Gridcoin is designed for this. It is based on scientific research and instead of sha256 hashes of random data, coins are earned by proof of your computer doing scientific research.

From their homepage:

> Examples include protein structure prediction (Rosetta@home), mapping the Milky Way galaxy (Milkyway@home), and tackling problems in public health and clean energy (World Community Grid).

Proof of Social Good. Increase your neighbor's credit score and you will earn a coin.

There's FoldingCoin:

https://www.newsbtc.com/news/foldingcoin-where-people-mine-p...

Things that would make sense:

- SETI@homeCoin, ala https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SETI@home

- ArchiveCoin, ala https://wiki.archiveteam.org/index.php/ArchiveTeam_Warrior

These would actually be useful.

The problem is that it is really hard to link non digital things to the digital world.