More than 25 blockchain startups from the MENA region, Europe, and the USA participated in UNLOCK, showcasing their innovations as either exhibitors or speakers. Du Telecom took center stage at the event, unveiling two significant announcements related to blockchain technology. The first was the introduction of their Blockchain as a Service infrastructure platform, and the second involved a partnership with Dhonor, a healthcare blockchain startup.
The Founder and CEO of UNLOCK also utilized the platform to announce a visionary $50 million fund set to launch in 2020, aimed at furthering the development of the blockchain ecosystem. This move came in response to the growing interest among regional private and family offices to invest in technology and digital assets, provided that proper terms and a well-structured strategy were in place.
The panel discussions covered a wide range of compelling topics, including:
- STOs, Cryptocurrencies, and the Future of Exchanges in a Regulated World
As Security Token Offerings (STOs) emerged as the new buzzword, the panel discussed their significance for blockchain startups in light of the unregulated ICO landscape. They explored the necessary regulations and legislation to strengthen STOs, as well as the implications for exchanges dealing with tokens and cryptocurrencies. - The Advent of Scalable and Interoperable Blockchain: Is it Near?
Celebrating the tenth anniversary of blockchain, discussions revolved around the need for faster, better-integrated, and more energy-efficient platforms. The panel examined the current landscape of platforms, assessing their longevity and predicting the evolution of blockchain technology over the next decade. - How Governments Are Utilizing Blockchain Today
Panelists shed light on various government initiatives that integrate blockchain technology. They discussed the current phase of government projects, identified key areas of implementation, and analyzed how these efforts enhance public services while highlighting the challenges faced. - Investing in Blockchain: Individual, Institutional, and Crypto Funds
The MENA region had previously seen limited investment in the crypto market, primarily from trailblazers. However, with the advent of regulations and the maturation of blockchain, the panel predicted a surge in institutional and family investments. They discussed the implications of this shift for the blockchain ecosystem and the types of questions potential investors would need addressed. - Utilizing Blockchain for Trade, Supply Chains, and Business
A significant focus of this session was on how blockchain could accelerate trade and foster economic growth. The panel examined the transformative potential of blockchain in making supply chains more transparent and efficient, enabling faster financial transactions, and enhancing business operations. They also underscored the importance of a legal framework built on blockchain to support vibrant trade and business environments. - If I Were an AI and You Were a Blockchain, How Would We Tango in Smart Cities?
This engaging discussion explored the collaboration between artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain in enhancing the efficiency and quality of services within smart cities. The panel also delved into smart contracts and their roles in this innovative ecosystem. - Evolution of Payments and Personal Finance in the Blockchain Era
With banking and financial sectors being the initial adopters of blockchain, this session examined how payments have become faster and more cost-effective. The panel discussed government, bank, and central bank implementations of blockchain technology in payment systems, as well as future regional and global applications. - The Role of Telecom Operators and Cloud Providers in Blockchain as a Service
This session brought to light how blockchain projects can be both technically intensive and costly. Telecom operators, cloud providers, and blockchain technology firms discussed emerging models like Blockchain as a Service (BaaS) and debated whether organizations should utilize these services or develop their own solutions, considering factors such as security and applicability. - Blockchain Digitizing Identity: The Future of a Digital Life
Panelists imagined a future in which individuals maintain digital identities throughout their lives, with everything they own and use for transactions tracked on the blockchain. They explored how this transformation would affect interactions with the physical world and the potential challenges it presents. - Tokenizing Everything: Why Do It?
The tokenization of assets—whether physical or digital—stood at the forefront of many blockchain initiatives aiming to foster the sharing economy and enhance efficiency. The panel discussed the motivations behind tokenization, the implications of a tokenized world, and the benefits that could arise from this revolutionary shift.
Through these enlightening discussions, UNLOCK showcased the vibrant potential of blockchain technology and its impact on diverse sectors, inspiring collaboration and innovation in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
