The TOKEN2049 conference in Dubai drew a large crowd of builders, traders, investors, and traditional finance professionals. Many wealthy locals were also present, showing interest in learning about and investing in cryptocurrencies. During the conference, industry insiders discussed various topics such as decentralized AI, DePIN, RWAs, and upcoming regulations. There was also a focus on tokenizing trade, uniting Layer 2s, and resolving network congestion. The event featured impressive shows, including a fire show, showcasing the energy and innovation in the crypto space.
Interviews conducted on the second day of TOKEN2049 included discussions with key figures in the industry such as Alizee Carli from the Casper Association, Jesper Johansen from Northstake, and Veronica Wong from SafePal. Alizee Carli mentioned the upcoming launch of a governance tool in collaboration with IBM to comply with EU regulations. Jesper Johansen highlighted the trend of tokenizing staking as a way to increase capital efficiency in regulated funds. Veronica Wong discussed SafePal’s partnerships and focus on the Asia-Pacific market, including a compliant crypto-friendly on- and off-ramp with a Swiss bank.
With regards to developments in DeFi, Sam MacPherson of Phoenix Labs noted the launch of Ethena and Maker’s involvement in tokenized cash-and-carry trades. Yuri Yurchenko from Neon EVM discussed the benefits of their product, particularly in addressing network congestion issues for applications. Scott Lawin of Candy Digital shared the company’s foray into the gaming space, focusing on NFT utility and engagement through digital assets. John Lilic from Telos Foundation talked about the development of a hardware-accelerated zkEVM Layer 2 network in collaboration with Ponos Technology.
Karel Kubat, founder of Union, emphasized the importance of connecting thousands of Layer 2 networks in a decentralized and trustless manner for hyperscaling. Alex Goh from the EMC Foundation discussed the integration of AI with Web3 technology, emphasizing the vision of decentralized AI accessible to all. Thomas Messerer of Silencio Network envisioned a future where a billion people would be using their product, leveraging the DePIN model for creating value and building communities. The discussions at TOKEN2049 highlighted the innovative solutions and collaborations taking place in the crypto space.
Overall, the event served as a platform for industry leaders to share insights and foster collaboration in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape. The focus on tokenization, decentralized AI, and network scalability showcased the potential for innovation and growth in the industry. With a diverse range of topics covered and prominent speakers present, TOKEN2049 in Dubai provided a valuable opportunity for attendees to learn, network, and contribute to the future of crypto and blockchain technology.
