Datagram – The Next Evolution in DePIN Infrastructure
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Network: Avalanche Subnet (Custom Layer 1)
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Category of DePIN: Real-Time Communication, Compute, Storage, CDN, and AI
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Investors:
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Hashed – $4M Seed Round (July 2024)
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Samsung Next, PetRock Capital, Hiver, and Foresight Ventures also participated
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Project Summary – What is Datagram?
Datagram is a high-performance DePIN platform that combines decentralized compute, storage, AI coordination, and real-time networking into a unified infrastructure protocol. It's built as a custom Avalanche Layer 1 chain designed specifically for interoperability across DePIN ecosystems—essentially the "inter-DePIN glue layer."
What sets Datagram apart:
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Multi-service scope: Unlike single-purpose DePINs, Datagram combines several real-world services—like CDN, edge networking, compute, and AI task routing—under one architecture.
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Custom Avalanche-based L1: Offers high throughput and low latency tailored for infra-heavy workloads.
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Incentive structure: Introduces a robust, gamified points-based reward mechanism during its early testnet to fuel adoption and incentivize uptime.
Core Team:
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Jason "BitBender" Brink, CEO: A veteran blockchain executive and the architect behind Gala Games' decentralized storage layer, which supports over 85% of IPFS DHT nodes. Known for pioneering real-world use cases of blockchain in gaming and global aid systems, Jason brings unmatched expertise in scaling Web3 infrastructure.
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Dr. William H. Nguyen, CTO: A Sloan Fellow and serial innovator, Dr. Nguyen has led cutting-edge research at institutions like Harvard Medical School and UC Berkeley. His focus is on building frictionless, privacy-first decentralized communication layers—bringing the vision of borderless, user-friendly Web3 into reality.
Also Includes experienced Web3 founders and engineers with backgrounds in decentralized systems, edge computing, and blockchain infra. While the full public team is not yet disclosed, early investors and institutional backing signal high confidence in the project’s technical leadership.
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Airdrop & Points Campaign Details – Alpha Testnet Overview
Datagram is currently in its Alpha Testnet phase, distributing points to early node runners. These points will convert into $DGRAM tokens upon the Token Generation Event (TGE), expected in Q3 2025.
Key details:
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Campaign Phases:
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Phase 1: June 11 – July 7, 2025
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Phase 2: Active Now (July 2025 onward)
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Token Allocation:
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Up to 2.25% of total supply allocated to Alpha Testnet participants
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Top contributors also eligible for hardware rewards
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Point Accrual:
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Earn 1 point per minute of verified uptime (capped at 1,440 points/day)
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Additional points through referrals
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Referral Tiers:
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Tiered bonus structure (e.g. 10% for Tier 1 referrals)
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Bonuses unlocked after referees reach 100 verified uptime hours
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Bonus continues if referrals purchase full-core node licenses in future phases
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Steps to Join the Datagram Alpha Testnet
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Visit the Datagram dashboard and register using your email.
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Download the validator software from the dashboard (available for Windows, Mac, Linux, or browser-only option).
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Launch the software and ensure your node status says “Green Connected.”

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Leave your validator running for as long as possible—uptime is checked several times per day.
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Share your referral link (found in the dashboard) once you’ve accumulated uptime to unlock bonuses.
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Join the Datagram Discord, request the Early Alpha Tester role to stay updated and potentially get whitelist perks.
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Monitor your daily point earnings from the dashboard interface.
Important Notes & Best Practices
Running a node may trigger browser security warnings or display a “harmful app” notice during the download process. This is common with newer software and should not necessarily be seen as malicious behavior.
⚠️ However, as with all DePIN or Web3 infrastructure software, users should exercise personal responsibility. While Datagram is backed by reputable investors and early contributors in the DePIN space, you should always do your own research (DYOR) before installing or participating.
Additional Recommendations:
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Ensure your system uptime is high (ideally 24/7 for max point earnings).
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Consider running the validator on a dedicated machine or VPS if possible.
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Stay plugged into community channels for campaign updates and upcoming whitelist opportunities.
Final Thoughts
If you're exploring the frontier of DePIN infrastructure, Datagram is an exceptional opportunity. With a compelling technical vision, real investor confidence, and a points campaign that rewards early node runners, this is one of the more attractive alpha-phase plays in the space right now.
Whether you're in it for passive airdrop points, early exposure to infrastructure tokens, or just interested in real-world decentralized tech, Datagram deserves your attention.
Ready to get started? Register here and spin up your node.