How AI and Blockchain are Converging: A Look into IVS Crypto 2024's Innovative Approach

Ishan Pandey: Hello Wang, It's a pleasure to welcome you to our 'Behind the Startup' series. To start, could you share a bit about your background and your entrepreneurial journey? What inspired the theme "Cross the Boundaries" for IVS Crypto 2024 KYOTO?

Whiplus Wang: Thank you, Ishan. It's a pleasure to be here. My journey has been quite diverse, spanning multiple countries and industries. Originally from China, I had the opportunity to study at eight universities across Shanghai, Victoria, London, New York, and Tokyo, focusing on Computer Science and Industrial Design. My professional journey began at Link and Motivation Group, where I managed Japan's largest global HR event and developed the largest employee engagement cloud system, “Motivation Cloud.” I later ventured into the tech and media space with projects like the travel planning visualization app "JourneyNote" and "Craft Letter," which promotes Japanese craft production areas.

In March 2022, I produced the NFT collection "Friends in the Shallows" and held Japan's first NFT solo exhibition. Since April 2022, I have been leading the organization of IVS Crypto, Japan's largest crypto conference.

The theme "Cross the Boundaries" for IVS Crypto 2024 KYOTO reflects our vision of breaking down barriers between different technologies, industries, and communities – especially between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0. We aim to explore the limitless possibilities of using blockchain and Web 3.0 in actual industries, fostering innovation and collaboration on a global scale.

Ishan Pandey: What are some of the most exciting innovations or projects showcased at IVS Crypto 2024 KYOTO, and what should attendees be most looking forward to?

Whiplus Wang: IVS Crypto 2024 KYOTO is set to be a remarkable event with several exciting innovations and projects on display. Attendees can look forward to:

• Web3 Entertainment Zone: A fusion of gaming, animation, manga, and IP content creation, offering an immersive experience of real-world Web3 applications combined with the Anime culture of Japan.

  
  

• NOX Gallery KYOTO: Japan's first physical NFT gallery, showcasing top artists from around the world and exploring new forms of art through NFTs.

  
  

• AKA Virtual Booth: This booth will feature virtual characters from large Japanese IPs, including Sonic & Friends. Attendees can experience cutting-edge 3D animation and motion capture technology, seeing how these beloved characters are brought to life in virtual spaces and rendered in real-time.

  
  

Additionally, the participation of leaders like Mo Shaikh of Aptos Labs, Ray Chan of Memeland, Yat Siu of Animoca Brands, and Sebastien Borget of The Sandbox will provide attendees with invaluable insights into the latest technologies and trends.

Ishan Pandey: Hosting such a large event in Kyoto must significantly impact the local economy. Can you discuss the expected economic benefits and any local community involvement in the event?

Whiplus Wang: Hosting IVS Crypto 2024 KYOTO in Kyoto indeed has a significant positive impact on the local economy. The influx of over 10,500 attendees, including global leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts, drives substantial economic activity in the region. This includes increased business for local hotels, restaurants, and other service providers.

Moreover, the event fosters community involvement by partnering with side event organizers, and in total we are expecting more than 200 side events this time. For instance, there will be an event at TOEI KYOTO STUDIO PARK with Evangelion Kyoto Base to create a unique experience for attendees, highlighting Japan’s rich cultural heritage and famous IPs. This collaboration not only promotes local tourism but also enhances the global visibility of Kyoto as a hub for innovation and culture.

Ishan Pandey: Blockchain technology and Web 3.0 are rapidly evolving. What major trends do you foresee in the next 3-5 years that will shape the future of these industries?

Whiplus Wang: Over the next 3-5 years, several major trends are likely to shape the future of blockchain technology and Web 3.0: Decentralized Ownership of Games: Blockchain will enable true ownership of in-game assets through NFTs. Players will be able to buy, sell, and trade unique items, skins, and characters across different platforms, creating a more dynamic and player-driven market.

• Creator Economies: Blockchain will empower content creators by providing new ways to monetize their work. Decentralized platforms will allow creators to retain ownership of their content and earn directly from their audiences through tokens and microtransactions, bypassing traditional intermediaries.

• Interoperability: Enhanced cross-chain solutions will enable seamless interaction between different blockchain networks, fostering a more connected ecosystem.

• Integration with AI: The convergence of AI and blockchain will drive new innovations, particularly in data security, automation, and smart contract execution.

  
  

• Regulation and Compliance: As the industry matures, regulatory frameworks will become more defined, providing clarity and stability for businesses and investors.

  
  

These trends will collectively contribute to the mainstream adoption and evolution of blockchain and Web 3.0 technologies.

Ishan Pandey: The theme of IVS Crypto 2024 includes exploring the intersection of AI and blockchain. How do you see these technologies complementing each other in the future?

