Step into the world of NATIX, where cutting-edge technology converges with visionary leadership to redefine the landscape of decentralized infrastructure. Co-founded by Alireza Ghods, NATIX has rapidly emerged as a pioneering force at the intersection of AI, IoT, and blockchain.
From its inception, NATIX has set out to revolutionize data collection and utilization through its groundbreaking DePIN initiative. This ambitious project aims to build the world’s largest camera infrastructure without owning a single camera, leveraging AI to transform raw data into actionable insights securely and efficiently.
Continue reading below for further insightful details from our interview!
Ali’s Path to Founding NATIX
Alireza Ghods, the co-founder and CEO at NATIX, recounted his journey from his early academic pursuits to the inception of NATIX Network.
Initially immersed in wireless communication and electrical engineering, Ali pursued a PhD specializing in localization algorithms and location-enabled services. His expertise flourished during his tenure in the autonomous driving industry, where he contributed to pioneering European projects aimed at developing precise location engines for autonomous vehicles. Utilizing diverse technologies such as satellites, radiofrequency cameras, and LiDAR, Ali and his team achieved an unprecedented 25-centimeter accuracy, marking a significant milestone in the autonomous driving vertical.
Transitioning from the automotive sector to the consultancy realm, Ali joined PwC, focusing on business and strategy consulting within emerging technologies like IoT, Blockchain, and artificial intelligence. Furthermore, his pivotal role as the lead for IoT operations in Europe and co-lead for blockchain initiatives provided invaluable insights and paved the way for his future endeavors.
During this period, the CEO’s fascination with blockchain technology was ignited. Introduced to Bitcoin while exploring scientific papers, he delved deep into its speculative potential and quickly recognized its transformative capabilities. Eager to merge blockchain with IoT, Ali envisioned a future where decentralized systems could revolutionize global connectivity. Notably, his conviction in the synergistic potential of AI, IoT, and blockchain laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial ambitions.
NATIX Emerges
Partnering with his co-founder at PwC, Ali embarked on a journey to realize their vision of a decentralized compute platform. Despite initial challenges securing funding in a bear market, their perseverance paid off with backing from Plug and Play Ventures. Encouraged to refine their concept, they pivoted towards building a privacy-compliant AI framework for edge computing, catering to IoT devices and smartphones.
The pivotal moment arrived in 2021 when Ali and his team recognized the scalability issues inherent in traditional camera infrastructure for their AI applications. Drawing inspiration from successful tokenization models like Helium, they conceptualized the NATIX Network. Their ambitious plan involved creating the world’s largest camera infrastructure, leveraging tokenization to crowdsource and bootstrap the network.
NATIX stands at the forefront of the DePIN crypto movement today, embodying the convergence of AI, IoT, and blockchain. Ali’s journey — from academia to industry innovation — exemplifies entrepreneurial resilience and visionary leadership in the evolving landscape of decentralized technologies.
Advancing Geospatial Data with Dynamic Maps and Autonomous Technologies
Ali’s transition into leveraging cameras for crowdsource camera network mapping marked a significant advancement in geospatial data capture. Through sophisticated applications of AI and computer vision, these cameras detect a wide array of elements such as vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and road hazards like potholes and collisions. Significantly, this capability forms the foundation for creating dynamic maps that can be continuously updated in real time. These maps not only provide essential information on parking availability and traffic conditions but also offer a layered view of city dynamics that evolves as situations change.
The decentralized approach adopted by NATIX ensures that cameras are strategically placed across diverse locations, enabling the compilation of a comprehensive, real-time representation of road conditions. This approach supports navigation and enhances autonomous vehicles’ decision-making capabilities, which rely on up-to-date information to navigate safely amidst dynamic environments.
Ali’s earlier projects, which included a major initiative funded with 6 million euros to develop a high-precision location engine, laid the groundwork for his concept of “local dynamic maps.” These maps integrate real-time data gathered from cameras and LiDAR mounted on vehicles, enabling seamless communication of road conditions between vehicles in real-time.
Additionally, these dynamic maps play a crucial role for autonomous vehicles, serving as more than just aids — they constitute the operational environment within which these vehicles operate. Their precision and immediacy are essential for autonomous vehicles to coexist safely and effectively with human drivers.
The concept of real-time, high-definition maps has been a longstanding aspiration within the industry, with Ali dating it back to 2012. This vision reflects NATIX’s broader mission to bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds, fostering greater synergy between human and autonomous technologies.
