Project Update November 23: 20 New iExec Apps, Tech Upgrades, and Upcoming Community Update
Welcome back to another Project Update recap! When we wrote the last Project Update, CZ was running Binance, meanwhile, Sam Altman has since both left and rejoined as CEO of OpenAI. Who knows what’ll happen next? One thing is for sure — the ever-evolving landscape of the tech industry moves quickly, and at iExec, that pace holds true — albeit with a focus on more positive developments!
With the team continuously growing (a dozen new recruits in the communications, product and support teams), iExec has been bustling with activity and groundbreaking developments. Before our upcoming communications on the iExec roadmap for 2024, we wanted to cover our more recent highlights: from the innovative breakthroughs of DataProtector & Web3Mail and our success at the ETHLisbon hackathon, to the launch of the iExec Web3 Incubator! We have some significant advancements in our Secret Management Service and PoCo Boost, plus a teaser about a forthcoming collaboration with a major mainstream finance platform. Plus, don’t miss our recap of the Microsoft Azure Confidential Computing event in Paris, showcasing our continued leadership in the field of secure, decentralized computing. Get ready for a journey through the latest and greatest from iExec!
Product Release: DataProtector & Web3Mail Developer Tools
Since the last Project Update, iExec has introduced two innovative developer tools, DataProtector and Web3Mail. These tools were released as part of iExec’s strategy focusing on use cases that bring the most opportunity for commercialization, promoted as part of a use case titled ‘Privacy-Enhanced Marketing’.
iExec DataProtector focuses on securing user data through encryption and smart contract-based access rights management; it allows data use to be used by anyone, while never being revealed, and completely confidential when in use. In the iExec ecosystem, datasets are treated as NFTs (non-fungible tokens), with DataProtector facilitating the creation of dataset orders and managing access rights through smart contracts and an off-chain server (the DataProtector subgraph). See the docs: https://tools.docs.iex.ec/tools/dataprotector
iExec Web3Mail allows developers to create apps for sending emails to registered Ethereum account holders without needing their email addresses. This reduces risks associated with data breaches and spam. Web3Mail interacts with various components of the iExec protocol and relies on the sendEmail DApp for email transmission. Check out the docs here: https://tools.docs.iex.ec/tools/web3mail
These tools represent exciting advancements in blockchain and decentralization. They enhance data privacy and security by prioritizing user data protection in an increasingly digital world. They also demonstrate a practical application of blockchain technology in a real-world scenario: how to solve complex problems in data privacy and digital communication. The potential for widespread application is huge — the technology behind DataProtector and Web3Mail has broad implications for various industries (e.g. marketing, healthcare, and finance), where data privacy and secure communication are paramount.
Huge Success for iExec at the ETHLisbon Hackathon
iExec had a significant presence at ETHLisbon, Europe’s largest Ethereum hackathon! Over 20 projects integrated our tools — but before we get into that, let’s set the stage.
iExec sponsored the event with over $12000 of bounty rewards for developers. With one bounty for building with iExec and another in partnership with TalentLayer, a recent adopter of the iExec tech stack. Our goal was simple: encourage developers to integrate iExec and TalentLayer into their applications.
Developers familiarized themselves with iExec and TalentLayer tools (our key tools being DataProtector and Web3Mail, which we covered in the previous section. TalentLayer offers an on-chain open graph infrastructure suitable for various service marketplace applications, from decentralized ride-sharing to freelance marketplaces, recently implementing iExec to enhance the privacy of their communication layer.
It’s safe to say that ETHLisbon represented an exciting opportunity for developers in the blockchain space to explore and leverage advanced tools in the realm of privacy-enhanced marketing and secure, anonymous communication.
In the past, we’d attend conferences and tell developers to get creative with the iExec tech stack, encouraging them that “anything is possible”. Our approach for EthLisbon was different — we wanted to address one sector. Our focus was on one specific use case, as our tools address a specific need. This change in approach was a massive success: over 20 projects implemented iExec!
Without further ado, here are the top winners from ETHLisbon:
- Whale Whisperer; provides marketers with an effective way to reach high-value DeFi users
- Canngov; secures suppliers’ data with DataProtector, ensuring transparency and reliability in cannabis production
- 3Mail; leverages Web3Mail so Web3 projects can communicate with their users through targeted campaigns in a privacy-preserving way (without ever getting access to the actual emails)
2nd Edition of the iExec Web3 Incubator: Get ready for launch!
iExec and H7 are excited to announce the next batch of the Web3 Incubator program! This initiative, co-founded by Gilles Fedak and Haiwu He, invites startups looking to advance in Web3, privacy, or data governance to join a four-month sprint in which they will get a wealth of resources and community support to help elevate their company to the next level.
Participants in the program benefit from expert mentorship from iExec, help with product development and marketing, as well as peer learning within a community of entrepreneurial peers. There are also networking opportunities to meet and learn from top-notch Web3 experts, investors, and mentors.
We’re beyond excited to announce selected projects for this edition are:
- Keenest — an innovative startup focusing on profitable decarbonization investments.
- Boonty — a SaaS platform for building engaged communities through gamified activities.
- TalentLayer will also join the Web3 incubator! They offer an open protocol and toolkit for creating better hiring platforms.
- Cypher Lab — a startup that focuses on enhancing Web3 privacy by providing secure and private proof of ownership.
- Aleno— this project is a DeFi-native asset servicing company for defi asset managers and institutions.
We can’t wait to see how these projects integrate iExec tech. Join us at H7lyon at 18:30 on December 5 for the launch event.
Keep It Like a Secret (Management Service) — Continuous SMS upgrades
The iExec SMS (Secret Management Service) plays a crucial role in the security and functionality of iExec’s products, particularly those related to Confidential Computing (e.g. our Privacy Enhanced Marketing developer tools). We have multiple updates starting now, and throughout 2024. We’ll publish dedicated communications on these upgrades, but here’s a quick recap of what we’re working on today.
