Comparative Analysis

STEPN (Move to Earn)

STEPN is an innovative Web3 fitness platform that combines exercise with blockchain technology. Since its launch in 2021, it has garnered significant global user engagement and pioneered the 'Move to Earn' category.

Core Mechanisms

• Users participate by purchasing or renting NFT sneakers

• Physical exercise is measured via GPS, with GST (Green Satoshi Token) rewards proportional to activity

• NFT sneakers can be leveled up and enhanced, with higher-grade sneakers earning more tokens

• Earned tokens can be used for sneaker repair, new NFT purchases, level-ups, or can be converted to cash

Key Achievements

• Secured over 3 million monthly active users globally

• Generated revenue of $120 million in Q1 2022

• Successful token launch through Binance Launchpad

• Established partnerships with major sports brands

Current Limitations

• High initial entry barrier (NFT purchase cost)

• Continuous decline in token value

• Ecosystem contraction due to user churn

• Challenges in securing sustainable revenue model

Lessons Learned

STEPN's case demonstrates the potential for Web3 projects in real-world applications while highlighting the critical importance of token economy sustainability. RecycleX has incorporated these lessons in designing a more stable and sustainable token economy.

HELIUM (Network to Earn)

HELIUM (Network to Earn) is an innovative Web3 network platform that combines telecommunications infrastructure with blockchain technology. Since its launch in 2019, it has pioneered the 'Network to Earn' category while contributing to the construction of a global IoT network.

Core Mechanisms

• Users participate in the network by purchasing HELIUM-specific hotspot miners

• HNT (Helium Network Token) rewards are distributed based on the location of installed hotspots and network coverage

• The miner's location and distance from surrounding miners are crucial, with optimal locations yielding higher token earnings

• Earned tokens can be used to purchase new miners, pay for network usage fees, or be converted to cash

Key Achievements

• Establishment of over 1 million active hotspot networks worldwide

• Reached market value of $2.3 billion as of 2022

• Partnership agreements with major telecommunications companies and IoT enterprises

• Construction of the world's largest distributed wireless network

Current Limitations

• High initial investment costs (miner purchase and installation)

• Significant profitability variations based on location

• Decreased profitability due to network saturation

• Entry barriers due to required technical expertise

While HELIUM's case has demonstrated the possibility of combining physical infrastructure with Web3, it also highlights the importance of balancing scalability and profitability in infrastructure-based projects. Learning from these predecessor projects, RecycleX is designing a more stable and sustainable infrastructure-based token economy.

RecycleX (Recycle to Earn)

RecycleX is an innovative project that creates tangible economic value by integrating blockchain technology with environmental protection activities. It encourages voluntary user participation in environmental protection through immediate and transparent rewards.

Core Mechanisms

• Users deposit PET bottles in AI-powered RVMs (Recycling Vending Machines)

• Real-time quality analysis determines appropriate rewards

• Transparent and immediate token rewards through blockchain technology

• Earned tokens can be utilized for staking, exchange trading, or partner services

Distinctive Features

• Effective integration of physical economy and blockchain

• Precise quality measurement using AI technology

• Transparent reward system

• Virtuous cycle of environmental protection and economic benefits

• Strong alignment with government policies and ESG trends

Business Scalability

• Additional revenue generation through recycled material sales

• Integration with corporate ESG activities

• Collaboration opportunities with governments and municipalities

• Contribution to global environmental solutions

Sustainability Measures

• Stable revenue structure from raw material sales

• Institutional support through government policy alignment

• ESG investment attraction from corporations

• Expansion into global carbon neutrality markets

Expected Impact

• Environmental protection through increased recycling rates

• Economic benefit generation for participants

• Digital transformation of recycling industry

• Contribution to circular economy realization

RecycleX transcends simple reward-based services to become a true circular economy project that simultaneously achieves environmental problem-solving and economic value creation. With strong connections to government policies and global ESG trends, it establishes a business model capable of sustainable growth.

	STEPN	HELIUM	RecycleX
Main Activities	Move to Earn	Network to Earn	Recycle to Earn
Infra	Mobile App	LoRaWAN Router	RVM MEDICUBO
Economy	Mining/Reward	Mining/Reward	Mining/Reward
Sustainability	Medium	Medium-High	High
Revenue Model	Limited	Limited	Expandable
Global Scalability	High	Medium	High