The Director General, NITDA (National Information Technology Development Agency), Kashifu Inuwa has called on international investors to invest in the Nigerian tech ecosystem because doing so is valued and comes with many rewards. Speaking on the “Evolution of the Nigerian Tech Ecosystem” to the Ludwig von Bayern Startup Lions, Inuwa said there are four comparative advantages you won’t find anywhere but in Nigeria.
Firstly, Inuwa suggested that Nigeria’s large population and its emerging economic status positioned as a suitable investment destination in Africa. “Nigeria alone has 15% of the population and the GDP, so investing in Nigeria is like investing in Africa. Moreover, it is emerging because if you look at the tech-ecosystem, Nigeria attracts 30% of African FDI. Last year alone, the country attracted more than USD 2 billion.”
Secondly, Inuwa suggested that the level of support the government now gives to the tech ecosystem is unparalleled in the history of the country. He said the government has been supporting innovation and startup. There are many interventions in terms of policies, laws and infrastructure to help businesses to grow.
“In 2019, the President expanded the mandates of our ministry to cover digital economy. Before, it was just ministry of Communications but realizing that communication is not an end, but a means to an end, while the end is how we can use technology for economic prosperity.”
He recalled the Nigerian Startup Act, the Executive Order on the Ease of Doing Business, which includes incentives like visa on arrival and business incorporation under 24 hours, each aimed at transforming the economy.
“Thirdly, we have youthful and talented population which you won’t find elsewhere in the world. While the developed countries are suffering from aging population, we have one of the youngest populations in the world,” he observed.
“Finally, any investment has high potential for social and economic impacts, and helps the country solve its many challenges. We have challenges that require innovative solutions; we have challenges around healthcare, financial inclusion, education, transportation, and logistics. And you all know: IT or technology can provide faster solutions for us to solve all these problems.
“So, come to Nigeria and invest. You will easily feel our comparative advantages,” concluded Inuwa.
While urging investors to look the way of Nigeria, Inuwa invited them to grace the Africa Tech Conference that comes up in July 2023.
Fujitsu today announced the launch of its “Fujitsu Web3 Acceleration Platform,” offering a developmental environment as well as various service APIs based on blockchain and high-performance computing technologies. Fujitsu envisions the platform as a future community for users in start-ups, partner companies, and universities working to build the next generation of Web3 applications and services.
Figure 1: Overview of the Fujitsu Web 3 Acceleration Platform
Figure 2: Image of the Fujitsu Web 3 Acceleration Platform
The new platform will connect users to Fujitsu’s existing suite of Computing as a Service (“CaaS”) (1) applications, including “CaaS HPC” and “CaaS Digital Annealer”, as well as the “Fujitsu Computing as a Service Data e-TRUST” (“Data e-TRUST”) (2) module. Data e-Trust leverages Fujitsu’s “IDentitY eXchange” (“IDYX”) (3) and “Chain Data Lineage” (4) technologies for ensuring the authenticity of transactions and secure data distribution and utilization between different systems and services with blockchain and other data verification tools. Moving forward, Fujitsu also plans additional technology modules for the platform, including its transparent trust transfer technology (5) and “ConnectionChain” (6) technology.
Fujitsu will provide access to the platform free of charge to select participants of its global partner program, “Fujitsu Accelerator Program for CaaS” (7) to drive co-creation of new Web3 services. Program partners will be able to begin to use the platform in Japan from March 2023, with availability step-by-step expanding to partners globally starting in fiscal 2023.
The platform will contribute to the realization of a rich ecosystem that empowers users to create new applications for Web3, allowing for new ways to interact, create, and share data freely and securely for use cases including digital content rights management, contracts, business transactions and processes.
Under its vision for Fujitsu Uvance to achieve a sustainable world, Fujitsu ultimately aims to offer a Web3 platform that allows companies and individual users to connect to co-create transformational, value-added solutions to a variety of issues facing society.
Services and technologies
In addition to blockchain and verification technologies offered through “Data e-TRUST,” the new platform will provide users access to Fujitsu’s world-leading, advanced computing technologies and applications including “Fujitsu Computing as a Service HPC” and “Fujitsu Computing as a Service Digital Annealer” for developing and running simulations, AI and combinatorial optimization applications. These technologies will allow users to analyze and evaluate multiple scenarios for formulating solutions to various societal issues based on data that ensures trust. Moving forward, Fujitsu will step-by-step provide further prototype functions for Web3 leveraging Fujitsu’s transparent trust-ensuring technology and “ConnectionChain” technology for co-creation partners via CaaS.
