In an era where technology and fitness increasingly intersect, one project stands out with its bold promise to redefine the running community: AIRian. Through the innovative use of Web3 technology, AIRian aspires not just to connect runners around the globe but to empower them in unprecedented ways. The Shib recently engaged in a conversation with Jay Chung, the visionary founder and CEO of AIRian, alongside CMO James Lim, offering a glimpse into the ambitious framework of this innovative project.
The Genesis of AIRian
In recent years, running events have surged in popularity, transcending mere races to become vibrant community gatherings and fitness celebrations. While the allure of personal accomplishment and physical well-being motivates many runners, tangible rewards can further enhance the experience and foster a sense of achievement. Yet, all too often, participants find themselves crossing the finish line without much more than a medal or a t-shirt to show for their efforts.
AIRian seeks to address a gap in the current running community landscape: the lack of genuine ownership and incentivization for runners’ achievements and contributions. “I saw a disconnect between the digital and physical aspects of running communities,” Jay explained. “Our mission is to bridge that gap with Web3, creating a more connected, rewarding, and decentralized running community.”
The genesis of the AIRian project lies in the pursuit of innovative solutions within the evolving landscape marked by the rapid convergence of industrial and IT revolutions. Within this backdrop, coupled with an aging demographic, the company saw the deep and resonating call for innovative solutions in health and lifestyle.
The project strategically embraced aerobic exercise as a pivotal solution, recognizing its universal applicability across diverse age groups and experiences. Acknowledging the power of sport in fostering community-building, AIRian also strategically used walking and running as activities to promote its advocacy and facilitate global user interaction to form an ideal foundation for the establishment of a dynamic and engaged community.
Driven by its aim of broadening a culture of people from all corners of the world coming together and interacting through both offline and online global competitions, AIRian synergized the timeless activities of walking, running, and marathons with the amazing features of Web3 to provide participants with an enriched and multifaceted experience.
Guided by its slogan, “There is a miracle in every new step,” the CEO’s vision for AIRian is both ambitious and deeply personal. “Running has always been about community, perseverance, and self-improvement. With AIRian, we’re enhancing these values through technology, allowing every step and every mile to be recognized and rewarded,” he said.
“We want to inspire a resurgence of outdoor experiences, particularly among the younger generation, beckoning them to step beyond the confines of indoor spaces and immerse themselves in the realm of physical challenges,” articulated the CEO. “Through the AIRian movement, we envision recapturing the vibrancy of youth, encouraging participation in sports, athletic endeavors, or the simple joy of communal outdoor activities; to reclaim the essence of a bygone era, where the great outdoors served as a playground for the spirited and the adventurous,” the serial entrepreneur currently building a vibrant and enriching Web3 community told The Shib.
Up Close and Personal
With the ambitious vision of AIRian laid out, it is crucial to get to know the forces spearheading this groundbreaking initiative: the CEO and CMO.
Jay Chung, the founder and CEO, boasts a rich background in e-commerce and brand IP-related roles, having embarked on a journey as a serial entrepreneur. Throughout his career, he has garnered success across diverse fields, leveraging his innate creativity and visual acumen. It was within this realm that he conceived AIRian, driven by a passion to proliferate the joys of walking and running on a global scale. Currently, Jay is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant and enriching Web3 community, positioning himself as a leading entrepreneur in the Asian Web3 industry and potentially on a global stage.
As Jay lays the groundwork for AIRian’s ambitious mission, he is joined by James Lim, the Chief Marketing Officer, who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to propel the project’s global impact.
