The increasing convergence of blockchain and artificial intelligence could propel the decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) market beyond $3. 5 trillion within the next three years, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF). DePIN combines blockchain technology with community-owned physical infrastructure to establish decentralized networks in which participants contribute resources and receive cryptocurrency in return. “Currently valued between $30 billion and $50 billion, with more than 1, 500 active projects worldwide, this relatively new sector is expected to expand to $3. 5 trillion by 2028, ” the report stated. A major driver of this expansion is the rise of decentralized physical AI (DePAI), which represents a “fundamental shift” in how AI agents interact with physical infrastructure and external data, the WEF noted. Related: Crypto VC deals hit 2025 low despite $909M raised in May Unlike centralized frameworks, DePAI utilizes decentralized networks where users support machine learning (ML) through their everyday activities, thereby freeing AI development from limitations imposed by centralized datasets. Other industry experts also anticipate substantial market potential in DePIN, fueled by the increasing demand for decentralized wireless hardware connectivity. Carlos Lei Santos, co-founder and CEO of Uplink, told Cointelegraph in an interview that the next $1 trillion company will likely arise from the DePIN sector, driven by this growing need for decentralized wireless solutions. Related: $2. 1B crypto stolen in 2025 as hackers shift focus from code to users: CertiK DePIN set to transform computing infrastructure The report further explains that as DePIN adoption rises, it could “reshape the future of omni computing” by facilitating a more distributed and resilient computing environment. Decentralized applications such as Bittensor and Threefold “demonstrate” DePIN’s growth potential by enhancing interoperability among its core infrastructure components, the report highlights. Bittensor supports the creation of decentralized AI models, whereas Threefold provides users with a sovereign digital identity system tailored for Web3, it added, explaining: “This democratization of AI training ensures models remain diverse and contextually relevant while rewarding contributors through blockchain-based incentive systems. ” Additionally, Messari forecasted a $3. 5 trillion DePIN market by 2028—a rise of over $1. 3 trillion from the current addressable market of $2. 2 trillion—according to the crypto research firm’s report released in January 2023.