Alex Events

Hong Kong University

HKU BLOCKCHAIN WORKSHOP

NOVEMBER 12

Digital Ledger technology and distributed computing have come a long way. The Blockchain Institute’s founder, Taylor Gerring spoke earlier this month at Hong Kong University’s Blockchain Center. The institute will be working with the university to provide blockchain educational material.

The talk covered the history of blockchain and introduced new ideas on how it can push into the next decade.
Taylor Gerring pictured here with the Hong Kong University team.

Chicago Universities Blockchain Summit

May 29, 2019
Events

Chicago Universities Blockchain Summit May 18, 2019 On May 18th, Blockchain Institute sponsored Chicago University Blockchain Summit Conference at Northwestern University at the Pritzker Pavilion Downtown Chicago, IL. The event was put on by several Illinois universities intent on highlighting the many benefits of this transformative new technology. Clubs from Northwestern University, University of Chicago, … Continue reading Chicago Universities Blockchain Summit

Exploring Engineering 2019

April 18, 2019
Events

EXPLORING ENGINEERING April 18, 2019 Amos Alonzo Stagg High School hosted Explore Engineering which is a Chicago-based event aimed to introduce high school students into the vast field of engineering. The Blockchain Institute team provided educational materials and answered questions at the booth throughout the event.

BLOCKRESS Workshop

April 2, 2019
Events

BLOCKRESS WORKSHOP April 2, 2019 The 3rd International Blockchain Congress took place April 2nd at Chicago’s AON Center. Over 50 Blockchain professionals spoke on various enterprise blockchain topics. The Institutes Managing Director, Hannah Rosenberg, led a panel of 4 in a discussion of real examples of blockchain technology in practice. The panel covered when and … Continue reading BLOCKRESS Workshop

Alex Web3

Internet of Value

Background

The original purpose of blockchain was to enable trustless payments on the Bitcoin network. Before Bitcoin, online payments required an offline third party such as a bank to manually approve each transfer. This created a major weakness to fraud and theft – one which is no longer present in Web3 systems built on the blockchain.

Did you know?

As of 2018, the average international transfer costs over $35 USD. A Bitcoin transaction by contrast costs less than $10.

Current State

Payments online are currently transmitted through private third parties, which complicates international transactions and reduces the ability of regulators to monitor activity.

Conceptual Goal

In order for a more open and transparent system to be truly efficient, users must be able to be held accountable for their actions. With the introduction of cryptocurrencies and the Internet of Value, it is finally possible to create transparent incentive-based systems online. We can now connect digital action with value in a very real and precise way.

What can we do today?

1. Develop proper online identity tracking systems

2. Implement systems to track value creation through the supply chain and better reward contributions despite intermediaries

3. Keep others accountable online

4. Use smart contracts to allow all participants to see the inner workings of a system and handle automatic fulfillment

Check out our section on finance for more on how these systems can promote independence. You might also be interested in our Blockchain 101 course, which will get you up to speed on how this technology emerged, and where it’s headed next.

Decentralization

Digital Governance

Digital Identity

Alex Web3

Digital Identity

Background

The internet as we know it has evolved to suit our needs. With each iteration, we’ve brought offline technologies online. Generally, we’ve done so in the simplest way possible.

As systems move online, it’s important to be able to prove who you are, and to stop others from impersonating you. Privacy and security need to be at the core of everything we build, rather than just an afterthought.

Did you know?

In 2017, 1/10 Americans was the victim of online fraud, with over $16 Billion dollars stolen.

Current State

As we bring more of our information online to solve problems, security will need to adapt to keep up.

Conceptual Goal

If the Internet is to become the core of our society, it’s important that we begin to support firms who deal with privacy and security as a focus, rather than an afterthought.

What can we do today?

1. Demand opt-in systems where users have more choice in which data they expose

2. Offer premium or “No Ads” options to increase direct support of projects, rather than relying on user data for profit

3. Choose not to participate in systems that profit from your data unfairly

Check out our section on healthcare for more on how these systems can help users control their data. You may also enjoy our free course on Blockchain Security, which covers how it’s possible to share information on a blockchain network without compromising privacy.

NEXT: Digital Governance

Decentralization

Internet of Value

Digital Governance

Alex Web3

Digital Governance

Did you know?

On average, data collected on websites is transferred through at least 5 third party servers without the user’s knowledge

Current State

While the internet has made it possible for anyone to publish content, the publishing tools themselves have become potential points of failure.

Conceptual Goal

As content online becomes more and more interchangeable for real world experience, social media companies and content providers will be the primary source of information for many people. It’s up to us to dictate the terms of that situation in advance, and to stay vigilant for changes to the status quo.

