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Issue 14 I February 2018

The New Kids on the Block(chain)

The Invisible Technology That's Changing the Public Sector

Digital tokens made headlines in recent months. While some say the Bitcoin party might be over, the blockchain party has only begun. The distributed ledger technology has the potential to disrupt every industry and maybe even revolutionize the world economy.

Though most commonly associated with crypto currencies, the blockchain is capable of much more. Future applications such as smart contracts, supply chain solutions, security exchanges, voting systems, anti-counterfeiting payment and even solutions for health-care are on the horizon.

It’s no surprise that most major Fortune 500 companies, from retail and finance to automobiles and airlines, are investigating the technology’s possible benefits. But it appears, a new player entered the game. These days government leaders seem to be the new kids on the block, exploring and adopting the technology.

Blockchain’s promises of security, transparency, efficiency and speed intrigue governments and companies alike – some are even eying their own digital currency. This week Venezuela launched the controversial cryptocurrency “Petro”, Estonia is building a digital nation with an e-residency program and plans to develop their own “Estcoin and several US government agencies launch new projects to keep up with the economy's digital transformation.  

Below we put together our favourite links and current news about the ledger technology, its use cases and adopters.

Happy reading!

Susanne Knoll
Project Manger I Open Austria

BEST OF
Our roundup of what’s happening in the the world of blockchain.


BLOCKCHAIN 101:
WTF Is Blockchain?!
The ultimate 3500-word guide in plain English to understand blockchain and a tech’s must-have reference guide to blockchain and crypto.

The Meaning of Decentralization
But what does it actually mean? An in-depth explanation by Ethereum creator Vitalik Buterin.

Smart Contracts Getting Smarter
As smart contracts get smarter, the rules of development will change. If 2017 was the year of Bitcoin, 2018 will be the year of the smart contract.

Podcast: Unchained
For her podcast Forbes editor Laura Shin talks with industry pioneers across tech, financial services, healthcare, government and other sectors about the blockchain.
 

APPLICATIONS
Why the Hell (Not)? Solving Genomics with Blockchain
The merging of genomics and digital platforms will create new opportunities. Like straight out of a obscure Sci-Fi movie, Nebula Genomics will give you cryptocurrency in exchange for your genetic data.

36 Big Industries Blockchain Could Transform
Banking Is Only The Beginning. Law enforcement, ride hailing, and many other sectors could also have blockchain in their future.

Silicon Valley Investors Line up to Back Telegram ICO
SV investors including Kleiner Perkins, Benchmark, Sequoia bid to join messaging app’s $1.2bn fundraising.

COUNTRIES, CURRENCIES, & BLOCKCHAIN
Venezuela Goes Crypto
The country launched the world’s first digital coin issued by a federal government and the internet is talking about the controversial ICO.

Estonia, a Blockchain Model for Other Countries?
Want a glimpse at the future potential of blockchain? Visit Estonia, the 1st country to offer e-Residency. The digital nation also decided to launch its own crypto token Estcoin.

Why Switzerland is Becoming a “Crypto Nation”
Switzerland's financial regulator has responded to the booming interest in digital currencies with a rulebook to support those involved in the market.

Austrian Government Backs New Blockchain Research Institute
The Austrian government is throwing its weight behind a new blockchain research effort aimed at developing business applications of the technology. 4 Austrian universities collaborate to start the blockchain center. Also: Austrian startup Riddle & Code joined the IOT Alliance.

Is Slovenia Becoming a Target Destination for Blockchain Companies?
Slovenia has always strived to become a technology-friendly country. With the advent of blockchain technology, Austria’s neighbour seems to get closer to the ambitious vision.

Blockchain Adoption in Government
In addition to Estonia, government agencies in the United States, Dubai or Singapore are looking into adopting blockchain technology or already doing so.

EVENTS

Creativity Loves Tech – a pre-SXSW Meetup in SF
Experts on AI, machine learning, music, media & entertainment will explore the intersection of tech and artistic creativity, topped with a DJ performance – hosted by Open Austria in collaboration with Advantage Austria. 3/7/17, SF RSVP HERE!


Tokenfest
Join an experiential event series for industry thought leaders exploring the business and technology of blockchain at the Palace of Fine Arts. 3/15-3/16/18, SF


Cryptocurrency & Blockchain Venture Summit
The summit enables Fortune 500 corporate VC's and innovation executives to gather insights from Silicon Valley startups, angel investors and thought leaders. 2/28 - 3/1/18, Stanford



Block2TheFuture
Block2TheFuture is 3-day blockchain conference for those curious about blockchain technology, ideas & the future. Plus: Kids get free entry and are eligible for Bitcoin. 4/4-4/6/18, SF

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About Open Austria

Open Austria is a joint initiative by the Federal Ministry for Europe, Integration and Foreign Affairs and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. Our mission is to connect Austrian entrepreneurs, startups, scientists, and creative minds to the Valley and provide those who are already here with a home base. It is also our goal to shed light on the vast creative and innovative potential of Austria.

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