1. What is Nodepay?
Nodepay is a DePIN project offering an innovative solution on the Solana network, enabling users to share unused internet bandwidth and data to support real-time AI training and development. In return, users earn rewards proportional to their contributions. By downloading the desktop extension and mobile app, anyone can participate, earn rewards, and contribute to the future of AI.
Nodepay is designed to simplify the retrieval of high-quality data, effectively supporting AI training processes. To address these challenges, Nodepay has built a decentralized ecosystem where every participant’s contribution is recognized and fairly rewarded. The project aims to transform AI from a centralized tool into a decentralized resource, delivering benefits and opportunities to individuals and businesses worldwide.
On January 17, 2025, Nodepay officially listed its NC token on major exchanges such as OKX, Bitget, and others, marking a significant milestone in its development journey.
2. Structure of Nodepay
Nodepay is built on a platform consisting of three main layers, each playing a critical role in the ecosystem’s operation and growth:
2.1 Node Core
This core infrastructure layer provides the essential building blocks to ensure operational efficiency and scalability:
- Node Mesh: Connects nodes in the ecosystem for seamless data and communication flow.
- Storage and Caching: Ensures stable and reliable data storage across the network.
- LLM Providers: Integrates trusted large language models (LLMs) to support AI services.
- Search API: Offers efficient, accessible search functionalities across the network.
2.2 Node Net
A network of bandwidth nodes and partners operating services within the Nodepay ecosystem. Nodes are categorized into four main types:
- Bandwidth Nodes: Share bandwidth to earn rewards and support real-time data flows and network connectivity.
- Computation Nodes: Provided by partners to deliver computational power for AI processing and other services.
- Storage Nodes: Offer decentralized storage solutions for secure data storage and retrieval.
- Validator Nodes: Verify transactions, ensuring the security and integrity of Nodepay’s blockchain.
2.3 Node Services
A suite of services enhancing user experience and platform functionality, including:
- Node Collect: Allows users to share unused bandwidth for real-time data collection. This service leverages bandwidth nodes for large-scale web crawling and data gathering.
- Node Search: A decentralized AI-powered search engine optimized for Web3, delivering fast and accurate results for Web3-related queries.
- Node Play: A system for identity verification through interactive mini-games. Verified users receive additional rewards and contribute to fraud prevention in the ecosystem.
- Node Force: Applies reinforcement learning from user feedback to improve and refine AI models, enhancing system intelligence over time.
3. How Nodepay Works
Nodepay operates through the following transparent and user-centric steps:
- Connection and Installation
Users download the Nodepay app on mobile or desktop devices. After registering an account, they activate the feature to share idle internet bandwidth. - Bandwidth Contribution
Nodepay leverages unused bandwidth to collect and process real-time data, playing a critical role in supporting AI model training. - Earning Rewards
Users receive Node Points proportional to their contributed bandwidth. These points can be converted into cash or other digital assets, providing direct economic benefits. - Ecosystem Interaction
- Identity Verification: Participate in games or simple puzzles to verify identity and earn additional rewards.
- Using AI Tools: Access advanced AI tools like the answer engine to meet personal or work-related needs.
4. Team
Hung Le: Founder of Nodepay, with over 20 years of experience in data analytics and business intelligence. A graduate of the University of Technology Sydney, he brings credibility and expertise to the project.
5. Investors
Nodepay successfully raised $7 million across two critical funding rounds:
- November 28, 2024: Backed by Animoca Brands, Jump Crypto, and Elevate Ventures (amount undisclosed).
- December 27, 2024: Raised an additional $7 million from IDG Capital and Mythos Ventures.
6. Nodepay Airdrop
Nodepay conducted airdrops for seasons 0, 1, and 2, rewarding NC tokens to users who contributed bandwidth before the token listing.
Currently, users can continue contributing bandwidth to earn points in upcoming airdrops. These points will be converted into corresponding NC tokens, providing more opportunities for participants.
Related: How to Participate in the Nodepay Airdrop
7. Comparable Projects
A similar project to Nodepay is Grass, which focuses on leveraging idle resources to support technological advancements.
8. Overview of NC Token
8.1 Key Information
- Token Name: NodeCoin
- Ticker: NC
- Blockchain: Solana
- Smart Contract: B89Hd5Juz7JP2dxCZXFJWk4tMTcbw7feDhuWGb3kq5qE
- Listing Date: January 17, 2025
- Total Supply: 1,000,000,000 NC
- Max Supply: 1,000,000,000 NC
- Circulating Supply: 208,000,000 NC
8.2 Token Allocation
- Airdrop 1 (11.5%): Fully unlocked at TGE.
- Validators (4%): Linear vesting over 40 months.
- Future Contributor Incentives (26.5%): Linear vesting over 40 months.
- Foundation and Ecosystem (22.5%): 9.3% unlocked at TGE, remainder vested linearly over 40 months.
- Team (14%): Locked for 12 months, then linearly vested over 24 months.
- Investors and Advisors (21.5%): Locked for 1–12 months, then linearly vested over 36 months.
8.3 Token Unlock Schedule
All NC tokens are expected to be fully unlocked within 36 months after TGE.
8.4 Token Utilities
- Service Payments: NC tokens are used to pay for network services.
- Staking: Users can stake NC tokens to specialized nodes (e.g., Validator Nodes) to support network operations and security, earning rewards in return.
- Governance: NC token holders can participate in governance activities, such as proposing and voting on ecosystem improvements.
9. Potential Assessment
Nodepay leverages idle bandwidth and unused data to support AI models, optimizing network resources while offering passive income to users. This innovative and practical approach stands out, especially in a crypto market saturated with projects lacking real-world utility.
The AI and DePIN markets are forecasted to continue booming in 2025, following the remarkable success of 2024. Nodepay is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends for significant growth.
However, the inflation of the NC token is a notable concern. With over 20% of the total supply unlocked at TGE and full token release within three years, this could exert downward pressure on the token’s value if not managed carefully.
10. Conclusion
Nodepay represents a forward-thinking and innovative project that aligns with the booming trends in AI and DePIN. With its focus on decentralization, fair rewards, and practical applications, Nodepay has the potential to become a key player in the crypto and AI landscapes. However, maintaining a balance between user and investor value will be critical for sustainable growth. If the project continues to execute its strategy effectively, Nodepay could emerge as a leader in AI-driven blockchain solutions.