Q&A: Raullen Chai, co-founder and CEO of IoTeX, a leading DePIN platform

February 18, 2025

Blockwind Editor-in-Chief Tsering Namgyal spoke to Raullen Chai, co-founder and CEO of IoTEX, a leading platform for DePIN.

Q: What exactly is decentralized physical infrastructure? Can you explain what IoTeX does so our readers can better understand the technology?

A: Decentralized Physical Infrastructure (DePIN) refers to real-world networks—such as smart devices, sensors, or other hardware—that are owned and operated by a distributed community rather than a single centralized entity. Think of it as bringing the sharing-economy model (like Uber or Airbnb) onto the blockchain, allowing contributors to collectively own and govern these networks.

IoTeX is a leading platform for DePIN. We connect IoT devices, AI systems, and people through a secure, scalable blockchain framework. By integrating blockchain with real-world data, IoTeX enables individuals and businesses to build decentralized applications and services that reward participants for contributing resources, data, and trust.

Q: Your average daily transactions grew by 1,267%, peaking at 62 transactions per second. What drove this massive growth?

A: Several factors contributed to this surge. First, our ecosystem has matured significantly, with more developers integrating IoTeX into real-world applications. Second, we introduced key protocol upgrades that improved throughput and reduced transaction costs, making the network more developer-friendly. Third, our strategic initiatives—such as DePIN-focused hackathons and grant programs—have attracted both established and new projects. As a result, our on-chain community is thriving, driving a significant increase in daily transaction volumes.

Q: There was also a 205% increase in network fees in Q4. What are the main reasons behind this growth?

A: The rise in network fees is directly linked to increased on-chain activity. As more developers deploy smart contracts and more devices come online, the demand for block space grows. Additionally, new use cases within DePIN—particularly in device activation, data verification, and DeFi dApps—have contributed to higher fee volumes. While we remain committed to keeping fees competitively low, organic growth in network usage naturally leads to increased fee revenues.

Q: What major product launches and technology upgrades have you introduced in the past few months?

A: We’ve rolled out several key initiatives:

IoTeX 2.0 – Our upgraded core protocol enhances throughput and security while outlining a three-year roadmap for IoTeX’s future development.

ioID – A decentralized identity framework for devices and individuals, designed to strengthen trust and security within DePIN.

Edge AI Integrations – Pilot projects leveraging AI models at the network edge to improve data privacy and application performance.

QuickSilver (formerly W3bstream) – Launching in the first half of 2025, this off-chain computing and verification layer will bridge real-world data with AI systems and on-chain logic.

Q: How does AI intersect with DePIN in the context of IoTeX? How do AI agents help analyze insights and simplify complex DePIN data?

A: AI and DePIN form a powerful synergy. On IoTeX, AI agents can process real-world data in real time—whether from sensors, user interactions, or marketplace transactions—to generate actionable insights. With QuickSilver serving as a trust layer, these AI agents can validate off-chain data and automate on-chain functions.

This enables use cases such as predictive maintenance for smart devices, dynamic resource allocation in decentralized logistics, and user-friendly dashboards that simplify complex DePIN metrics. Essentially, AI transforms raw data into valuable insights, while DePIN ensures the infrastructure remains community-driven and resilient.

Q: IoTeX currently has 251 projects actively building within its ecosystem, including 66 DePIN-focused projects. What are some notable partnerships?

A: Our ecosystem spans multiple industries, showcasing the versatility of DePIN. Some key collaborations include:

GEODNet – Developing a decentralized geospatial data network to enable high-precision location services and analytics.

Eliza Labs – A strategic partner working to equip AI agents with the ability to perceive and interact with the physical world, bridging digital and real-world environments.

Envirobloq – Leveraging blockchain-based solutions to address environmental challenges through transparent, community-driven data.

Qualoo – Innovating in internet diagnostics to enhance global connectivity.

These partnerships highlight how IoTeX is driving real-world applications across AI, geospatial data, environmental monitoring, and beyond.

Q: What are some real-world use cases powered by IoTeX?

A: IoTeX enables a range of DePIN-driven applications that connect the physical and digital worlds. Notable real-world use cases include:

GEODNet’s RTK Service – Provides precise, real-time geospatial data (RTK) for drones, autonomous vehicles, and industrial IoT, enhancing positioning accuracy and navigation.

Envirobloq’s Environmental Monitoring – Uses IoTeX’s infrastructure to collect, store, and verify sensor data on air quality, water levels, and other environmental metrics, promoting community-driven sustainability efforts.

Qualoo’s Internet Diagnostics – Gathers critical power and connectivity insights, particularly in underserved regions, to improve global internet access.

Roam’s WiFi Network – Pioneers decentralized wireless infrastructure by incentivizing individuals and businesses to deploy WiFi hotspots, expanding affordable broadband access in both urban and rural areas.

Each of these projects leverages IoTeX’s secure and scalable blockchain to bring trust, transparency, and ownership to real-world services that benefit communities worldwide.