Firstly, why is SMS important? It serves as a secure repository where sensitive information, or “secrets,” are stored. These secrets could be anything from encryption keys to confidential data. SMS is also crucial to confidential computing, as it securely manages the keys and credentials needed to access and process encrypted data.
The iExec team is working on decentralizing the SMS. By doing so, we aim to reduce the risks associated with a single point of failure — so decentralization enhances the system’s overall resilience and security. We’re still identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks associated with the storage and management of secrets. By constantly assessing and addressing potential security vulnerabilities, iExec is committed to maintaining a robust and secure environment for handling confidential data. Finally, we’re optimizing the SMS for throughput. This means we are enhancing the ability to handle a large volume of transactions or operations efficiently.
The iExec SMS is a fundamental component in ensuring the security and efficacy of iExec’s Confidential Computing capabilities. Our efforts are all geared toward creating a more secure, efficient, and resilient environment for sensitive data.
PoCo Boost: Upgrading the iExec Consensus Algorithm
The iExec team is nearing completion of the integration of the PoCo Boost project, an initiative aimed at significantly improving the throughput of the PoCo (Proof-of-Contribution) consensus algorithm. This project, now about 90% complete, focuses on enhancing the efficiency of off-chain computing on the iExec decentralized network. The core challenge addressed by PoCo Boost is high gas consumption, especially in smart contracts, is a factor that previously limited the platform’s throughput. By optimizing smart contract operations and reducing blockchain data usage, PoCo Boost is set to increase throughput by 2 to 5 times — without compromising the platform’s decentralization!
In addition to throughput improvements, the PoCo Boost project introduces new features to the iExec platform. One notable advancement is the implementation of smart contract-signed orders and the development of a new TEE (Trusted Execution Environment) broker feature. This broker autonomously authorizes TEE SGX Enclaves for computational tasks, thereby preventing conflicts between schedulers and workers during result execution.
The new version of PoCo will go live following an external smart contract audit. This will mark a key advancement in iExec’s development, bolstering the platform’s efficiency and scalability.
Roadmap and Strategy update: X Spaces with Gilles and Nelly
You read that right! Join Gilles and Nelly for what promises to be an insightful Twitter Spaces on the iExec Vision, Strategy, and Roadmap. This session will be held on November 29th at 5 PM CET. Blair will host and will ask questions about the strategic overview of iExec’s current trajectory and future plans.
The discussion will begin with a focus on iExec’s vision and mission, delving into the company’s marketplace dynamics, its approach to builders and users, and the role of Worker Pools.
Following this, the conversation will review iExec’s 2023 milestones, with the majority of Spaces session focusing on the roadmap for 2024, exploring technical upgrades, corporate roadmap updates, changes in business units, tech upgrades, and more. We invite you to join us for this session to gain deeper insight into the future direction of iExec!
Click ‘Set Reminder’. You won’t want to miss it.
🔔➡️ https://twitter.com/i/spaces/1zqKVqvQrppxB
Upcoming Collaboration: iExec RLC Learn & Earn (Awareness Campaign)
We’re thrilled to announce an upcoming collaboration with a prominent mainstream finance platform. This unique awareness campaign is designed to introduce newcomers to the world of iExec and the RLC token in a way that’s both informative and rewarding.
For iExec and the RLC token, this campaign amplifies visibility, credibility, and usability — essential factors for long-term growth and stability.
Stay tuned for this engaging opportunity to expand your knowledge and earn while you learn. Join us in spreading the word about #iExec $RLC and stay alert for more details on this exciting partnership and campaign
Confidential Computing Event at Microsoft
iExec recently presented at Microsoft’s Azure Confidential Computing event in Paris. Hosted at the Cyber Campus, the half-day event brought together industry leaders like AMD and Quarkslab, and focused on advancing data security through Confidential Computing.
Francis Otshudi, Product Director at iExec, shared insights on how iExec’s platform leverages blockchain and Confidential Computing and enhances data security.
Francis’s presentation highlighted real-world applications of iExec’s technology in sectors like AI, KYC, finance, and biometrics. These examples demonstrated the potential of Confidential Computing to foster new business and collaborative models, echoing products like KnowledgeX that utilize the iExec tech stack.
The focus was on how these technologies create a secure environment for confidential computing, covering all aspects of data lifecycle protection — in transit, at rest, and in use.
The event was hailed as a success, with participants appreciating the learning opportunities and networking with top cloud industry professionals. The discussions and presentations underscored the transformative potential of Confidential Computing in various fields, highlighting the role of iExec in this evolving landscape.
Although this event does not mean any direct collaborations, it marks a significant step for iExec in aligning with major industry players and showcases their pivotal role in the future use of blockchain with privacy-preserving computing.
In Conclusion
As we wrap up this edition of our Project Update (and as 2023 draws to a close), it’s clear that iExec is at the forefront of pioneering change in the world of blockchain and confidential computing. From our groundbreaking tools to the success at EthLisbon, iExec continues to push the boundaries. Upcoming tech upgrades for the Secret Management Service and PoCo consensus algorithm will bring significant enhancements to our infrastructure before the end of the year. These developments not only highlight our progress but also set the stage for an exciting future for iExec and its community. Onwards and upwards for the rest of 2023 and into the future! We’ll see you next week for the X Spaces broadcast, which promises to offer our community more insights into our vision and strategy. We can’t wait!
Thanks for reading!
Thanks for reading! Remember, we’re always here to guide, assist, and answer any questions you may have. Dive into our Discord community where the iExec team is actively engaging and ready to help. See you there!
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