What can we do today?

1. Develop more systems that are designed to promote open sharing of ideas, rather than the extraction of direct profit

2. Actively track and hold firms accountable for their influence

3. Choose to engage only with communities and products that value open communication and freedom of speech

Check out our section on finance for more on how these systems can promote independence. You can also visit our Courses Portal for free and learn how to apply this technology in your field!

NEXT: Decentralization

Internet of Value

Decentralization

Digital Identity

Alex Web3

Decentralization

Did you know?

Almost half of US Energy production is wasted each year due to separate and uncooperative systems, and consumers foot the bill.

Current State

Interoperability in technology refers to the design of systems as complimentary modules. Most of the infrastructure that we take for granted today is the result of a concerted effort to produce, distribute, and maintain individual component technologies.

Conceptual Goal

Blockchain and Web 3.0 present an opportunity to create a system without the bottlenecks of the current model. By democratizing access and opening incentive structures, we can provide greater opportunity for everyone while making the system more stable.

What can we do today?

1. Use smart contracts to allow separate blockchains to interact

2. Build and support new products as modular solutions, with integration as a design principle rather than just a feature

3. Build and support products that act as bridges between existing technology and new systems

Check out our section on energy for more on how these systems can promote independence.

Want to get involved?

You could help build the new internet! Our Courses Portal also offers a range of free educational materials to get you started.

Learn More: Decentralization

Digital Identity

Digital Governance

Internet of Value

Alex Industry

Blockchain in Supply Chain

What’s the Impact?

In the modern world, factories and production must integrate seamlessly with transport and logistics services. If something goes wrong, it can often be hard to identify the problem until it’s too late.

Tracking delivery of goods can only go so far, because the information still needs to be stored somewhere. That’s where blockchain can help.

 Live tracking from production to delivery

 Automatic data entry

 Transparent and open networks

If you’re interested in learning more, you might want to check out the projects IBM Blockchain and Modum. Our Hyperledger Course covers how blockchains can be implemented in private networks. Try the course for free today!

OTHER INDUSTRIES

Blockchain in Education

Industry

What’s the Impact? Technology has significantly impacted the education sector in the last few decades. When computers became more popular and easier to access, it changed how we present information in an educational setting. Students began typing presentations and essays, rather than writing them by hand. As information databases became more developed, we slowly transitioned … Continue reading Blockchain in Education

Blockchain in Philanthropy

Industry

What’s the Impact? The international non-profit sector helps millions of people every year, but accountability can be a real problem depending on where the funds are headed. A high portion of international charities spend most of their funds on administrative fees – wouldn’t it be good to know where your donations are going? Blockchain solutions … Continue reading Blockchain in Philanthropy

Blockchain in Healthchare

Industry

What’s the Impact? The healthcare industry is currently set to face a massive overhaul. With change knocking on the doorstep, it really begs the question: how will technology have its hand in shaping this transformation? When it comes to data privacy and security, blockchain might be the answer we’ve all been waiting for. Increased data … Continue reading Blockchain in Healthchare

Alex Industry

Blockchain in Philanthropy

What’s the Impact?

The international non-profit sector helps millions of people every year, but accountability can be a real problem depending on where the funds are headed. A high portion of international charities spend most of their funds on administrative fees – wouldn’t it be good to know where your donations are going?

Blockchain solutions might provide a simple solution to this issue as we digitize performance assessments and modernize aid spending.

 Full transparency of donation spending

 Open tracking of performance feedback

 Streamlined donation and payment technology

If you’re interested in learning more, you might want to check out the projects Pineapple Fund and the UN’s Building Blocks program. You can also try out our free courses today, or sign up for our mailing list in the footer to stay in the loop!

OTHER INDUSTRIES

Blockchain in Energy

Industry

What’s the Impact? Recent history has proven that energy is a rapidly evolving sector. New technology like solar and wind generation is enabling individuals everywhere to take control of their energy usage, but the existing centralized grid cannot support these new alternatives. The problem? Tracking energy production and assigning value is complicated, and the current … Continue reading Blockchain in Energy

Blockchain in Finance

Industry

What’s the Impact? Considering that blockchain is a concept derived from cryptocurrency, it’s easy to imagine that the financial sector will see a wide range of applications. The current financial system was never created to support a global economy, let alone the internet. Blockchains leverage the power of modern computer technology to create a new … Continue reading Blockchain in Finance

Blockchain in Supply Chain

Industry

What’s the Impact? In the modern world, factories and production must integrate seamlessly with transport and logistics services. If something goes wrong, it can often be hard to identify the problem until it’s too late. Tracking delivery of goods can only go so far, because the information still needs to be stored somewhere. That’s where … Continue reading Blockchain in Supply Chain

Alex Industry

Blockchain in Healthchare

What’s the Impact?

