When most people think of crypto, they picture Bitcoin as digital gold or Ethereum powering DeFi platforms. But blockchain technology has quietly expanded far beyond finance, finding its way into unexpected areas. From tracking carbon emissions with KlimaDAO to giving artists direct control over their royalties via platforms like Audius, crypto is redefining how we interact with technology and each other. This article by SwapSpace CEO Andrew Wind will dive into some of the most unusual crypto use cases pointing out industries you might never have associated with blockchain.

Crypto’s journey began with Bitcoin in 2009, designed as a decentralized alternative to traditional currencies – a digital store of value immune to government control. However, the real shift happened in 2015 with the launch of Ethereum, which introduced smart contracts, enabling programmable, self-executing agreements without intermediaries. This innovation laid the foundation for DeFi.

Important! As of January 2025, the total value locked (TVL) in DeFi protocols has experienced significant growth, reaching approximately $129 billion. This marks a 137% increase year-over-year, highlighting the expanding adoption and integration of DeFi platforms within the broader crypto ecosystem.

But the potential of crypto didn’t stop with financial transactions. The same decentralized principles stimulated the development of unusual crypto-based apps.

In the world of supply chains, crypto tokens like Ambrosus (AMB) incentivize data sharing and verification among producers, transporters, and retailers, ensuring the authenticity of goods and promoting ethical practices. Major companies, such as Nestlé, are already using token-based solutions to ensure transparency and traceability in their supply chains.

Thus, the potential of crypto has gone beyond finance and has spread to areas such as the environment and ecology, decentralized identity, transparency, health tracking and many others.

1. Environmental and conservation efforts

Cryptocurrencies are being used to tackle some of the planet’s biggest environmental challenges. KlimaDAO, for example, leverages a crypto token (KLIMA) backed by carbon credits, creating a decentralized carbon market where users can buy, hold, or retire credits to offset emissions. Since its launch, KlimaDAO has facilitated the retirement of over 20 million tons of carbon credits, making a significant impact on voluntary carbon markets.

Projects like TreeCoin (TREE) are leveraging blockchain to fund reforestation efforts. By tokenizing trees, they enable investors to support environmental initiatives while earning returns, creating a sustainable model for combating deforestation.

Similarly, SolarCoin (SLR) rewards solar energy producers with tokens for every megawatt-hour of solar power generated. Another project, Plastic Bank, rewards individuals with crypto tokens for collecting and recycling plastic waste, helping to reduce ocean pollution while fostering local micro-economies.

2. Decentralized identity and personal data control

Cryptocurrencies are redefining how individuals control their personal data. Civic (CVC) is a token-based system that allows users to verify their identities securely while retaining control over their personal information. Businesses can request identity verification, and users are rewarded in CVC tokens for sharing their data selectively.

Another example is SelfKey (KEY), a crypto-powered identity platform that enables individuals and businesses to manage IDs, KYC processes, and even citizenship applications, all powered by the KEY token. With growing concerns about data breaches and privacy, these crypto solutions provide secure, decentralized alternatives to traditional identity management systems.

3. Supply chain incentives and transparency

Cryptocurrencies are being integrated into supply chains to incentivize ethical practices and improve transparency. VeChain (VET), for instance, uses its token to reward participants in supply chains for contributing accurate data or verifying product authenticity. Companies like Walmart China use VeChain to track food products, ensuring safety and quality, while customers can verify product information using VET-powered apps.

Ambrosus, as previously mentioned, is a crypto project dedicated to supply chain management. It utilizes AMB tokens to encourage data sharing between producers, transporters, and retailers, particularly in industries such as pharmaceuticals and food. This approach not only improves traceability but also fosters a more collaborative and transparent supply chain ecosystem.

4. Gamified fitness and health tracking

Cryptos are turning fitness into a financially rewarding activity. Sweatcoin and STEPN are two of the most popular move-to-earn platforms that reward physical activity with crypto tokens. STEPN, for example, rewards users with GMT tokens for walking, jogging, or running while using GPS tracking. As of 2025, STEPN reported over 4 million active users and facilitated earnings of thousands of dollars for some participants during peak popularity.

Similarly, Sweatcoin rewards steps with tokens that can be spent on goods and services or converted into cryptocurrency. This innovative model not only promotes healthier lifestyles but also introduces crypto to a broader, health-conscious audience.

5. Crypto for decentralized wireless networks

Perhaps one of the most unexpected applications of crypto is in building decentralized wireless networks. Helium (HNT) incentivizes individuals to set up and maintain wireless hotspots by rewarding them with HNT tokens. These hotspots collectively create a decentralized, low-power network used by IoT devices, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional telecom infrastructure.

As of 2023, Helium’s network has expanded to over 900,000 hotspots globally, making it one of the largest decentralized networks in the world. By allowing users to earn crypto for contributing to network infrastructure, Helium demonstrates how cryptocurrencies can disrupt traditional industries in surprising ways.

6. Decentralized voting systems

An unusual but increasingly relevant use case for crypto is decentralized voting systems and political tokens. Blockchain’s transparency and immutability make it ideal for secure elections, reducing the risk of fraud or manipulation. For example, Follow My Vote and Vocdoni are platforms using blockchain to ensure fair and verifiable voting processes. Sierra Leone conducted the world's first blockchain-based presidential election in 2018.

Beyond elections, political tokens like Democracy Earth’s Sovereign token allow users to participate in governance decisions within decentralized communities. Even meme coins, like Let’s Go Brandon (LGB), reflect political sentiment, showing how crypto is merging with political expression and activism in unexpected ways.

Curious fact! Besides all the previously mentioned unusual crypto use cases, there’s one that will surely surprise you. A blockchain platform called “Marriage Unblocked” allows people to propose, exchange vows and get married, which is highly important for same-sex couples.

While non-financial crypto applications demonstrate the flexibility of cryptocurrencies, they come with several challenges and risks:

• Scalability issues: Many blockchains struggle with high transaction volumes, limiting real-time applications like supply chain tracking or decentralized networks.

• Security vulnerabilities: Smart contract bugs and exploits can compromise data integrity or result in financial losses, as seen in DAO hacks.

• Regulatory uncertainty: These use cases often operate in legal grey areas, risking compliance issues or sudden shutdowns due to shifting regulations.

• Adoption hurdles: Businesses and individuals may hesitate to adopt crypto solutions due to volatility, lack of technical expertise, or skepticism about the technology’s reliability.

As blockchain technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more unusual and innovative crypto use cases to emerge. The rise of Decentralized Science (DeSci) could revolutionize research funding and data sharing, while blockchain-based healthcare systems may offer new ways to secure patient data and streamline medical records.

Interesting fact! Some dental clinics, such as Dental Method, have already allowed you to pay for services with cryptocurrency.

Emerging concepts like proof-of-humanity tokens could redefine digital identity, and crypto-powered AI marketplaces might decentralize artificial intelligence development. As scalability and interoperability improve, the integration of crypto into unexpected industries will accelerate, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the decentralized world. The most surprising applications are likely still ahead.

Crypto is no longer confined to finance; it’s branching out into a wide range of industries, offering innovative solutions for everything from environmental sustainability to personal data control. The future of crypto holds limitless potential, and its most groundbreaking applications are still on the horizon. As adoption grows and barriers like scalability and regulation are addressed, these unusual use cases could transform everyday life in ways we’re only beginning to imagine.