Creating new business through co-creation with the Fujitsu Web3 Acceleration Platform Fujitsu will provide a portal site and development environment to support co-development activities and the development of new Web3 applications and services, and to test and practice the value these new Web3 applications and services offer. Fujitsu and its co-creation partners will examine use cases, develop prototypes, and conduct PoC trials aimed at creating new business related to the following three key themes of Web3:
1. Realization of a co-creation society through decentralized autonomous organizations (DAO) Trial development and implementation of new Web3 services in which projects are organized and promoted through autonomous consensus among participants according to various objectives Visualization of participants activities and value they created to appropriately distribute gained profits according to individual contribution
2. Rights management and utilization of digital content Development and implementation of new Web3 services for distribution of digital content including images and videos to protect copyrights and guarantee authenticity of digital data Supporting the creation of various contents based on secondary work and reused work that can be freely distributed by providing a system that guarantees copy rights and legitimate compensation of creators
3. Realization of digital trust Test development and implementation of new Web3 services to ensure the accuracy and reliability of information by avoiding risks such as leakage of personal information and fraudulent transactions in order to enable more flexible and open communication and use of information Realization of a new social paradigm in which companies and individual users can connect securely by preventing digital fraud and ensuring authenticity in all transactions and sharing of data knowledge
Future Plans
As Fujitsu expands services and functionality for its new Web3 platform from March 2023, it further plans to hold a global planning and development contest to build and implement DAO communities and create new Web3 services.
Comments from participants in the “Fujitsu Accelerator Program for CaaS”/ users of the Web3 Acceleration Platform
Yoshito Sudo, Founder and CEO of TC3 K.K.: “We are excited about the launch of the Fujitsu Web3 Acceleration Platform. Our company helps enterprises to build digital products and AI engines by working with global Gig Economies. By participating in the Fujitsu Web3 Acceleration Platform, we plan to prototype Web3 application services and DAO community services. With this initiative, we believe that we can promote our vision of “Gig Innovated,” a world in which we can achieve innovation with Gig Economy (8).”
Hiroyoshi Miwa, Vice President of Kwansei Gakuin University & Executive Dean of Organization for Information Strategies, Japan: “Web3 is still in its infancy, but it has the potential to open up a whole new world. To achieve this goal, it is important not only to research and develop advanced technologies, but also to create new services. In the post COVID era, there are efforts to make use of Web3 in the field of education and research. We will also use this platform to challenge various innovative initiatives and contribute to social implementation at our institution.”
Hiroya Momikura, Representative Director of Pocket RD Co., Ltd. “Our company offers customers considering Web3 business a Digital Double service, which enables them to use different types of NFT (non-fungible tokens) and efficiently build their business within the upcoming one-digital wallet era. Combining this service with Fujitsu’s technology for identity verification and security technologies, we aim to provide our customers with an environment in which they can conduct their business in a safer, more secure manner.”
Jin Sashida, CEO of SAKURA UNITED PLATFORM PTE. LTD.: “Our company is operating an X-Fi platform business, which links token finance with the daily activities of existing industries and consumers, utilizing the design and operation know-how of token finance developed through GameFi (9). By combining this with Fujitsu’s Web3 technology, we anticipate that we can achieve highly reliable transactions, and we will jointly examine a wide variety of use cases.”
(1) “CaaS”: “Fujitsu Computing as a Service”, Fujitsu’s portfolio of cloud services that make advanced computing technologies easily available to everyone. In addition to the conventional application in academic fields, Fujitsu will promote cutting-edge research and the enhancement of corporate competitiveness in a wide range of industries. Fujitsu CaaS was launched in Japan by the end of October 2022 and is scheduled to be rolled out globally step-by-step starting in fiscal 2023. (2) “Fujitsu Computing as a Service Data e-TRUST” (“Data e-TRUST”): New trust service function of CaaS featuring with Fujitsu’s IDYX and Chain Data Lineage technologies for secure data distribution and utilization. Provides advanced data security and ensures the authenticity and security of data distribution between different systems and services. First launched in October 2022 to the Japanese market. (3) “IDentitY eXchange” (“IDYX”): Technology developed by Fujitsu to securely distribute personal identities (such as IDs and attribute information) among companies and individual users. “Fujitsu Develops Digital Identity Technology to Evaluate Trustworthiness in Online Transactions” (press release, July 4, 2019) (4) “Chain Data Lineage”: Technology developed by Fujitsu to trace the distribution process and processing of data and goods back to their origin. Technology to improve the reliability of data distribution across industries by guaranteeing the end-to-end traceability of data and goods across organizations. “Fujitsu Develops Technology to Improve Reliability of Data Distribution across Industries” (press release, September 20, 2018) (5) Transparent trust transfer technology : Technology that assists users in transparently granting and verifying digital signatures when using different services. “JCB, JP GAMES and Fujitsu launch joint project to strengthen digital data rights management in the metaverse and gaming world” (press release, August 23, 2022) (6) “ConnectionChain”: Technology developed by Fujitsu to interconnect different blockchains and ecosystems securely using blockchain technology. “Fujitsu Develops Security Technology to Safely Connect Blockchains” (press release, November 15, 2017) (7) “Fujitsu Accelerator Program for CaaS”: Global partner program that aims to provide prompt solutions to societal issues by co-creating new use cases on CaaS with innovative startups in Japan and overseas. As a “Fujitsu Accelerator Program for CaaS Co-Creation Partner”, participating startups will receive free use of CaaS, dedicated engineer support and training, and various benefits related to use case creation through joint development. (8) Gig economy: A work style in which temporary jobs are contracted out through the Internet, and an economic form formed by such a work style. (9) GameFi: A combination of “Game” and “Finance”; users can earn economic value, or real world money, by playing for valuable cryptocurrencies and NFTs.
