February 2019 Update
Keeping up the Pace
Following up on the launch of FairFood and Verstegen’s nutmeg supply chain, which is already benefiting more than 2 dozen Indonesian farmers, we begin work this week on the second and third projects that will soon be powered by the Topl blockchain. We’ll be talking more about these projects in the coming weeks, so for right now I’ll just say that both of these projects have very strong Houston connections.
Honorable Mentions
We’re honored to be mentioned by Riva Kantowitz, PhD as an “interesting application of blockchain technology” in her report for the Center on International Cooperation’s regarding Innovative Finance to Sustain Peace. I got to know Riva last year in New York, and it’s always a privilege to be part of the conversation on innovation for peace that her and her collaborators are doing so much to advance.
“interesting application of blockchain technology”
Finally, my co-founder and Topl’s President, Kim, was included in an article by InnovationMap about up and coming tech innovators in Houston. This isn’t the first (and it won’t be the last) time I’ve said this, but convincing Kim to join me on this journey was definitely one of the best Topl decisions I’ve made.
Staying Involved
One of my favorite things about both the blockchain and social impact spaces is how community driven they both are. There are always events going on, and here are a few we got to be a part of:
Kim spoke at “Crossing the Crypto Chasm” in Austin about how to make blockchain more accessible and user friendly.
Laura led a successful kick-off meeting with our interdisciplinary student team from Maastricht University. As part of PREMIUM, UM’s Honours Programme for master students, we will work with them on a project to create a digital identity framework for Topl over the next 5 months.
Kim also spoke at the Norwegian Consulate in Houston about how blockchain can track information and value, describing how Topl could improve transparency in the diamond mining industry.
Various members of our team represented us at GoogleAmsterdam, the Startup Career Fair in Houston, and World Startup Factory’s New Business Summit.
