Unbox joined the world’s largest gathering of the Cardano community at the annual Cardano Summit, held this year in Dubai from October 22-24. The summit offered a rich showcase of the Cardano ecosystem, featuring inspiring keynotes, targeted masterclasses for collaborative problem-solving and exclusive events. The Cardano Marketplace highlighted the latest in hardware and software, capturing the depth and diversity of innovation within a blockchain ecosystem celebrated for its cutting-edge technology.
Keynote Erik SAELENS
Unbox CEO Erik Saelens delivered an inspiring keynote "How to Market a World Where Algorithms Drive Economic Opportunities, Not Politics". He explored a new economic model driven by data and autonomous decision-making, introducing a unique approach that integrates physical assets with Unbox its AI-enhanced Smart Tokens to create “Smart Assets”.
[Physical Asset + Unbox Smart Token] * AI = Smart Asset
∑ [Smart Assets] = Autonomy of Things
These Smart Assets operate independently to maximize efficiency and transparency. Erik shared his vision for an "Autonomy of Things" - a network of self-governing assets that could shape a decentralized, fair, and transparent economy led by blockchain and AI.
Watch it here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/eriksaelens_physical-asset-unbox-smart-tokenai-activity-7255570548229828608-zE5s
Interview Joeri TORFS
During the Summit, Unbox shared its vision for a decentralized future powered by Unbox Smart Tokens and actively engaged with the community. A key highlight was a widely broadcast interview with Unbox CTO Joeri Torfs, who unveiled Unbox its innovative work on self-sovereign identities. He explained how these blockchain-based identities empower individuals to own and control their digital identities securely and privately. His insights underscored Unbox its commitment to reshaping digital identity, aiming for a future where privacy and autonomy go hand in hand.
Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE4oRFd7EpU
Unbox Diner & Discuss Evenings
We hosted a series of four exclusive dinners in Dubai, each themed to inspire collaboration in the blockchain community.
The “Blockchain for Traceability of High-Value Goods” dinner explored authenticity, ethical sourcing, and transparency for high-value assets. We were honored by the presence of representatives from the Dubai Multi Commodities Center, our dear friend Don Tapscott - a world authority on technology’s impact on business and society - and many other thought leaders in the luxury space.
Our “Ideation & BBQ with the Cardano Community” brought together Cardano Community representatives to brainstorm and explore blockchain’s potential.
At the “Blockchain as a Force for Humans & Humanitarian Aid” dinner, attendees from various supranational and national NGOs discussed blockchain’s role in driving positive change and empowering communities.
The final dinner gathered UAE and global investors to explore emerging tech opportunities, discuss the challenges ahead, and assess investor appetite for Web3.
Each event reflected Unbox its commitment to meaningful connections and advancing Cardano’s potential.
Start-up mentality: always, everywhere
A few of us ended up stuck in the desert sands, but thanks to a start-up mindset -resourceful, resilient, and quick to adapt - they managed to get themselves out. It was a fitting reminder of how entrepreneurial spirit turns challenges into opportunities, even in the most unexpected places.