NATIX’s DePIN Initiative: Transforming Data into Actionable Insights
Ali described NATIX’s ambitious DePIN project — the goal is to build the world’s largest camera infrastructure without owning a single camera. Central to this initiative was the integration of AI to monetize the infrastructure by transforming raw data into actionable insights. “The key,” Ali emphasized, “is AI’s role in converting data into valuable insights, which are essential in the IoT space.”
NATIX’s approach leveraged computer vision AI, a subset of machine learning and deep learning. Notably, this specific AI is capable of processing videos and images to detect specific parameters such as traffic congestion, vehicle counts, bicycle presence, and even road hazards like potholes. This AI-driven system operates in real-time, extracting metadata directly on edge devices like smartphones or CCTV cameras without transmitting images or videos externally. This approach ensured data privacy, a principle embedded in NATIX’s operations since 2020.
Moreover, Ali highlighted, “Our optimized AI runs locally on the AI-accelerated chips of devices, such as smartphones, analyzing camera streams in real-time.” For instance, when detecting a pothole, the AI would extract relevant metadata — like location, time, and size — and transmit this condensed information, akin to a text message, from the device. Users who contribute their data and infrastructure in this manner earn rewards through the NATIX ecosystem.
DePIN’s Disruptive Impact on Infrastructure Development
NATIX’s CEO noted that DePIN accelerates the creation of infrastructure at a significantly lower cost compared to traditional methods, estimating it to be between 10 to 100 times faster and cheaper. He acknowledged that, like many infrastructure-heavy projects, DePIN faces challenges in monetization, often not matching the rapid growth rates of Web2 unicorns.
He explained that the key challenge lies in balancing the supply and demand. Building infrastructure requires laying the groundwork and establishing a robust supply of data and services, which in turn drives demand from users and consumers. Each phase presents its own set of obstacles that need to be overcome.
“DePIN is enabling you to build an infrastructure 10 to 100 times faster and cheaper; that’s what DePIN does.”
Ali’s foresight highlighted that DePIN infrastructures will inevitably attract attention from industries accustomed to higher costs and longer timelines as they expand in size and scope. He predicted that traditional players in the Web2 world would take notice as DePIN’s efficiency and cost-effectiveness become increasingly apparent. This shift could potentially disrupt established norms in data collection and infrastructure provision, making DePIN an appealing alternative in terms of both capability and economics.
Incentivizing Participation: The Role of the NATIX Token in Capturing Network Value
The main role of the NATIX token is to reward participants within the ecosystem and capture the value generated by the network. Protocol revenue, whether from app or data monetization, played a crucial role in this process. “Moreover,” Ali emphasized, “we employed two key strategies: buyback and burn, and give and get incentives for contributors.”
Among NATIX’s flagship products is Drive&, a platform where users can download an app to their car dashboard, linking their smartphone’s camera to NATIX’s AI for data collection. Notably, drivers who participate in this service are rewarded with NATIX tokens for their contributions. Additionally, the upcoming validator nodes, set to launch soon, will verify the accuracy and authenticity of data generated by smartphone users. The CEO highlighted that these validators would play a critical role in ensuring data integrity, thereby earning rewards in NATIX tokens for their efforts.
“In essence,” Ali remarked, “the NATIX token serves as both a reward mechanism and a means to capture the network’s value, fostering a robust and sustainable ecosystem of data contributors and validators.” This integrated approach aimed to incentivize participation while maintaining the integrity and reliability of the data generated within NATIX’s network.
Driving Value Across Industries: NATIX’s Impact on Logistics, Navigation, and Mapping
Logistic companies, map and navigation firms, and large businesses with dedicated mapping departments are among the primary beneficiaries of NATIX’s data. Ali highlighted these entities as key customers who extensively use map and navigation services. They value NATIX’s ability to provide detailed geospatial data that traditional GPS systems cannot match. “Moreover,” Ali pointed out, “NATIX’s cameras offer granularity in identifying specific types of vehicles, such as buses, trucks, and bicycles, which GPS typically categorizes broadly as moving objects.”
Additionally, geospatial data aggregators represent another significant customer base for NATIX. These entities leverage NATIX’s data to enhance their own datasets with detailed movement and location information. The Co-Founder and CEO also highlighted NATIX’s partnerships with driver assistance applications and major navigation players. These collaborations enhance navigation services by integrating NATIX’s real-time data on traffic conditions and parking availability. “For instance,” Ali noted, “our data enriches route planning by providing live updates on traffic congestion and parking probabilities in urban areas.”
