DePIN (decentralized physical infrastructure) projects are blockchain-based networks where participants contribute resources in exchange for token rewards. These can be physical resource networks like cellular connectivity and energy distribution or virtual resource networks that provide access to computing power, bandwidth, and cloud storage.

A Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network (DePIN) is any sufficiently decentralized network that uses cryptography and mechanism design to ensure a client can request physical services from a set of providers — breaking the natural monopoly and providing the benefits of competition.