9 Alternatives to Grass for Earning with DePIN Projects

DePIN (decentralized physical infrastructure networks) is a hot trend in 2024, running among the popular narratives in the crypto market. One of the sector’s top projects is Grass, a decentralized network for collecting and structuring public web data.

Grass recently made headlines with its airdrop, but it faced backlash due to issues with Phantom wallet. Here’s a look at some promising projects, which, according to crypto researcher Leshka.eth, offer viable alternatives to Grass.

Rivalz Network

Rivalz provides a unique AI-driven platform that rewards users for sharing and processing data. The network incentivizes participants to run nodes to earn points redeemable in the form of RIZ tokens.

The testnet encourages users to contribute to the decentralized infrastructure of AI data applications, with a leaderboard for high rewards based on participation. To participate in the Rivalz airdrop, users must link their wallets and complete social engagement tasks to earn points.

“The tokens distributed during the airdrop will likely be used for various purposes within the platform, including staking, rewards, and in-game purchases,” Rivalz said recently.

Dawn

Dawn is a decentralized communication protocol designed to bolster the Solana ecosystem, which is nearing capacity. Positioning itself as a key player in decentralized internet access, Dawn has secured $33 million ahead of its anticipated token generation event (TGE).

Read more: What are Crypto Airdrops?

While details on a potential airdrop remain unconfirmed, users can support Dawn’s growth by engaging in its community and testnet. Reward criteria evaluate the duration of connection, referrals, following DAWN on social media, and participating as a validator node.

“For every 24 hours, users are eligible for 1,440 reward points. You will receive points depending on the time of the download, how active you were, and the status of your connection,” Dawn said.

Kuzco

Kuzco is a decentralized GPU network optimized for efficient language model processing, backed by a16z. Designed for high-speed AI computations, Kuzco incentivizes users to download and run its software, rewarding them for contributing idle computing power.

The platform offers farming rewards, making it an attractive option for those seeking to harness Kuzco’s processing power.

Nexus

NexusLabs, the first zkVM prover network, provides farming opportunities through a simple process: users participate by keeping a Nexus window open. Backed by $27.2 million in funding from major crypto investors, including Pantera Capital, Dragonfly, and Lightspeed Ventures, NexusLabs rewards participants with points that may convert to crypto tokens upon the mainnet launch.

To qualify for potential airdrops and rewards, users must complete specific tasks, follow instructions closely, and monitor task updates. This opportunity follows the recent closure of the Nexus node testnet in late October, marking the next phase in NexusLabs’ development.

Aggregata

Aggregata enables users to monetize AI-generated data and participate in its ecosystem. Lead investor Binance Labs has enabled this AI data asset platform to attract users who engage with ChatGPT and connect their wallets. Participants engage with ChatGPT and earn Byte points.

“The more questions you ask, the more Byte Points you can earn. The quality of your questions may also impact how many Byte Points you receive,” crypto enthusiast Airdrop Arena indicated.

Further, users earn bonus points by using the platform’s extension and an invite code. This creates a reward loop for interaction within the Aggregata ecosystem.

Oasis AI

Oasis AI converts spoken words into refined text, rewarding users for engaging with its platform. After raising $2.8 million in funding, the project offers users points for using its browser extension. By accumulating points, users can participate in the platform’s evolution and potentially earn from data monetization.

Meanwhile, it offers services such as chat assistants, image generators, and speech-to-text. Users can earn OAI by connecting to the network and leveraging existing GPU and CPU resources to power-supported models.

“Oasis AI is airdropping free OAI tokens to users who sign up and share their computing power. Create an account, install the extension, and share your computing power to start earning OAI tokens. You can also earn more by referring your friends,” Oasis said.

As points farming has been open since May, according to cryptorank.io, a recent post on Medium indicated that Oasis AI airdrops are already open to claim.

BlockMesh Network

Designed for decentralized and secure communication, BlockMesh promotes ethical AI oversight. With a $250,000 investment, BlockMesh is a confirmed crypto airdrop. It encourages users to register and complete tasks via its extension, offering points that may be exchanged for future token airdrops or rewards.

Specifically, Blockmesh users can monetize their excess internet bandwidth by contributing to a decentralized network. The airdrop is currently in its early stages, with points being accumulated through various activities on the platform. Similar to other successful projects in the space, these points could play a role in future token distribution.

The airdrop program incorporates multiple earning mechanisms. These include bandwidth sharing through a Chrome extension, social media engagement, and a referral system. Users can enhance their earning potential by completing various tasks and maintaining active participation in the network.

“While the exact token conversion rate hasn’t been announced, points are expected to influence future token allocation. The more points accumulated, the higher potential rewards during token distribution,” one of BlockMesh’s value points read.

Gradient Network

Gradient, a Solana-focused project backed by Sequoia and Multicoin Capital, optimizes computing resources through a liquid staking service that enhances interoperability across blockchain networks. By joining Gradient’s compute network and downloading its farming extension, users can earn rewards that support AI and Web3 applications.

While the airdrop remains unconfirmed and no token has been launched, Gradient has introduced a points campaign called “Sentry Node Open Beta.” To earn points, participants must sign up, follow Gradient on X (formerly Twitter), and install the extension.

Read more: Best Upcoming Airdrops in 2024

Users can also increase their points by inviting friends, positioning themselves for an airdrop when the project’s token goes live. Gradient prioritizes fair and transparent participation for its community.

“Each user should register for only one account, and install only one Sentry Node on each device,” Gradient Network said.

Navigate AI

This project provides Web3 data-sharing opportunities, allowing users to profit from sharing their data on Navigate’s network. With funding from Kraken and a current user base of 5,000, Navigate is open to users who download its extension and begin farming, offering a path to earnings in its unique data ecosystem.

These crypto airdrops offer viable Grass alternatives. They illustrate a growing trend of using Web3 technologies to create decentralized earning opportunities that incentivize user participation, data sharing, and compute contributions.

Whether it’s through running a node, contributing data, or simply engaging with an AI-driven platform, these projects make it possible for everyday users to engage with and benefit financially from the expanding Web3 economy.