About Fujitsu
Fujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$32 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com.
The next generation real-time live virtual events and concerts metaverse platform company STGZ, announced a partnership with Klaytn, a global metaverse public blockchain platform today. The partnership strengthens the STGZ platform through Klaytn’s fast, secure, and scalable public blockchain technology, enabling STGZ to offer metaverse experiences globally. Klaytn is a public blockchain focused on the metaverse, gamefi, and the creator economy. The project’s MainNet went live in June 2019 and has developed rapidly to become one of the most trustworthy brands in the industry.
“Klaytn is a blockchain platform led by South Korean internet giant Kakao. They are known for their fast, secure and scalable blockchain technology,” said CJ, CEO of STGZ. “We are thrilled to partner with Klaytn and bring their blockchain expertise to our platform, assisting us in achieving our goal of making the metaverse accessible to everyone.”
Officially launched in June 2019, Klaytn is the dominant blockchain platform in South Korea and is now undergoing global business expansion from its international base in Singapore. Klaytn is the public blockchain subsidiary of Kakao, South Korea’s second-largest company after Samsung, which pioneered the super app Kakao Talk. Kakao’s deep influence in Korea’s technology and entertainment industry and their global expansion plans, provided the backdrop for an investment and partnership with STGZ.
Klaytn’s business expansion activities are supported by the Klaytn Growth Fund, which aims to grow the ecosystem of companies built on Klaytn. The Klaytn Growth Fund is managed and disbursed by Klaytn Foundation, a Singapore-based and non-profit organization established in August 2021.
Klaytn has invested in a multimillion dollar grant to STGZ to help market and bring their blockchain into the U.S. market with festivals, NFTs, and the most advanced entertainment metaverse experiences to artists and fans.
The STGZ platform solves the problem of a lack of dedicated virtual interfaces for events, content sharing, and community building in the metaverse. Artists and fans alike now have a new platform to share and monetize their creative works and interactions in the metaverse with STGZ.
STGZ bridges the gap between real life and the metaverse using cutting-edge XR technology to create immersive and interactive entertainment experiences that anyone can share with the world, from anywhere in the world, and for free. The platform is disrupting traditional social media by replacing static pages with fully customizable 3D stages, allowing users to create their own perpetual spaces and experiences including the ability to live stream during events and shows.
STGZ tears down prohibitive costs that allow fans to virtually attend real-world events from anywhere in the world and provides artists with the ability to take advantage of web3 technology. It’s easy to use, a free stage for everybody, and makes for the ultimate metaverse platform for artists and fans to share experiences and grow communities together.
For fans, STGZ provides them the abilities to visit their favorite artists, explore new performers, and hang out with friends at concerts and festivals. Unlike real-world events and once the event is over, the experience still lives on, allowing fans to replay performances or attend performances they missed.
For artists, STGZ provides a unique way for them to share their art and themselves, while at the same time earning from multiple traditional and web3-based revenue streams: such as ticketed events, advertisements, sponsorships, wearables, VIP NFTs, and more.
In 2022 STGZ continued to build out their platform, complete strategic partnerships, and launched the MetaMansion Hamptons Edition with the globally renowned DJ’s Diplo, Disclosure, and Kygo. STGZ will outline their 2023 plans in press releases throughout this year.
About STGZ
STGZ is a leading provider of virtual reality and blockchain-based services, committed to making the metaverse accessible to everyone. Learn more at https://stgz.io
About Klaytn
Klaytn is a global public blockchain platform that aims to bring blockchain mass adoption by providing an easy-to-use platform for users, developers, and businesses. Learn more at https://www.klaytn.foundation
Dr. Marliyyah A. Mahmood, Women In Tech and Project Manager for Startup AREWA, discusses how technology is enabling and enhancing women’s empowerment in Northern Nigeria. She emphasizes some of the fundamental advantages of social media technologies, such as giving women access to a virtual environment where they may express themselves.
