Panel at ETHDenver2025 featuring Stellar Development Foundation's Tomer discussing how blockchain delivers real-world prosperity through financial inclusion, identity solutions, and governance. Speakers from Celo, Holonym, and Polkadot shared examples of on-chain adoption in emerging markets and challenges like on/off ramps and UX.
At ETHDenver2025, a panel titled 'The Human Algorithm: Building the Soul of Crypto' explored how blockchain technology delivers prosperity beyond speculation. Tomer from Stellar Development Foundation moderated discussions with Marc Koshefsky (Celo), Nanak (Holonym), and Lucy Cooldin (Polkadot). Key topics included real-world use cases: Celo's MiniPay wallet with 6 million users in emerging markets using stablecoins for payments and remittances; Holonym's ZK Passport protocol for Sybil-resistant identity verification; Polkadot's decentralized governance with 149 Nakamoto coefficient and $200M+ treasury. Speakers highlighted challenges including on/off ramp friction, UX complexity, and the need for cross-protocol collaboration. Stellar shared examples of refugees in Ukraine and remote villages in Colombia using stablecoins for real economic activity.