Blockchain for Impact at Harvard Belfer Center

The Blockchain for Impact Workshop, a groundbreaking event that took place on April 25th, was hosted at Harvard University’s prestigious Belfer Center, renowned as one of the world’s foremost think tanks. The workshop was a pivotal component of the Technology and Public Purpose Project, an initiative aimed at exploring the intersection of technology and societal advancement. Throughout the day-long workshop, participants engaged in insightful discussions that delved deeply into the transformative power of blockchain technology within three vital spheres: (1) International Development, (2) Public Goods, and (3) Regenerative Economy. These domains were explored through the lens of blockchain’s potential to catalyze positive social change and drive meaningful impact on a global scale. The event’s success was attributed, in no small part, to the efforts of Impact Plus, the driving force behind the workshop’s organization. Impact Plus orchestrated a series of thought-provoking panel discussions, each featuring luminaries and domain experts from distinguished institutions such as Harvard, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). However, the discourse extended beyond academia, with vibrant contributions from burgeoning start-ups like Polygon Labs and trailblazers in the realm of layer one protocols. Amidst the intellectual fervor, a particularly noteworthy highlight was a captivating lecture presented by the Ministry of Digital Affairs from Taiwan. The lecture centered on the theme “Web3 as a Digital Public Good in Taiwan,” offering a unique international perspective on how blockchain technology can revolutionize governance and enhance public services. This distinctive insight provided a global context, enriching the discourse with an understanding of the diverse ways in which blockchain can shape the future of governments and societies. The Blockchain for Impact Workshop stood as a testament to the potency of collaborative endeavors at the nexus of academia, industry, and government. With its multifaceted exploration of blockchain’s potential to usher in positive change across critical domains, the workshop not only expanded intellectual horizons but also kindled a sense of collective responsibility to harness technology for the greater good. As the sun set on the event, participants departed with a renewed sense of purpose, armed with insights that held the promise of shaping a more equitable and impactful future.  

Compliance and Regulation in the Kenyan Web3 Ecosystem

The Capital Markets (Amendment) Bill in Kenya has raised concerns among the cryptocurrency community about its potential impact on cryptocurrency taxation. We addressed these issues in an event attended by over 150 professionals in Nairobi and co-sponsored by Binance and Tether. The event focused on transparency, compliance, and regulation in the Web3 space. Paulo Ardoino, CTO of BitFinex Tether, delivered an online keynote emphasizing the company’s commitment to these elements. Other speakers discussed the theoretical framework of cryptocurrency regulation and the importance of fair taxation, highlighting past challenges as learning opportunities and forward-thinking jurisdictions such as El Salvador and CAR as leading the way in decentralized finance.  Compliance and Regulation in the Kenyan Web3 Ecosystem When: 27th January, 2023 Where: Africa Blockchain Centre, Nairobi, Kenya

Chapadão Polygon TechHouse

After months of researching and refining the concept to ensure the initiative would be effective and sustainable, we opened the first Polygon Impact TechHouse at the favela of Complexo do Chapadão in Rio de Janeiro. With an estimated population of over 25,000 residents, it is considered one of the most dangerous areas in Rio. The Comando Vermelho, a drug trafficking organization, holds significant control over the favela, making it hard for foreigners to access the area and thus segregating the community and limiting its access to opportunities enjoyed by the rest of society. The Techhouse will provide a safe space for disenfranchised youth to access web3 in a neighborhood where opportunities are lacking. However, the real work starts now. We will work closely with the center to ensure that web3 community-led initiatives are systematically implemented and that the initiative is sustainable. Since the TechHouse opening ceremony, several organizations and institutions have expressed interest in supporting the initiative, including Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Ethereum Brasil, ChainLink, +1Code, and Women inTech. Coinbase coverage here. Activity:  Opening Ceremony When: January 25th, 2023 Where: Morro dos Prazeres, Complexo do Chapadão, Brazil