Dr. Marliyyah A. Mahmood, Women In Tech, Project Manager for Startup AREWA, spoke on how technology is enabling and enhancing women’s empowerment in Northern Nigeria. [Image: Startup AREWA]
“It is impossible to overstate the importance of women in the growth of any nation, state, or community. This is to reiterate the critical role that women’s education plays in long-term national development, which begins at home. Women are frequently observed to be the children’s first teachers at home. A mother’s influence on upbringing in any developing country, and the empowerment of women, has a significant impact on key developmental outcomes like health, education, reproductive patterns, income level, and other factors,” said Dr Mahmood.
While a report from PWC in April 2020 states that 41% of micro-businesses in Nigeria are owned by women, a report in EFInA stated that 55% of the financially excluded adults in Nigeria are women, and of the 25.1 million financially excluded in the north, 13.1 million are women. Business transactions are largely cash within informal channels, as business funds are kept at home because financial institutions are concentrated in the state capital, while poor record-keeping from transacting through informal channels in turn hampers eligibility for credit.
The previous census, which was performed in 2006, indicated that women made up around 49.7% of the population of Nigeria. Despite this, Nigerian women (particularly those in the northern region) have not been able to change the long-standing status that society accords to women. There are a number of reasons why women in Northern Nigerian society are treated unequally, the majority of which can be linked to the patriarchal system in place and the general lack of gender awareness among the rural population, including women who have been socialized to accept their subordinate position.
However, with better access to information online, women have developed a greater sense of awareness. Online educational content, blogs videos and social media tools have given women access to a virtual world that provides them with opportunities for self-expression. Digital platforms are aiming to be more inclusive than ever before in light of the changing political conscience. It is now essential, not simply an option, to guarantee women’s safety, inclusivity, and a voice at all intersections.
Through online workspaces, more women have recently been able to achieve financial independence. There are now more jobs available for women thanks to specific job postings on numerous online portals. Housewives or moms who have taken extended absences from the workforce now have access to special possibilities to re-enter the workforce. Many websites provide part-time and full-time occupations that people can undertake from home.
In Northern Nigeria, Startup AREWA and Financial Service Innovation (FSI) organized a virtual hackathon on financial inclusion amongst female entrepreneurs within the northern region by proffering simple and easy-to-use fintech solutions to increase more of their participation in setting up businesses. The innovative solutions developed from this hackathon were able to tackle the challenges faced by unbanked and underbanked female entrepreneurs in Northern Nigeria.
Dr. Marliyyah reveals how women now have access to a wide range of created opportunities online as a result of technology advancements. “Technology has helped women affirm their freedom of expression and right to the workforce, which they frequently find difficult to accomplish. This is a really great achievement that shows how it can be utilized to empower those with disadvantaged identities.
“However, it must not be overlooked that having internet access is necessary in order to take use of these virtual prospects. How many women and members of underrepresented groups actually have access to such technology is still an open subject. To ensure that intersectional gaps are filled and that technology and the internet are more widely available, intervention is necessary in this context.”
About Startup AREWA Startup AREWA was established to organize, empower and promote the Northern Nigeria technology and Startup Ecosystem, with the overarching goal of using technology and startups as a strategy to combat unemployment and poverty across the Northern Nigeria.
From the first Bootcamp at Bello Memorial Foundation Hall in Kaduna to a series of over 20 Bootcamps across Northern Nigeria, engaging over 5000 Startups with support from innovators and public-private leaders, Startup AREWA is implementing its strategic plan of promoting and providing real-time support to Startups.
DCMSwiss (Digital Content Marketplace), a decentralized blockchain-powered platform for content creators, publishers and brands, today announced a strategic partnership with Plato Data Intelligence, a NYC-based Data Platform focused on the curation of data intelligence on today’s most innovative technology verticals.
Through the partnership, DCM’s partner brands will immediately benefit from the increased global reach Plato delivers. Both companies plan to deliver a wide range of embedded data products related to marketing communications, brand engagement and vertical data intelligence using Plato’s content distribution and syndication network.
“DCM is moving to the next stage in its life-cycle while enabling deep and authentic use cases for the mass adoption of blockchain. Plato’s expertise in this area is an invaluable resource for accelerating our plans for 2023 and beyond. We are excited to take part in building the Web3 and provide the world’s leading solution for decentralized content creation and distribution together,” said Julia Zoltarenko, DCM Swiss’ Founder and CEO.
“We are excited to work with DCM Swiss and see a perfect fit for our A.I. and Blockchain capabilities across their entire data ecosystem with unprecedented engagement opportunities. We believe that together we will set a new standard for the industry,” said Bryan Feinberg, Plato’s Founder and CEO.
Via the partnership, Plato’s and DCM’s R&D teams will be able to integrate the latest data intelligence, trends, tools, and data centric applications, including in Web3 space, to achieve maximum reach and organic engagement for promotional campaigns.
