The original cryptocurrency, bitcoin, was invented to solve a problem. We returned to that inspiration to spotlight 19 blockchain, crypto and Web3 projects and the big problems they seek to solve.
Sempo Delivers Cash Aid for the Unbanked in Crisis
Digital money is becoming the go-to vehicle for serving people in humanitarian crises. But when disaster victims have no smartphones or bank accounts, aid organizations have to distribute cash more creatively. That’s why Sempo is one of CoinDesk’s Projects to Watch 2023.
BTQ Prepares Today to Defend Against Tomorrow’s Quantum-Computing Threat
Blockchains face existential peril from super-fast computers that can break the encryption protocols on which crypto depends. Quantum computers aren’t here yet, but if developers wait to devise defenses the fight will be over before it’s begun. That’s why BTQ is one of CoinDesk’s Projects to Watch 2023.
Rainbow Helps Users Slide Into the Crypto Economy
Crypto won’t find mass-market adoption until the most basic of apps, the wallet, is easy to use. That’s why Rainbow, with its fun colors and emphasis on user-friendly design, is one of CoinDesk’s Projects to Watch 2023.
Scroll Aims to Be the Turtle That Wins the Ethereum Scaling Race
This decentralized, global team of developers is ignoring the urge to be the first to scale Ethereum. For its holistic approach to build broadly and transparently, Scroll is one of CoinDesk’s Projects to Watch 2023.
Fedi Gives Bitcoiners a Community Custody Option
For most people, crypto custody comes down to the choice of holding their own keys or giving them to an exchange. Fedi offers an intriguing third way – to share the burden with trusted family and friends. That’s why Fedi is one of CoinDesk’s Projects to Watch 2023.
In the Ukraine War, Stellar Aid Assist Is Using Crypto to Give Mass Aid
The Stellar Development Foundation designed a payment app that leverages stablecoins for fast and cheap transfer and is user-friendly for trauma and disaster victims. That’s why Stellar Aid Assist is one of CoinDesk’s Projects to Watch 2023.
Jack Mallers’ Strike Service, Send Globally, Tackles Bitcoin-Fiat Remittances
The new Lightning-based service lets users in the U.S. send even small cash payments to parts of Southeast Asia and Africa quickly and cheaply. Eventually, the service will be available throughout the world, giving foreign workers everywhere a new way to send their pay back home. That’s why Send Globally is one of CoinDesk’s Projects to Watch 2023.
Thank Elon for Making the Use Case for Twitter Competitor Nostr
The global phenomenon of crypto depends on communication platforms where crypto bros or bitcoin maxis can find each other, debate and share news. In the aftermath of the privatization of Twitter, censorship-resistant social media became essential. That’s why Nostr is one of CoinDesk’s 2023 Projects to Watch.
Lamina1 Is Building for the Open Metaverse
Co-founders – including the man who coined the word “metaverse” – envision the next iteration of Web3 to be interoperable, fair to artists and creators, and accessible to all. This expansive vision is why Lamina1 is one of CoinDesk’s Projects to Watch 2023.
Gridless Is Extending Power to Rural Africa
Bitcoin mining has a dirty reputation for using more energy than some small countries. But African cryptominers have found a way to use their consumption to keep the lights on in rural communities. That’s why Gridless is one of CoinDesk’s Projects to Watch 2023.
Nansen Makes Sense of On-Chain Activity
Being able to spot trends in on-chain transactions gives users insight and information to navigate the cryptocurrency financial system. Making transparency practical is why Nansen is one of CoinDesk’s Projects to Watch 2023.
Machankura Lets Africans Use Bitcoin With Basic Mobile Phones
Bitcoin maximalist Kgothatso Ngako has brought global digital financial services to Kenya, South Africa and other countries where at least half of the population doesn’t have smartphones and reliable internet service. That’s why Machankura is a 2023 Project to Watch.
StarkNet Aims to Enhance Scalability, Privacy and Security on Ethereum
One of the first projects to integrate the intriguing new mechanism of Account Abstraction has already gotten Visa on board to secure payments processing for crypto transactions. That’s why StarkNet is a 2023 Project to Watch.
Shamba Network Sows the Future of Sustainable Agriculture in Africa
An ambitious startup tackles two of the world’s most intractable problems – climate change and financial inclusion – by using blockchain technology to share sophisticated data and insights with farmers in Kenya. That’s why Shamba Network is one of CoinDesk’s Projects to Watch 2023.
Regen Network Calculates the Real Price of Our Actions
A trio of sustainability consultants designed a layer 1 blockchain that mints ecological assets and measures the true environmental costs of manufacturing and other commercial enterprises. That’s why Regen Network is one of CoinDesk’s Projects to Watch 2023.
Arkham Intelligence Traces Transactions on the Blockchain
The blockchain analytics firm has no issue doxxing wallets, because the information is already out there, their tools just make it possible to see. That’s what makes Arkham Intelligence one of CoinDesk’s Projects to Watch 2023.
Immutable Passport Opens Borders for Web3 Games
A trio of Australian co-founders is betting a single sign-on to give gamers access to multiple metaverses may attract the next billion users to Web3. That’s why Immutable Passport is one of CoinDesk’s 2023 Projects to Watch.
Bitcoin Beach’s Pioneering Circular Economy Is Making a Global Impact
This surfing mecca has garnered over 3,000 bitcoin users including more than 500 families and 120 businesses. Its adoption model is now being replicated around the world. That’s why Bitcoin Beach is one of CoinDesk’s Projects to Watch 2023.