Reinforcing healthcare through blockchain

A forum for medical service workers and blockchain organizations was held in the Teaching Hospital of Lagos to explore innovative solutions for current challenges in the Nigerian medical sector. The event delved into how blockchain technology can support the medical industry by providing secure and decentralized platforms for storing and sharing electronic health records, tamper-proof records of clinical trial data, traceability in the supply chain of drugs, sharing medical research data, and secure platforms for telemedicine. These topics can improve the accuracy and integrity of the results, prevent counterfeiting, ensure that patients receive safe and effective medication, and accelerate the development of new treatments, thus potentially improving the availability of medical care in remote and underserved areas. Reinforcing healthcare through blockchain When: 17th December, 2022 Where: Lagos Teaching Hospital, Lagos Nigeria

NGO Bootcamp Brazil

The Web3 for NGOs workshop brought together a diverse group of nonprofit organizations seeking to understand the potential applications of blockchain in Brazil’s favelas. The event explored the fundamentals of blockchain, NFTs, and smart contracts and provided real-world use cases and demonstrations of how organizations can leverage these technologies in urban areas characterized by poverty, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to technology and resources. The participants highlighted their projects and opportunities for future collaborative enterprises with Impact Plus to address real-world challenges in their communities through blockchain. The workshop aimed to empower the attendees with knowledge and understanding of the potential use of these technologies. The event was organised with the support of Chainlink. NGO Bootcamp When: 17 December, 2022 Where: Favela Inc., Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The current situation of NFTs

The University of Ibadan’s Arts Department played host to educating and enlightening creative students on the intricacies of blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens(NFTs) from a social impact perspective and beyond the realm of trading. Focus was put on ensuring that participants understood that NFTs are not a quick way to make money (the hype) but that the focus needs to be on the quality of their work and the potential utility of the NFTs. The current situation of NFTs for Creative Minds When: 10th December, 2022 Where: University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria  

Blockchain for SDGs

The Blockchain for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) event brought together NGOs and blockchain developers of different levels to delve into the potential of blockchain technology in driving social impact. The event explored the implementation of SDGs in Nigeria, the diverse challenges faced in the region, and various use cases for blockchain in agriculture, health solutions, and logistics. This event featured illuminating use case presentations, an array of thought-provoking keynote speeches, and an engaging panel discussion moderated by a representative of the Seedbuilders Foundation. These initiatives gave attendees a deeper understanding of blockchain technology’s potential applications and challenges for sustainable development. Blockchain for Sustainable Development Goals When: 26th November, 2022 Where: Seedbuilders Innovation Hub, Abuja, Nigeria

Web3 for Wildlife

Kenya’s wildlife faces habitat destruction, poaching, and illegal trade threats. These issues not only threaten the survival of many species but also have negative impacts on local communities and economies. The Web3 for Wildlife Conservation encounter brought conservationists, techies, and wildlife enthusiasts to learn about leveraging web3 technology for conservation efforts. Speakers discussed the fundamentals of blockchain, showcased innovative use cases and projects, and delved into the challenges and opportunities of crypto adoption in Africa. The attendees also had the chance to share their projects and network with potential partners, including BaoTree, OkoaNature, and WWF Kenya.  Web3.0 for Wildlife When: 19th November, 2022 Where: Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya

Panel discussion: ¿Puede blockchain cambiar el mundo?

What can blockchain truly achieve to address real life problems? How do academics from relevant fields see blockchain? It was a pleasure to organize an insightful debate on the role of blockchain technology in international development. The event brought together a panel of esteemed professors from the University of Los Andes alongside Jordi Baylina and Antoni Martin, co-founders of Polygon. The discussion delved into the potential of blockchain to improve transparency and accountability in aid distribution and its ability to facilitate financial inclusion for marginalized communities. However, the panelists also acknowledged the current limitations of the technology, such as scalability and regulatory hurdles. The debate also provided valuable perspectives on using blockchain technology to achieve the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Panel discussion: ¿Puede blockchain cambiar el mundo? When: 13 Oct 2022 Where: Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia

Developers for climate change

Climate change is the most pressing issue we face. That’s why Impact Plus hosted an interdisciplinary meet-up and a Bootcamp at the University of Cape Town at which it introduced students to blockchain solutions to climate change. Those interested in achieving a deeper understanding were able to connect with members of the ReFi community, both in South Africa and from Impact Plus’ international community, most notably in Brazil. Activity: Developers for climate change When: 29 Set 2022 Where: University of Cape Town, South Africa