Welcome to the Future: The Institute of Crypto-Assets
On November 8, a groundbreaking event unfolded in the outskirts of Paris. The Institute of Crypto-Assets officially opened its doors at the Léonard de Vinci Centre, marking a significant milestone for the world of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies.
The Team Behind the Scenes
The institute boasts a robust scientific board comprising 11 esteemed experts hailing from some of France’s premier educational institutions, including the National Center for Scientific Research and École Polytechnique. But that’s not all—an elite committee featuring industry veterans like Ledger’s co-founder Nicolas Bacca and Paymium’s founder Pierre Noizat will keep an eye on the institute’s pioneering endeavors.
Educate, Don’t Lobby
Cyril Grunspan, the institute’s director, emphasizes an essential mission: “Our goal is not to lobby but to create a forum for discussion on cryptoassets.” With this in mind, the institute sets the stage not just for debates, but as a hub for learning about the crypto landscape.
What’s on the Agenda?
The opening event featured two captivating lectures. Historian Jacques Favier took attendees on a journey through the history of currencies all the way to Bitcoin (BTC). Meanwhile, cryptographer David Pointcheval explored the intricate world of zero-knowledge proofs and the fascinating concept of anonymity. Mark your calendars because these public lectures are slated to become regular occurrences.
France: The Innovator in the Digital Economy
France is undeniably stepping up to claim its throne as a leader in Europe’s digital economy and innovation. Just a couple of months ago, telecommunications giant Iliad made waves by investing €100 million (around $106 million) to set up an “excellence lab” for AI research in Paris. Adding fuel to the fire, Iliad has also acquired what they dub the most powerful cloud-native AI supercomputer in Europe so far.
A Winning Streak for French Crypto
Despite facing challenges, the crypto sector in France continues to shine. In the first half of 2023, French crypto businesses scored a remarkable 27% of all new investment deals in the fintech realm, proving that resilience and innovation go hand in hand.
