Track Information

Blockchain Technology and Applications

A Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that saves transactions on thousands of computers around the globe. Blockchain, the technology underlying the infamous Bitcoin cryptocurrency, has been receiving considerable attention in recent years, as new use cases in the public and private sector are identified. What started as a mechanism to avoid the double spending problem with digital money is being experimented in scenarios where a trusted third party (e.g. a notary or a bank) was normally required. Using this technology, transactions are securely registered in a ledger distributed across a network of peers that validate the entries using a consensus mechanism.  The high importance of blockchain has attracted the attention of organizations in different sectors and has resulted in the development of innovative organizations and new job positions. Currently, few if any could predict the full extent of the disruptive innovations that would emerge fostered by Blockchain technology.

This track seeks to serve as an annual venue that will enable the discussion on the trends, challenges and developments of Blockchain technology. In doing so, it aims to speed up the study and accelerate the adoption of this technology.

Topics of interest include the following but are not limited to:

• Blockchain case studies
• Blockchain infrastructure
• Blockchain and mobile banking
• Blockchain and peer-to-peer transfers
• Blockchain and digital currencies
• Blockchain and Internet of Things
• Blockchain and markets
• Blockchain and marketplaces
• Blockchain and healthcare
• Blockchain applications
• Blockchain and e-government
• Blockchain and Banking sector
• Fintech applications
• Blockchain and regulatory frameworks
• Barriers to blockchain adoption
• Smart contracts
• Innovation in blockchain
• Privacy, Security and Identity in blockchain

Track co-Chairs:
Paulo da Cunha, Coimbra University, Portugal
Klitos Christodoulou, University of Nicosia, Cyprus