The Southeast Asian superapp Grab has announced a new and ambitious partnership with Natix, an innovative project based on the DePIN network of Solana, with the goal of radically transforming the way digital maps are created and updated.
The initiative aims to unite forces between Natix’s decentralized mapping technology and Grab’s experience in data collection through crowdsourcing.
Thus paving the way for a new generation of intelligent maps, updated in real-time and supported by artificial intelligence.
Solana news: a strategic alliance between Grab and Natix for innovation in mapping
According to what was announced by Natix on May 6, the collaboration aims to integrate the data collected through blockchain with Grab’s camera hardware and its advanced mapping technologies based on AI.
The objective is clear: to offer high-fidelity cartographic updates and in real-time, leveraging the power of decentralization and collective participation.
“This partnership brings together the best of both worlds,” stated Natix, emphasizing how the combination of the decentralized data network and GrabMaps technology can revolutionize the sector.
GrabMaps, the internal mapping service of Grab, confirmed the agreement with a post on LinkedIn, highlighting how the synergy with Natix will allow for the improvement of the quality and timeliness of geographical information on a global level.
One of the most innovative elements of the collaboration is the launch of VX360, a device developed by Natix and built on the Grab hardware platform.
This tool will be made available to Tesla drivers, allowing them to collect and share 360° images of the vehicle and the surrounding environment.
These visual data, rich and detailed, will be fundamental for fueling increasingly updated maps and for providing critical datasets intended for the training and validation of autonomous driving systems and applications of artificial intelligence physics.
In other words, the drivers will become active participants in the construction of an advanced digital ecosystem, also receiving premi for their contribution.
At the core of the project is the belief that traditional mapping methods are now outdated: costosi, centralizzati e limitati in update frequency.
Natix offers a radical alternative: a global network of telecamere su strada, which allows anyone to monetize their driving data, contributing to the development of the “next generation of maps.”
A new model of decentralized mapping and artificial intelligence for road safety
Through the Solana DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Network), Natix rewards users for providing geographical information, creating a more efficient, scalable, and inclusive system:
“We are offering Tesla drivers access and storage space for their vehicle’s camera feed, while earning rewards for contributing 360° images.”
To make the technology even more effective, Natix has developed artificial intelligence pipelines dedicated to data extraction.
These tools allow the system to recognize events relevant to the map, such as incidenti stradali or segnali di traffico, thus improving the accuracy and usefulness of the information collected.
The co-founder and CEO of Natix, Alireza Ghods, revealed that part of these solutions were developed internally.
However, now the company intends to leverage Grab’s artificial intelligence capabilities, which already has cutting-edge technologies designed for these needs.
This initiative represents just the latest step in Grab’s journey towards greater integration with the world of criptovalute and blockchain.
Already in March 2024, the company had formed a partnership with the payment platform Triple-A, allowing its users to pay for the services offered through five cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ether, and Circle’s stablecoin USDC.
Furthermore, Grab enjoys the support of SoftBank, the Japanese investment holding known for its strong interest in emerging technologies, particularly crypto and AI.
This strategic support has helped to strengthen Grab’s position as a key player in the technology ecosystem of Southeast Asia.
Economic Results and Future Outlook
The news of the partnership with Natix comes at a positive time for Grab, which has recently recorded a revenue of 773 million dollars in the first quarter of 2025, with an increase of 18% year-on-year.
A result that confirms the solidity of the company’s business model and its ability to innovate in strategic sectors.
With the integration of blockchain technologies, artificial intelligence, and decentralized mapping, Grab positions itself as one of the pioneers in creating a smart urban ecosystem.
Ecosystem in which users are not only consumers, but also active contributors and direct beneficiaries of the value generated.
The collaboration between Grab and Natix represents a concrete example of how decentralized technology can be applied to real physical infrastructure, improving the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of urban services.
In a world that is increasingly connected, the possibility of updating maps in real-time thanks to the direct contribution of users opens up new scenarios for mobilità intelligente and autonomous driving.
With this alliance, Grab and Natix not only aim to improve the quality of mapping, but also to reduce costs, increase coverage, and accelerate innovation in a rapidly evolving sector.
An ambitious vision, which could soon become the new standard for the cities of the future.