The partnership promises deep value across each company’s respective platforms and ecosystems and will leverage both Plato’s and DCM’s extensive blockchain expertise in designing innovative solutions using blockchain. Publishers, audiences and advertisers benefit from the scale of a decentralized blockchain data ecosystem while gaining direct access to global audiences.
DCM Suisse is a decentralized, blockchain-powered platform for content creators, publishers & brands. It provides to all its participants an unlimited access to free flow of content, helps to protect copyright with DCM Media Passport, and enables a variety of promotion options for content creators and brands, including articles with embedded engagement tools and NFT collections in a truly decentralized way. In addition to blockchain technologies DCM uses A.I. tools for content quality check and authenticity certification.
Plato is an open intelligence repository and platform that curates the latest in data intelligence across today’s most innovative market verticals. The platform is designed to provide and ultra-safe and secure environment to consume sector specific real-time data intelligence while delivering fully secured Web3 connectivity across 27 market verticals and 27 languages. Amplifi, Plato’s in-house syndication network currently syndicates content and press release’s electronically to over 1900+ Publisher websites for deep and authentic connectivity.
SMI Vantage Limited, an investment and management company listed on the mainboard of the SGX, today announced it has appointed Ms. Leong Lai Yee, Edna as an Independent and Non-Executive Director to the Board, effective 1 January 2023. She replaces Wee Sung Leng who is stepping down having served over nine years on the SMI Board, as part of the Board renewal process.
Ms Leong is currently the Deputy Director and Head, Communications, Partnerships & Fund Development of RSVP Singapore The Organisation of Senior Volunteers. RSVP is an Institution of Public Character and the National Centre of Excellence for Senior Volunteerism under the patronage of Mdm Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic of Singapore.
Ms Leong’s extensive experience in marketing, investment, banking and consulting includes stints in some of the world’s largest financial institutions. Following her passion for a more equitable and caring society, she has in recent years, been more involved in heading non-for-profit NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and social enterprises.
Commenting on Ms Leong’s appointment, Mark Bedingham, President and Chief Executive Office said, “I am delighted to welcome Edna to our Board at the start of this new year. Besides her proven entrepreneurial talent, she brings with her valuable and deep experience in the areas of corporate social responsibility, corporate governance and organisational development. She has worked tirelessly over the years towards the goal of a more equitable and caring society and will help SMI develop a pathway to a more inclusive approach to its corporate responsibilities and a fresh approach to ESG related matters.”
Ms Leong replied, “I am excited to be appointed to the Board of SMI Vantage and look forward to assisting SMI Vantage with its many new projects and businesses and being part of the company’s next chapter in its business journey I would like to see the Company be a responsible and strong corporate citizen that is able to give back to society. Being personally involved with various social enterprises over the years, I am passionate about bringing more “heart” to all we do. I will work closely with Mark, the Board, and the rest of the leadership team to capitalise on the many opportunities ahead and usher in SMI Vantage’s next chapter of growth and success.”
The Company would also like to take this opportunity to thank Wee Sung Leng for his valuable contribution and advice to the Board during his extensive service with SMI.
About SMI Vantage
SMI Vantage Limited is an investment and management company focused on capitalising on strong trends in the new economy including technology-based SaaS services and other high-tech platforms. Listed on the Main Board of the Singapore Stock Exchange, SMI Vantage Limited has a highly capable and experienced management team with a proven track record in building strong business partnerships and alliances. https://www.smivantage.com/
3rd generation Italian brothers Steve and John Campanella: Readying for a Cheesy drop 12/19
The founders of i-Create LLC are excited to announce the launch of their NFT project Joe Ravioli. This innovative and unique NFT collection tells a creative and fun story for buyers of any age. With the entire collection being validated by UREEQA, buyers will receive a cool piece of digital art, commercial rights, monetization opportunities, IRL (in real life) merchandising opportunities and more, while also supporting a philanthropic cause to fight hunger in America.
“Joe Ravioli has been such an exciting project for us to develop, as 3rd generation Italian brothers with a love of mob related movies and Italian food and cooking, and having always focused on unique art, pun-filled humor and fun thrown into our character IP projects. Joe Ravioli started positioning itself with licensed IRL items, a strong new metaverse animation collaboration, POD commerce integration, and a non-profit organization we hold dear. Now was the time where we wanted to create a brand in and of its own, where everyone from partnered collaborations to NFT holders and collectors will enjoy its long-term plan for growth, and of course it’s amazing utilities,” said John Campanella, CEO, Engineer and Co-Founder of i-Create LLC.
