The Launch of I3-Lab: A Game Changer in DLT
In a pioneering move towards sustainable innovation, the Iota Foundation and Imperial College London have unveiled a four-year initiative centered around distributed ledger technology (DLT). The ambition? To enhance socially responsible, circular economic models that promote a servitization approach.
Meet the I3-Lab
Introducing the Imperial-Iota-Infrastructures Lab, fondly dubbed the I3-Lab! This hub of creativity will be nestled within the Dyson School of Design Engineering. Their tagline sums it up perfectly: “infrastructure powered by Iota; analytics powered by Imperial; use-cases powered by the community; and impact powered by partnerships.” Talk about a power-packed team!
Funding and Structure
The I3-Lab is launching this summer and is bolstered by a generous £1 million ($1.1 million) grant from the Iota Foundation. And guess what? It’s not a one-sided deal—Imperial College London is also stepping up with substantial backing. The lab, currently in the construction phase, is about the size of a soccer field’s six-yard box, and architectural plans include a cool second-story mezzanine!
Meet the Crew
With two post-doctoral researchers and five Ph.D. students on board, we can expect some serious brainstorming. Their projects cover a variety of topics, from tackling tire emissions to ethical battery solutions. Plus, they’re casting a wide net with open calls to engage the broader ICL community for internal funding. Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?
The Intellectual Exchange
During a recent visit to Imperial College, Cointelegraph’s Tom Farren had the chance to chat with key project leaders, diving into topics that span tire emissions to tokenomics. What’s exciting is the shared vision among the leaders of how DLT could bridge gaps in various industries.
A Unique Perspective
As Robert Shorten, deputy director at the Dyson School, points out, traditional blockchain tech has often focused on fintech or tracking goods. However, they’re keen to explore the behavioral intervention side. Imagine a world where the risk of shared assets—say, a car—can be better managed through technology.
Challenges and Opportunities in Circular Economy
The lab’s research aims to address pressing societal issues. The team is focusing on innovations that could minimize the environmental impact of tire emissions—a subject that’s gaining traction in today’s eco-conscious society. They’re also exploring the Jevons Paradox, illustrating how increased demand for electric vehicles could inadvertently raise emissions.
Nudging for Good
While discussing behavioral change, Shorten emphasized the importance of distinction—nudging or incentivizing practices should be rooted in good intentions. They want to generate value for the community, ensuring technology aligns with societal good.
Transparency and Collaboration
No secrets here! As per Peter Cheung, their findings will be open-source. This transparency is critical for reproducibility and encourages community participation. The I3-Lab aims to foster an inclusive environment where ideas aren’t just locked behind proprietary walls.
Patenting Versus Open Source
The discussion on patents raises eyebrows. While there’s value in protecting certain core technologies, the consensus indicates a preference for open-source to allow for broader collaboration. As Cheung states, it’s essential to either patent or publish ideas to ensure they benefit the community.
Measuring Success
Success metrics are being thoughtfully structured. An external board will be engaged to assess progress, focusing on tangible outcomes like the development of sustainable businesses, policy engagements, and, of course, the inevitable increase in published research. It’s all about making an impact!
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