The healthcare industry is currently set to face a massive overhaul. With change knocking on the doorstep, it really begs the question: how will technology have its hand in shaping this transformation? 
When it comes to data privacy and security, blockchain might be the answer we’ve all been waiting for.

 Increased data reliability and control

 Optimized care delivery

 Direct insurance integration

If you’re interested in learning more, you might want to check out the projects SimplyVital and Robomed, or sign up for our mailing list in the footer!

OTHER INDUSTRIES

Blockchain in Supply Chain

Industry

What’s the Impact? In the modern world, factories and production must integrate seamlessly with transport and logistics services. If something goes wrong, it can often be hard to identify the problem until it’s too late. Tracking delivery of goods can only go so far, because the information still needs to be stored somewhere. That’s where … Continue reading Blockchain in Supply Chain

Blockchain in Finance

Industry

What’s the Impact? Considering that blockchain is a concept derived from cryptocurrency, it’s easy to imagine that the financial sector will see a wide range of applications. The current financial system was never created to support a global economy, let alone the internet. Blockchains leverage the power of modern computer technology to create a new … Continue reading Blockchain in Finance

Blockchain in Energy

Industry

What’s the Impact? Recent history has proven that energy is a rapidly evolving sector. New technology like solar and wind generation is enabling individuals everywhere to take control of their energy usage, but the existing centralized grid cannot support these new alternatives. The problem? Tracking energy production and assigning value is complicated, and the current … Continue reading Blockchain in Energy

Alex Industry

Blockchain in Finance

What’s the Impact?

Considering that blockchain is a concept derived from cryptocurrency, it’s easy to imagine that the financial sector will see a wide range of applications.

The current financial system was never created to support a global economy, let alone the internet. Blockchains leverage the power of modern computer technology to create a new option.

 Improved access to banking services

 Lower international transaction fees

 Faster international transactions

 Direct software integrations

If you’re interested in learning more, you might want to check out the projects Humaniq and Stellar, or sign up for our mailing list in the footer!

OTHER INDUSTRIES

Blockchain in Philanthropy

Industry

What’s the Impact? The international non-profit sector helps millions of people every year, but accountability can be a real problem depending on where the funds are headed. A high portion of international charities spend most of their funds on administrative fees – wouldn’t it be good to know where your donations are going? Blockchain solutions … Continue reading Blockchain in Philanthropy

Blockchain in Education

Industry

What’s the Impact? Technology has significantly impacted the education sector in the last few decades. When computers became more popular and easier to access, it changed how we present information in an educational setting. Students began typing presentations and essays, rather than writing them by hand. As information databases became more developed, we slowly transitioned … Continue reading Blockchain in Education

Blockchain in Energy

Industry

What’s the Impact? Recent history has proven that energy is a rapidly evolving sector. New technology like solar and wind generation is enabling individuals everywhere to take control of their energy usage, but the existing centralized grid cannot support these new alternatives. The problem? Tracking energy production and assigning value is complicated, and the current … Continue reading Blockchain in Energy

Alex Industry

Blockchain in Energy

What’s the Impact?

Recent history has proven that energy is a rapidly evolving sector. New technology like solar and wind generation is enabling individuals everywhere to take control of their energy usage, but the existing centralized grid cannot support these new alternatives.

The problem? Tracking energy production and assigning value is complicated, and the current centralized systems have not been open to compromise.

 Live tracking of energy production

 Open and transparent markets

 Reduced waste and downtime

If you’re interested in learning more, you might want to check out the projects Power Ledger, Electron, and Singularity, or sign up for our mailing list in the footer!

OTHER INDUSTRIES

Blockchain in Finance

Industry

What’s the Impact? Considering that blockchain is a concept derived from cryptocurrency, it’s easy to imagine that the financial sector will see a wide range of applications. The current financial system was never created to support a global economy, let alone the internet. Blockchains leverage the power of modern computer technology to create a new … Continue reading Blockchain in Finance

Blockchain in Supply Chain

Industry

What’s the Impact? In the modern world, factories and production must integrate seamlessly with transport and logistics services. If something goes wrong, it can often be hard to identify the problem until it’s too late. Tracking delivery of goods can only go so far, because the information still needs to be stored somewhere. That’s where … Continue reading Blockchain in Supply Chain

Blockchain in Education

Industry

What’s the Impact? Technology has significantly impacted the education sector in the last few decades. When computers became more popular and easier to access, it changed how we present information in an educational setting. Students began typing presentations and essays, rather than writing them by hand. As information databases became more developed, we slowly transitioned … Continue reading Blockchain in Education