Whiplus Wang: The contents of IVS Crypto 2024 will explore the intersection of AI and blockchain, and these technologies will complement each other in several transformative ways. Attendees can look forward to sessions that delve into these synergies:

AI + Token Economy: AI agents can perform tasks, provide services, and engage in transactions within blockchain ecosystems, earning tokens and enhancing efficiency. In the session "AI Application: Acceleration and Revolution of Gaming," you'll hear from experts like Justin Waldron (Founder & CEO of gemz), Tino Millar (CEO & Co-Founder of MOVE AI), Edwin Li (CTO of FLUX Inc.), Shuhei Mise (Co-founder of Animechain.ai), and Sara Giusto (Producer at Aww Inc.). They will discuss how AI is transforming the gaming industry through blockchain integration.

AI in DAOs: AI can automate decision-making and payments in Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), improving operations and transparency. The session "The Potential of DAO × Generative AI: What is a Participatory Creative Firm?" will feature Mono Arai (CTO of AiHub), Yusuke Hirowatari (DAO Business Division Director at Gaiax), Kuriemi (CEO of Pinyokio), and Aramu Mine (Web3 Division Director at Gaiax), exploring how AI and blockchain are reshaping the creative processes within DAOs.

Decentralized AI Marketplaces: Blockchain enables secure, decentralized marketplaces for AI models and data, promoting global sharing and monetization. This concept will be highlighted in the session "Animechain.ai's Vision for a Creator-First Generative AI × Blockchain Ecosystem" by Shuhei Mise (Co-founder of Animechain.ai), where the focus will be on building ecosystems that prioritize creators.

These sessions at IVS Crypto 2024 will provide valuable insights into how AI and blockchain are driving innovation, enhancing efficiencies, and creating new opportunities across industries.

Ishan Pandey: With companies like Aptos Labs, The Sandbox, and Konami Digital Entertainment participating, what impact do you expect their involvement to have on the Japanese and global crypto ecosystems?

Whiplus Wang: The participation of companies like Aptos Labs, The Sandbox, and Konami Digital Entertainment at IVS Crypto 2024 KYOTO is expected to drive significant synergies between advanced Web3 technologies and business models from overseas and the rich content, creators, and IPs from Japan. This collaboration will foster new business models, enhance the global reach of Japanese content, and accelerate the adoption of blockchain technology across various sectors, ultimately strengthening both the Japanese and global crypto ecosystems.

Ishan Pandey: How does IVS Crypto 2024 aim to foster collaboration and innovation within the global crypto community, and what are some initiatives in place to support new and emerging projects in this space?

Whiplus Wang: IVS Crypto 2024 aims to foster collaboration and innovation within the global crypto community through a variety of strategic initiatives designed to support new and emerging projects:

• Kicking off Japan Blockchain Week: IVS Crypto 2024 is the main event of Japan Blockchain Week, which includes many other significant events like EDCON. Together, these events are expected to attract a total of 50,000 participants. This large-scale gathering amplifies the opportunities for networking, collaboration, and innovation across the entire global blockchain and crypto community.

  
  

• Crypto Village: Located near the main stage, Crypto Village serves as a dynamic networking space where attendees can engage with each other, exchange ideas, and form valuable connections. This area is specifically designed to facilitate interaction among participants, providing an environment conducive to collaboration and partnership.

• 200+ Side Events: With over 200 side events planned, IVS Crypto 2024 offers numerous opportunities for attendees to delve deeper into specific topics, participate in focused discussions, and network with peers in the beautiful city of Japan’s ancient capital – Kyoto.

• VC Lounge: The VC Lounge is a dedicated space where more than 200 Web3 venture capitalists will be participating. This provides startups and emerging projects with unparalleled access to potential investors, fostering opportunities for funding and mentorship. The lounge will be a hub for discussions on investment trends, project pitches, and networking with leading VCs.

• The Demo Day: As the largest Web3 hackathon Demo Day in Japan, this event will showcase innovative projects developed during the hackathon. Operated in English, the Demo Day provides a platform for teams to present their solutions to a global audience, including investors, industry leaders, and potential collaborators.

It is a key initiative to highlight and support breakthrough innovations in the Web3 space. AI x Anime Contest: This contest is a unique initiative that combines the creative power of anime with the technological advancements of AI. It encourages participants to develop innovative projects that leverage AI in the creation and enhancement of anime content. The contest aims to inspire new ways of thinking about content creation and to explore the intersection of technology and creativity. Through these initiatives, IVS Crypto 2024 is dedicated to creating an ecosystem that nurtures innovation, supports emerging projects, and fosters collaboration among global crypto community members. These efforts will help drive the industry forward, bringing together diverse talents and resources to build the future of Web3 and blockchain technology.

Ishan Pandey: Looking beyond IVS Crypto 2024, what is your vision for the future of the event and the broader crypto industry in Japan over the next five to ten years?

Whiplus Wang: Looking beyond IVS Crypto 2024, my vision for the future of the event and the broader crypto industry in Japan includes, deepening the integration of blockchain and Web 3.0 technologies with traditional industries to drive innovation and efficiency. Further, making IVS Crypto a premier global event with more participants, speakers, and exhibitors. Japan leading in developing regulatory frameworks that support innovation while ensuring consumer protection and market stability. Further, it is critical to boost public awareness and education about blockchain and Web 3.0 technologies to drive mainstream adoption. Through these efforts, we aim to shape a thriving and sustainable future for the crypto industry in Japan, Asia and beyond!

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