Looking ahead, NATIX’s dual focus is on serving both business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets. This approach ensures that the benefits of NATIX’s data reach a broad spectrum of users, from logistics giants optimizing delivery routes to individual drivers navigating city streets with up-to-the-minute information.
NATIX’s Strategic Partnerships
NATIX takes pride in its decentralized camera infrastructure and also in its extensive partnerships with prominent customers and collaborators across various sectors. For instance, entities like the city of The Hague in the Netherlands, known as the legal capital of the world, and Deutsche Telekom have utilized NATIX’s AI technology stack over the years. Furthermore, these partnerships have been pivotal in establishing NATIX’s credibility, exploring new use cases, and expanding the application of its network.
In addition to these established names, NATIX has forged alliances with several projects within the Web3 sphere. This includes collaborations with various blockchain platforms such as peaq and Solana, where NATIX has integrated its solutions. Overall, these partnerships have enabled NATIX to leverage blockchain technology effectively, enhancing the capabilities and security of its offerings.
Moreover, NATIX has created an innovative marketplace within its app, offering non-crypto rewards that resonate with users. Products like a health ring, a DePIN product that rewards users for sharing health data with research institutes, have been well-received. Other products include location miners and OBDs (On-Board Diagnostics) for cars, which provide personalized insurance options by leveraging internal car data.
Through these diverse partnerships and product innovations, NATIX continues to expand its influence and capabilities in the digital and physical infrastructure sectors.
Ali’s Reflections on NATIX’s Achievements and Growth
Since embarking on this journey, Ali reflected on several achievements that stand out for NATIX. Firstly, he takes pride in assembling a highly motivated and skilled team that shares and drives forward the company’s vision. Recognizing that the team’s dedication and energy are fundamental to NATIX’s success, Ali values their commitment to tackling challenges and achieving milestones in the decentralized infrastructure space.
Another source of pride for Ali is NATIX’s robust advisory network and investor base, which has provided crucial guidance and support over the past two years. He emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with knowledgeable advisors and investors who contribute to making informed decisions, particularly in areas like token design, fundraising, and strategic planning.
Moreover, Ali highlighted the significance of collaborating with other accomplished founders within the DePIN space and the broader startup realm. By engaging with these peers, sharing insights, and learning from each other’s experiences, Ali and his team continuously refine their strategies and navigate the complexities of the market effectively.
NATIX’s rapid growth is another achievement that the CEO holds dear. With over 130,000 registered drivers and mapping more than 50 million kilometers in just over a year, NATIX has established itself as one of the fastest-growing ventures in its sector, as recognized by Messari’s 2023 report. Notably, he attributed this success to the vibrant community that supports NATIX, contributing to its expanding network and impact.
Next Steps: NATIX’s Strategic Expansion and Development Roadmap
The NATIX token was recently listed on prominent exchanges such as KuCoin, Gate.io, and MEXC, which enhances accessibility and liquidity for investors and supporters alike.
In addition to these listings, Ali teased a forthcoming partnership in the navigation sector with a major industry player outside the crypto realm. This partnership promises to integrate NATIX’s innovative mapping solutions with a well-established map provider’s platform, marking a strategic advancement in expanding NATIX’s market reach and utility.
Furthermore, Ali also revealed plans for launching a staking platform, a highly anticipated development within NATIX’s community. Scheduled to go live approximately a month after the token listings, the staking platform aims to engage community members further by offering opportunities to earn rewards and participate actively in the network’s growth.
Looking Ahead
Despite current challenging market conditions, Ali expressed confidence in NATIX’s long-term vision and commitment to its community. He emphasized the company’s resilience and dedication to continuous innovation, with several major initiatives slated for rollout in the coming months. These forthcoming developments highlight NATIX’s ambitious plans for 2024, setting the stage for further advancements in decentralized infrastructure and beyond.
*Disclaimer: News content provided by Genfinity is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, we do not offer financial or legal advice of any kind. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial or legal decisions. Genfinity disclaims any responsibility for actions taken based on the information presented in our articles. Our commitment is to share knowledge, foster discussion, and contribute to a better understanding of the topics covered in our articles. We advise our readers to exercise caution and diligence when seeking information or making decisions based on the content we provide.
