Gate2Chain and IE School of Science & Technology Host Blockchain Workshop
Exploring the role of Blockchain in building trust, transparency and industry transformation.
Gate2Chain, in collaboration with the IE School of Science & Technology, hosted a workshop titled "Rediscovering Blockchain: The Data Integrity Layer for Industry." The event brought together industry leaders, academics, and blockchain enthusiasts to explore the transformative potential of blockchain technology.
In her opening remarks, Rafif Srour, Executive Vice Dean of IE School of Science & Technology, emphasised the importance of data integrity in technological advancement and industrial transformation. She highlighted IE Sci-Tech’s commitment to leading in this field: “By investing in blockchain education, we empower students to make informed, responsible decisions when navigating the challenges of data integrity in the digital age,” she said. “Our initiatives, such as the Ripple Virtual Asset Regulation Lab and the Global Gateway Programs, allow students to engage directly with real-world blockchain applications, from finance to supply chain, providing them with the hands-on experience necessary to connect theoretical knowledge with practical use cases.”
Bartolomé Olivares, an IE alumnus and CEO of Gate2Chain delivered the keynote presentation, "Rediscovering Blockchain". He discussed the evolving landscape of blockchain technology and its applications across various industries, highlighting Gate2Chain's mission to transform data into indisputable evidence. “Our goal is to build applications and platforms where certainty, ownership, and honest, valuable exchange are the norm” Olivares said.
The event showcased a diverse range of presentations and use cases, demonstrating the broad applicability of blockchain across industries. Claudia Ojeda, Director at Story&Value, discussed how digital product passports enhance authenticity and transparency in sectors like art, jewellery, and fashion. Thomas Giacomo from Teranode Group explored the integration of stablecoins into payment systems, outlining their potential to revolutionise financial transactions. PlexusTech illustrated how blockchain improves traceability and efficiency in supply chain management, while Paula Pascual, CEO at Merge Madrid and IE faculty member, addressed opportunities and challenges in bridging European and Latin American markets through Web3 technologies.
Technical and policy aspects of blockchain were also explored in depth. Dr. Eva Porras provided a comparative analysis of blockchain protocols, offering guidance on choosing the right technology for specific applications. Andrew Whitworth, a blockchain policy expert and lecturer for the IE Sci-Tech Fintech, Blockchain XRP and Policy Global Gateway program, discussed the regulatory landscape, its challenges, and its implications for permissionless blockchains. Martin Coxall, Director of Growth at the BSV Association, presented scalable public blockchain solutions, focusing on the importance of open standards. The event also included practical demonstrations from Qosmic Brand, artist Miguel Caravaca, and the Trace Platform, showcasing blockchain’s real-world applications.
As the event concluded, Bartolomé Olivares and Geoffroy Gérard, Director General of IE Foundation and Vice Dean for Alliances at IE School of Science & Technology, signed a memorandum of understanding to underscore the commitment of both institutions to collaborate in the future, with the aim of enhancing knowledge and student engagement with the potential of blockchain technologies across various sectors, and of embedding data integrity principles into the core of the educational experience.
Insights from Rafif Srour, Sci-Tech Executive Vice Dean on Blockchain’s potential beyond Crypto
On elimination of fraud:
"Blockchain’s immutable and decentralised nature provides a foundation for eliminating fraud, ensuring that every transaction is securely recorded and only authentic products reach their intended destinations.”
On becoming a trusted ledger for Research data:
"Imagine a world where academic credentials and research data are anchored in blockchain, guaranteeing tamper-proof information and absolute trust in the integrity of scientific findings.”
On redefining healthcare:
"Blockchain has the potential to redefine healthcare, ensuring efficiency, security, and trust in sectors that demand the highest standards of accountability.”
On becoming a guarantee of trust, security, and transparency:
"Its ability to guarantee trust, security, and transparency makes blockchain the cornerstone for industry transformation. As such data integrity is a shared responsibility, requiring collaboration between academia, industry, and society.”
On redefining how industries function:
"Blockchain is not just a tool but a paradigm shift in how trust is established, with the potential to redefine how industries function and build a future that is both technologically advanced and structurally sound."
About Gate2Chain
Gate2Chain is a software development company specialising in tools and solutions that integrate blockchain technology seamlessly into real-world applications. Headquartered in London, Gate2Chain offers innovative platforms for businesses, developers, and individuals to harness the power of blockchain for enhanced data security, transparency, and integrity.