billion by 2023, with projections to exceed $50 billion by 2030. The World Economic Forum expects the broader decentralized infrastructure sector to reach nearly $3.5 trillion by 2028, accelerated by new innovations such as decentralized physical artificial intelligence (DePAI). For India, this development is consistent with the objectives of… Atma Nirbhar Bharat and Digital India, to empower citizens and promote inclusive economic growth.
Other notable DePIN initiatives include He goesa network in which individuals rent unused GPUs to support artificial intelligence and gaming services, supported by partners such as NVIDIA, Dibba networkwhich runs decentralized WiFi hubs across India using the Solana blockchain. Both models promote local connection while rewarding participants.
For India, DePIN offers a community-first path to bridging infrastructure gaps. While telecom and mobile coverage is strong, issues remain with broadband access and EV charging in peri-urban and rural areas. Blockchain-enabled community networks can bridge these divides, combining efficiency with fair profit sharing.
To realize this potential, India must formulate clear policies on this issue Taxes, Systemsand protection. Predictable tax structures, regulatory sandboxes, and interoperability standards would reduce uncertainty and attract global investment. Additionally, hardware safety frameworks and on-chain governance standards can build trust and protect users.
As the Web3 and DePIN ecosystems grow in Bengaluru and beyond, India stands poised to lead this revolution. DePIN could democratize physical infrastructure in the same way that blockchain democratized finance – turning ordinary citizens into stakeholders in the country’s digital future.
