Edinburgh to host global blockchain tech event
More than 200 attendees from around the world have already signed up to take part in a conference being held in Edinburgh next month to discuss the development of blockchain technology.
Panel discussions will include topics such as financial services, supply chain management and digital rights.
Event organiser MBN Solutions, a specialist data science recruitment firm, said the conference will focus on Scotland’s potential to become a “powerhouse” of blockchain – a digital technique for proving ownership of assets that underpins the electronic “cryptocurrency” cash system dubbed bitcoin.
The inaugural Scotchain16 event, being held on November 11 at RBS’ Gogarburn headquarters, has been organised by MBN Solutions in partnership with Spiritus Partners, RBS, Deloitte, R3 CEV and sector specialists Bigchaindb and Blockstream. Michael Young, chief executive of MBN, said: “Never before will have so many leading blockchain companies assembled in Scotland to help their audience focus on realities and hype of distributed ledger technologies.
“We hope this event illustrates how Scotland is blazing a trail in this important technological area.”
Although financial technology – or fintech – has huge potential, academics at the University of Strathclyde have warned that failing to adopt the latest innovations could lead to the loss of 14,000 jobs.
Bill Cook, a senior executive at Scottish Enterprise with responsibility for identifying fintech opportunities, said: “This is a prestigious event focused on helping Scottish businesses to galvanise their knowledge of blockchain.
“We hope this event will show the rest of the UK, Europe and the world at large that Scotland has the skills, the outlook and the people to realise value through blockchain.”