Earlier this week, at IT4BA, Moldova’s first Blockchain Laboratory was unveiled. The purpose of the lab is to study the possible benefits and use cases of the technology, and to afford opportunities to students and non-students for internships where they can gain knowledge and work experience in the field.
Internships will be offered in projects from international players in the blockchain scene, with a view to mentor and train interns, potentially leading to employment in Moldova. Also provided are workspaces via IT4BA at ‘ASEM’ - the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova.
Alongside the initiative a non-profit organisation is being established. ‘DTMA’ - Distributed Technology Moldova Association - is a community hub to promote and encourage initiatives around blockchain technology, As part of the Drachmae Project Laboratory 2.0 and DTMA is to create an exchange program with interns internationally.
Entrepreneur and organiser, Lee Gibson Grant commented: “I believe Moldova has unique potential to explore Blockchain technology and create entrepreneurships around blockchain. I was very excited by the turnout of attendees who gave their time to attend, from the National Bank of Moldova, E-Government, UNDP, USAID and academics from ASEM University and many more. The development of a robust digital identity framework, aimed at placing control of digital interactions in the hands of the customer, is therefore an important undertaking. The ‘Theft of the Century’ at the National Bank of Moldova is illustrative of the systemic problems that could be solved by strong digital identity and the transparency and immutability enabled by blockchain technology. A robust, universal framework for the individual’s digital Identity persona also be used for e-voting should such ideas be adopted at the government level.”
Some initial projects were disclosed around blockchain technology are based on transparency and immutability. The role of Digital Identity tools by Derick Smith, CEO of Chainreactor; and Land Registration by Eric Grill, Founder of Chain Bytes, were two examples mentioned. Whilst the ideas was being discussed, participants of the audience debated points around Identity.
Also described and discussed was the workings of a system for non-government entities, or governments themselves, to establish and run a national, parallel, paperless monetary system. Viability of Blockchain for E-Governance and Smart Cities was also mentioned, with a focus on how such systems may ameliorate the current state of affairs in the hardest hit economic zones adjacent to the Eurozone, the EX USSR or Russian Federation.
A final process was mentioned as undergoing input from Accent Group, Moldova’s Official IBM Distributor and, Founder of Drachmae Project, Grant. DT X Whitepaper is undergoing due diligence on how blockchain could provide technical innovation alongside funding innovation, meaning member states could privatise assets and national infrastructure opposed to IMF, World Bank EU Loans.