“When we were searching for the perfect launch partner, one that understands copyright validation along with an amazingly talented team, UREEQA opened our eyes wide, and we realized we had the best long-term NFT collaboration for this project, and continued IP projects into the future,” says Steve Campanella, President, Artist & Co-Founder of i-Create LLC.
As veterans in the NFT space Steve and John have experienced firsthand the pain and cost of having their intellectual property ripped off without their permission. So, for the Joe Ravioli drop they wanted to ensure that both themselves and their buyers were better protected before releasing their work. This is where the UREEQA partnership was formed to validate the authorship, ownership, and originality of the entire collection. Buyers can purchase these NFTs and confirm via the collection’s provenance page that the work in fact authentic.
“From our initial conversations with John and Steve we learned about their unfortunate experience, having their previous IP stolen and monetized without their approval. After pouring heart and soul into the project, then hearing about their struggle to fight the theft, this is unfortunately all too common and exactly why we created UREEQA,” said Shannon Powell, CMO and co-founder of UREEQA.
Being Italian, food is something that has always been near and dear to Steve and John’s hearts. That’s why they wanted to use the drop of this NFT collection to give back, and felt Move For Hunger would be the perfect fit. “We are thrilled for the launch of Joe Ravioli, and our partnership with i-Create. This is our organization’s first time working with an NFT launch, and we are excited that this creative campaign will help raise awareness about hunger and food waste across the nation,” said Adam Lowy, Founder & Executive Director, Move For Hunger.
Outside of supporting a great cause, holders of Joe Ravioli NFTs have access to partnerships that give them monetization opportunities out of the gate with teelaunch. “teelaunch is very excited to be partnering with i-Create’s Joe Ravioli NFT project launch,” said Christopher Hamze, President and Founding Partner at teelaunch.
“teelaunch will be the POD (Print on Demand) delivery partner, making it accessible for NFT holders who have been granted commercial rights to sell on physical POD products after collecting and utilizing their NFTs from either or both The CHEESIEST imPASTA 10K and The Meatball Gang – Joe Goes Underground 10K. We are looking forward to a long-lasting collaboration.”
You want IRL (in real life) merchandise of your Joe Ravioli NFT? John and Steve already have you covered there too as they’ve partnered with Ata-Boy and Decalcomania to bring the characters to life in everything from buttons, to stickers and wall decals.
“We are very excited about the launch of Joe Ravioli from the talented i-Create group. Joe Ravioli introduces us to the world of humorous Italian characters, with licenses including Ata-Boy and Decalcomania. We are excited to have this product launch with the NFT,” says Joy Tashjian, President of Joy Tashjian Marketing Group, working with i-Create to build creative and unique license products.
After creating all the Joe Ravioli characters, Steve really felt they needed to take the project one step further and bring the characters to life. So he enlisted the help of Jennifer Hotai, CEO & Founder at Plover Animation.
“Plover Animation is sizzling with anticipation to bring the Joe Ravioli NFT collection to life! This is a highly anticipated project for us, as we will have access to the many digital art ingredients of this culinary-themed creation provided by i-Create LLC. We will be cooking (virtually, of course!) up several animated NFTs per week, so be on the lookout soon for those tasty drops,” says Jennifer.
The UREEQA platform strives to protect creators’ work, their rights and their revenue by harnessing the power of blockchain technology. Building a robust and compelling Package of Proof for source creative work, UREEQA mints only Validated NFTs to represent creative rights. This helps keep buyers safe by giving them confidence that the work they are purchasing was minted by the smart contract approved by the creator of the work and is therefore authentic.
UREEQA provides value and opportunities for its creators, validators and token holders via URQA, the token at the heart of the UREEQA ecosystem. Established in Canada in 2020, UREEQA is modernizing the inefficient and bureaucratic systems currently in place for copyright protection. For more information on UREEQA and upcoming announcements, please visit our website, join our Telegram channel and Discord server, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Disclaimer: Statements in this article, including any statements relating to UREEQA’s future plans and objectives or expected results, may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties inherent in technology development and commercialization. As a result, actual results may vary materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Do your own research!
The International Strategic Collaboration between UK-based Domineum (www.domineum.io) and Saudi-based Expert Vision Consulting (www.evc.sa) outlines the long-term goals between the two companies in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are among the most significant drivers of economic growth and an important area of focus of the Saudi Vision 2030: creating jobs, encouraging innovation, and strengthening economies. The aim of this partnership is to combine the strengths of each to drive digital transformation by creating access to new markets, new digital products, training, and investment tools.
Domineum Blockchain Solutions, which helps governments and businesses digitize their processes to increase efficiency offers a full suite of Blockchain applications including Identity verification solutions, Credential verification, Land and real estate solution, Cargo Tracking Note solutions, and other software for more efficient work, will provide digital transformation services and support small and large companies’ growth across the world.