Lim provides a unique blend of Korean heritage and Canadian upbringing to his role, embracing Jay’s visionary outlook and dedicating himself to championing a project of global significance. Within the dynamic Asian marketing landscape, James emerges as a luminary, strategically applying his expertise to drive forward a groundbreaking Web3 initiative. His illustrious career is punctuated by success across diverse projects, underscoring his role as a catalyst in the ever-evolving intersection of marketing and technology. With a penchant for bridging the gap between the East and West and the transition from Web2 to Web3, James is also the CEO and co-founder of Meta Persona, a prominent platform facilitating crypto, blockchain, and Web3 marketing in Asia. His partnerships with leading enterprises and projects, including LG Electronics, FRIEZE, LINE, and others, further solidify his position as a key figure in digital innovation and marketing.
From Vision to Real World
With Chung and Lim at the helm, the project’s vision takes on tangible form as it navigates the transition from concept to reality.
However, a project as innovative as AIRian is not without its hurdles and requires a strategy that resonates with both tech enthusiasts and everyday runners. User adoption and technological integration pose significant challenges. But Lim, a renowned marketer, and the company’s CEO shared their strategy: “We’re focusing on community engagement and education. It’s not just about bringing runners to Web3; it’s about bringing Web3 to runners in a way that enriches their experience.”
Lim explained, “The ultimate objective is to synergize the timeless activities of walking, running, and marathons with the amazing features of Web3, thereby providing participants with an enriched and multifaceted experience.”
Chung added, “AIRian’s ultimate goal is to combine the modern and innovative features of Web3 with walking, running, and marathons, providing participants with more value. In doing so, AIRian aims to support those pursuing a healthy lifestyle and allow individuals to enjoy user activities in new ways combined with digital experiences.”
Trailblazing Initiatives and Collaborations
Yet, what was AIRian’s strategy for achieving this?
Backed by profound vision and underscored by ambitious goals, AIRian strategically aligned itself with Dong-A Media Group, a prominent media conglomerate in Korea renowned for operating one of the oldest marathon IPs — the Seoul International Marathon (held since 1931) — as well as managing numerous running and marathon event IPs in South Korea.
Aside from crucial and major partnerships, the team also launched a plethora of initiatives, including a platform that empowers users with diverse fitness levels through a range of challenges, from light walking to intensive training, including milestones like the 2000-step, 5000-step, and 10,000-step goals. And the reward? $AIR token, the crypto asset of the ecosystem. It also allows users to join offline and online running and marathon events that enable them to score more $AIR tokens.
To foster a deeper connection between the digital assets and their holders, encouraging long-term engagement with the AIRian ecosystem, the company launched the non-fungible token dubbed AIRian Avatars, which beyond serving as collectibles, grant owners the privilege to purchase specialized AIRian street outfits, with additional benefits linked to the ownership of these NFT IP models.
Furthering the expansion of its growing influence, AIRian has established collaborations with globally recognized running and marathon event Intellectual Properties, actively working to provide the AIRian community diverse services and benefits, with exclusive services planned for NFT holders and AIRian ambassadors.
Moreover, in a significant stride towards revolutionizing the digital and physical realms of running, AIRian marked the end of 2023 with the successful launch of the Runner X beta. As it moves into 2024, AIRian’s focus sharpens on the development and integration of four key features designed to elevate the running community’s engagement and participation: Ticketing functionality; in-app community features; crew functionality; and online walking, running, and marathon event features. It anticipates their successful completion sometime in the middle of the year.
Sprinting Forward
Building on the remarkable achievements and milestones that AIRian has already secured, the focus now shifts toward the ambitious plans that are set to unfold.
“Our mission is to rejuvenate not just Web3, but also the culture of Generation Z or humanity as a whole,” the AIRian executives told The Shib. “Embracing running as a cultural phenomenon has the potential to profoundly influence Gen Z’s ethos, akin to how Nike once rivaled Nintendo and brought healthy lifestyles and sportsmanship into the culture. We may engage and potentially compete with platforms like TikTok to let the youth get out of the room and RUN!”
A Future in Motion
AIRian’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of technology in enriching the fitness and wellness landscape. As it advances, AIRian remains committed to inspiring and empowering communities worldwide, paving the way for a healthier, more connected future.
