Blockchain in first quarter 2021
The headlines gathered here outline developments in blockchain and associated technologies across the first quarter of 2021 – January, February and March of 2021.
Q1 2021 blockchain news headlines covered items as diverse as the use of distributed ledger technologies in social media, blockchain in hospital invoicing, DLT in digital stock exchanges, non-fungible tokens and, of course, blockchain used as part of digital currency moves by governments across the globe.
Listings provide an at-a-glance grasp of movements in the blockchain industry, both in Asia broadly and in the wider world, so as to provide readers with a one-glance grasp of recent developments, and instant access to each blockchain-related news item, article, report or download behind the headlines.
- Download: Blockchain and distributed ledger technology items in the news – a brief 2-page snapshot of recent headlines and info items, hyperlinked and QR coded
- “Food fraud is a huge problem, costing up to $40 billion per year. Blockchain allows us to ensure our produce and products are legitimate, and safe.”
- ICYMI: A look at the World Food Programme’s Building Blocks pilot, testing blockchain technology in financial access and transactions for refugees
- EDGE196 Blockchain & Fintech Asia Competition applications close tomorrow, Jan 15th – virtual elevator pitch showcasing business ideas to experts, entrepreneurs and investors
- ICYMI: Blockchain-based mortgage platform Figure closes $100M financing facility for its products from JPMorgan investment bank
- Revolution Populi: “…allowing other platforms to survive and thrive based on their merits or lack thereof, rather than having other people have total control over what is said on a platform.”
- ICYMI: UK National Health Service working with Hedera Hashgraph blockchain platform to monitor COVID-19 vaccine temperature while in cold storage
- ICYMI: Brave web browser integrates InterPlanetary File System decentralized peer-to-peer protocol, boosting access to information and side-stepping censors
- A brief look at decentralization focusing on social media, aiming to remove big tech from the equation
- Video: Algorand Asia Accelerator Demo Day – the 10 blockchain-based projects that presented
- “Blockchain is transforming everything from payments transactions to how money is raised in the private market. Will the traditional banking industry embrace this technology or be replaced by it?” via CB Insights
- Microsoft to launch public preview of Azure Active Directory verifiable credentials platform, digital wallet-like platform for identifiers – transcripts, diplomas, professional credentials
- ICYMI: LO3 Energy gains $11M Series B led by Shell energy giant with blockchain-based energy marketplace
- Can blockchain help beat fake news?: “…the majority of individuals in developed economies will consume more false than true information by 2022.”
- Australia: Au$6.9M allocated to Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources to explore feasibility of blockchain use, specifically in regulation
- ICYMI: Argo Blockchain inks MOU with blockchain and crypto firm DMG Blockchain Solutions to launch bitcoin mining pool completely powered by clean energy
- China: Hospital of Chengmai County in Hainan commences issuing invoices using blockchain-based invoice management platform
- China: Blockchain-based Service Network, state-backed blockchain infrastructure firm, to offer financial auditing for Ethereum developers via Ernst & Young auditor partnership
- Consensus, online event from CoinDesk, set for May 24-27, looking at all aspects of the evolution of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology
- So, what exactly are ‘stablecoins’? CB Insights takes a look
- An overview of how blockchain tech may help combat ongoing fraud in Southeast Asia’s Halal food industry
- India: Lobby groups Global Impact FinTech and Government Blockchain Association press for a light touch from gov’t on blockchain industry regulation
- India: Government-owned State Bank of India becomes the first Indian bank to join JPMorgan’s blockchain network, Liink, for cross-border payments
- India: National Strategy on Blockchain available to download in pdf format
- Japan: SBI Holdings reportedly partnering with Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group to launch blockchain-driven digital stock exchange, expected in spring 2022
- A look at why 2021 may be the year of Non-Fungible Tokens – NFTs – tokenized versions of assets like artwork, real estate or collectibles
- A brief intro to the 3 Singaporean blockchain startups selected for showcasing at the Algorand Asia Accelerator demo day on January 22nd
- Singapore’s Zilliqa blockchain company launches $5M fund for ZILHive Incubator and ZILHive Ventures, looking at backing 15 firms building on its platform
- Singapore: dltledgers fintech firm completes Series A round, raising $7M with blockchain-based platform for trade and supply chain finance digitisation
- Taiwan: ITM blockchain firm partnered by Microsoft and MediaTek to develop solution for country’s largest energy provider, recording solar power data from smart meters
- Thailand: Siam Commercial Bank VC arm, SCB 10X, launches $50M fund to invest in blockchain, digital asset and decentralized finance startups
- Vietnam: An intro to Kardiachain, blockchain firm allowing businesses to build transparent, secure applications, most recently helping HCMC Youth Union manage 10K members
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