Expert Vision Consulting Company (EVC) is a Saudi-based company providing consulting services for decision-makers, enabling them to achieve their innovative business visions for the future. EVC has the capability to translate ideas into reality, serving both the Public Sector & Private Sector in three Areas: Consultation, Solutions, and Innovations.
EVC provides consultancy services related to major national projects by supporting many government agencies to achieve the Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 and has earned their clients’ trust due to being keen as the first company clients look to as a partner trusted to provide a complete Digital Transformation journey for its clients. With a ranking reputation of being among the fastest-growing tech companies in Saudi Arabia.
The MoU was signed on the 25th of November 2022 at EVC headquarters in Mecca Saudi Arabia by DR Basim Zafar, Founder/CEO of Experts Vision Consulting (EVC), and Mohammed Ibrahim Jega, Co-Founder of Domineum Blockchain Solutions. We believe this partnership will accelerate and propel digital transformation in Governments and various industries such as health care, agriculture, fin-tech, education, commerce, energy, supply chains, etc.
Dr. Basim Zafar, the Founder/CEO, of Experts Vision Consulting (EVC), said, “As a company that continuously strives to empower the technology sector, we are delighted to collaborate with Domineum to offer multi-tier support to the public and private sector, companies as well as startups. We at EVC consider this partnership as part of the company’s responsibility towards societal development.”
Mohammed Ibrahim Jega, the Co-Founder of Domineum Blockchain Solutions, said “We are delighted to start our fruitful collaboration with EVC Saudi where we will leverage our mutual strength and further accelerate the digital transformation of Government and businesses. Digital transformation is more important than ever and Domineum with its fully integrated and intuitive solutions is a perfect choice for the effortless benefits possible for both governments and individual businesses.”
Allowing business customers to prove that user withdrawals to non-custodial wallets are compliant with new regulatory standards
Blockpass, the identity verification provider, announces a vital new service being launched to help businesses conform to new regulatory standards. With the release of Unhosted Wallet KYC(TM), companies are able to remain compliant with new regulatory laws that are coming into play globally in 2023.
Unhosted or ‘non-custodial’ wallets are those for which individuals, rather than financial organizations, control the keys. Whilst many prefer to keep control over their own wallets given the variety of issues with businesses such as exchanges or trading platforms hosting them over the years, there is an inherent risk that those trading with them are involved with fraudulent activity, terrorist financing or other illicit activities. To combat this, regulators around the world are developing requirements for unhosted wallets to pass through KYC controls and prove that they own the wallet. The world of crypto is going to be different, more regulated than ever from 2023 forwards. To ensure our current and potential customers are ready for it, Blockpass has developed and now released the very first Unhosted Wallet KYC solution, able to be implemented quickly and seamlessly to allow business customers to prove that user withdrawals to unhosted wallets are compliant.
Blockpass is a digital identity verification provider which provides a one-click compliance gateway to financial services and other regulated industries. Through Blockpass, users can create, store, and manage a data-secure digital identity that can be used for an entire ecosystem of services, token purchases and access to regulated industries. For businesses and merchants, Blockpass is a comprehensive KYC & AML SaaS that requires no integration and no setup cost. You can set up a service in minutes, test the service for free and start verifying and on-boarding users. Currently, with around one million verified user identity profiles, Blockpass facilitates instant onboarding, and to date over a thousand businesses have taken advantage of this opportunity to get access to users, including those with unhosted wallets, with reusable digital identity profiles.
“The increasing trend of cryptocurrency regulation is something we’ve always known was coming and welcomed in order to see a stronger and more widely accepted crypto market.” said Adam Vaziri, Blockpass CEO. “We’ve been closely monitoring the state of regulations worldwide in order to prepare, adapt and develop our products to meet or exceed upcoming regulatory standards before they impact businesses. We make sure everyone has time to adjust to new requirements.”
Blockpass has grown significantly in size and use since its inception, both in the number and range of users and organizations it has partnered with and the scope of its work. Blockpass continues to develop its digital identity protocol with updates and additions to improve the compliance experience. The existential need for DeFi projects to be regulatory compliant and the recent integrations and legal developments have led to a surge in interest for Blockpass’ On-chain KYC(R), the only live zero knowledge solution for Crypto KYC, and Unhosted Wallet KYC solution finally enabling blockchains and DeFi platforms to have a compliance layer. Through its work with Animoca Brands from early 2022, Blockpass provides a zero knowledge KYC service where the delivery of the verification result is provably sent and shown on a blockchain without sharing the underlying data. This represents a significant step towards the future Blockpass hopes to bring about where identity verification can be proved without revealing any personal information at all.
