“Social Impact of Blockchain” and “Collaboration with Microbes”
Location
San Francisco, USA
Date
4-5 November, 2016
Spanning two themes, this event first explored the societal implications of blockchain technology, with startups and engineers sharing real-world use cases and infrastructure trends. The second day focused on microbial technologies rooted in Japan’s fermentation culture (e.g., sake and natto), extending to applications in biomaterials and environmental tech. The sessions encouraged dialogue on how science, everyday life, and technology intersect to shape the future.
Global IT History
- The global AI market reaches $8.4 billion, with $5 billion in investments
- Google DeepMind’s AlphaGo defeats the world Go champion, attracting over 100 million viewers
- Python becomes the standard language for AI development
- The U.S. government releases the “Preparing for the Future of AI” report, positioning AI research, employment, ethics, and safety as national priorities
- The voice assistant market expands with Amazon Echo and Google Assistant
- Tesla, Waymo, and Uber advance AI-driven autonomous driving technologies
Mainstream Adoption of Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies
- In Japan, the revised Payment Services Act recognizes cryptocurrencies as a legal means of settlement, with ¥480 billion in trading volume and over 4,200 merchants accepting payments
- Globally, cryptocurrency market capitalization exceeds $17 billion, and blockchain investments surpass $550 million
- Over 40 banks join the R3 consortium to co-develop Corda
Speakers
Adam Back
CEO & Co-Founder, Blockstream Corp.
Thaddeus Dryja
Founder & CTO, Lightning Labs
Elizabeth Stark
Co-Founder & CEO, Lightning
Jeremy Rubin
Co-founder of Tidbit, the MIT Bitcoin Project, and the MIT Digital Currency Initiative
Kazuhiro Sakurai
President, and 4th generation brewery owner of Dassai (Asahishuzo brewery)
Patrick Boyle
Head of Design, Ginkgo Bioworks
Mitsuru Izumo
Founder and President of euglena Co., Ltd
Larry Weiss MD
Chief Medical Officer, AOBiome
Kaoru Hayashi
Representative Director / Group CEO, Digital Garage, Inc.
Joichi Ito
Co-Founder of Digital Garage and current Director of the MIT Media Lab
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