Convergence: Blockchain, IoT, AI, Security - Beginning of Web 3.0

“I see Blockchain as more than a technology; it is a movement. The concept of decentralized connectivity and transactions is spawning transformative ideas that are already rapidly enriching and enhancing the societies, economies, and cultures of people around the globe, and I believe it will create a 10X growth impact on the already sizable mobile and cloud-based tech market.” — Future\Perfect Ventures’ Jalak Jobanputra

As part of the convergence series of posts, I mentioned the recent launch of the Trusted IoT Alliance. Last week saw the launch of Future\Perfect Ventures’ lab focused on the convergence of technologies such as blockchain, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and security. It’s purpose is to explore and leverage the synergies between these and other emerging technologies.

Convergence examples are becoming more frequent. For example, to improve the security of electronic medical records, Google’s deep-learning platform DeepMind is exploring blockchain’s distributed ledger technologies.

IBM is combining artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain for device lifecycle management: device registration, compliance, and joint ownership—among other things—as well as permissioned access via smart, learning contracts.

State Street Bank sees AI and blockchain as a way to streamline processes and securely mine and analyze client data.

The real world process of gathering data, securely trusting, storing and transacting on the data, and creating, implementing, and monitoring the definitions and flow of data and its action methods can now be implemented by combining these AI, IoT, and blockchain in a secure, unified system.

Many are now pointing to a Web 3.0 with blockchain as the foundation. The concept is that the internet enabled the sharing of information, and blockchain enables the sharing of trust, value, and asset ownership. Web 3.0 is a buzzy marketing term with many definitions and vendors fighting to capture mindshare. Evidence, however, does point to a significant change afoot, and at the center of it is this ongoing convergence of emerging technologies.

Originally published on LinkedIn.

Marian Cook is currently a solutions principal for Slalom Consulting, as well as the head facilitator for MIT's blockchain certification course and a strategic advisor to the Chicago Blockchain Center. Immediately prior, she was the chief strategy officer for Innovation and Technology for the State of Illinois, having moved from the private sector to public service in 2015.

She started as a systems engineer with IBM, re-engineering processes, implementing systems, and creating business and technology strategies. Moving to international consulting firms, she worked globally, developing business growth and turnaround strategies, as well as the client side as the head of IT for a top healthcare organization.

Opinions expressed by the author are not necessarily those of WITI.