About Blockpass
Blockpass is building trust in the Crypto Economy by providing.. – A home for all your Crypto KYC needs – KYC & AML for DeFi, exchanges & blockchains, Travel Rule provision for regulated VASPs, and blockchain forensics. – A decentralized network of around one million crypto enthusiasts with portable KYC profiles and around one thousand business customers. – The fastest, most affordable, fully stacked KYC & AML screening in the Crypto sector. – The first and only KYC & AML “Crypto Travel Rule” solution for unhosted wallets.
In 2021, Blockpass was invited to enter the Cohort 7 of the UK Financial Conduct Authority Sandbox to offer a pilot our solutions for the UK market. Blockpass also introduced the On-chain KYC(R) solution that enables customers to access zero-knowledge verification of users so they can access provably completed verifications and adhere to standards without seeing the underpinning data. In 2022, Animoca Brands and Yuga Labs utilized On-chain KYC(R) when they verified over 150,000 users in the $320 million Otherside NFT sale – the largest to date in Crypto sector history.
The Blockpass App is available from the App Store and Google Play.
Blockpass, the identity verification provider, is excited to announce a vital new service being launched to help businesses conform to new regulatory standards. With the release of Unhosted Wallet KYC(TM), companies are able to remain compliant with new regulatory laws that are coming into play globally in 2023.
Unhosted or ‘non-custodial’ wallets are those for which individuals, rather than financial organizations, control the keys. Whilst many prefer to keep control over their own wallets given the variety of issues with businesses such as exchanges or trading platforms hosting them over the years, there is an inherent risk that those trading with them are involved with fraudulent activity, terrorist financing or other illicit activities. To combat this, regulators around the world are developing requirements for unhosted wallets to pass through KYC controls and prove that they own the wallet. The world of crypto is going to be different, more regulated than ever from 2023 forwards. To ensure our current and potential customers are ready for it, Blockpass has developed and now released the very first Unhosted Wallet KYC solution, able to be implemented quickly and seamlessly to allow business customers to prove that user withdrawals to unhosted wallets are compliant.
Blockpass is a digital identity verification provider which provides a one-click compliance gateway to financial services and other regulated industries. Through Blockpass, users can create, store, and manage a data-secure digital identity that can be used for an entire ecosystem of services, token purchases and access to regulated industries. For businesses and merchants, Blockpass is a comprehensive KYC & AML SaaS that requires no integration and no setup cost. You can set up a service in minutes, test the service for free and start verifying and on-boarding users. Currently, with around one million verified user identity profiles, Blockpass facilitates instant onboarding, and to date over a thousand businesses have taken advantage of this opportunity to get access to users, including those with unhosted wallets, with reusable digital identity profiles.
“The increasing trend of cryptocurrency regulation is something we’ve always known was coming and welcomed in order to see a stronger and more widely accepted crypto market.” said Adam Vaziri, Blockpass CEO. “We’ve been closely monitoring the state of regulations worldwide in order to prepare, adapt and develop our products to meet or exceed upcoming regulatory standards before they impact businesses. We make sure everyone has time to adjust to new requirements.”
Blockpass has grown significantly in size and use since its inception, both in the number and range of users and organizations it has partnered with and the scope of its work. Blockpass continues to develop its digital identity protocol with updates and additions to improve the compliance experience. The existential need for DeFi projects to be regulatory compliant and the recent integrations and legal developments have led to a surge in interest for Blockpass’ On-chain KYC(R), the only live zero knowledge solution for Crypto KYC, and Unhosted Wallet KYC solution finally enabling blockchains and DeFi platforms to have a compliance layer. Through its work with Animoca Brands from early 2022, Blockpass provides a zero knowledge KYC service where the delivery of the verification result is provably sent and shown on a blockchain without sharing the underlying data. This represents a significant step towards the future Blockpass hopes to bring about where identity verification can be proved without revealing any personal information at all.
About Blockpass Blockpass is building trust in the Crypto Economy by providing.. – A home for all your Crypto KYC needs – KYC & AML for DeFi, exchanges & blockchains, Travel Rule provision for regulated VASPs, and blockchain forensics. – A decentralized network of around one million crypto enthusiasts with portable KYC profiles and around one thousand business customers. – The fastest, most affordable, fully stacked KYC & AML screening in the Crypto sector. – The first and only KYC & AML “Crypto Travel Rule” solution for unhosted wallets.
In 2021, Blockpass was invited to enter the Cohort 7 of the UK Financial Conduct Authority Sandbox to offer a pilot our solutions for the UK market. Blockpass also introduced the On-chain KYC(R) solution that enables customers to access zero-knowledge verification of users so they can access provably completed verifications and adhere to standards without seeing the underpinning data. In 2022, Animoca Brands and Yuga Labs utilized On-chain KYC(R) when they verified over 150,000 users in the $320 million Otherside NFT sale – the largest to date in Crypto sector history.
The Blockpass App is available from the App Store and Google Play.
