System scalability and extensibility of system features are two central problems around which research in the cryptocurrency / blockchain industry has centered. For example, the Blockstream sidechains project foresaw hundreds of blockchains coordinating together to form an ‘Internet of Chains’ delivering extensibility to the Bitcoin system. Recently, Dr. Gavin Wood, co-founder of Ethereum and Parity, put forth Polkadot, a technical vision to achieve the similar end-goals using different system architecture. Polkadot could enable individual blockchain networks to share security and communications infrastructure with other blockchain networks, forming in effect an ‘Internet of Blockchain networks’. Melonport, a team based out of Zurich, has taken up the challenge of deploying the Polkadot network and also building decentralized asset management software on the same network. In this episode we converse with Mona El Isa and Reto Trinkler, co-founders of Melonport, in order to discover more about the overall vision. Topics covered in this episode: Melonport, a team based out of Zurich, has taken up the challenge of deploying the Polkadot network and also building decentralized asset management software on the same network. In this episode we converse with Mona El Isa and Reto Trinkler, co-founders of Melonport, in order to discover more about the overall vision. Description of problem(s) Polkadot seeks to resolve Analogous design problems from technological history Overview of Polkadot network Overview of Melonport asset management software How Melonport and Polkadot connect with each other Next steps for the team Episode links: Melonport website Melonport white paper melonproject on GitHub Melonport explainer video Polkadot Network Polkadot white paper Parity and Melonport joint press release This episode is hosted by Meher Roy and Sébastien Couture. Show notes and listening options: epicenter.tv/158

As is the case with most luxury goods, the diamond industry is faced with the issues of theft, fraud, and counterfeiting. Illegal activity is present at every level of the supply chain, which collectively costs the industry and its insurers hundreds of millions of dollars each year. In recent years, international treaties and regulation have been put in place in an attempt to combat illegal activity, but criminals are most often a step ahead. Leanne Kemp, CEO of Everledger, joins us to explain how her company is using advanced geological techniques, and blockchains, to bring more traceability to the diamond industry. Everledger, whose clients include many of the largest insurance companies, builds software which allows for a diamond’s unique characteristics to be hashed and notarized in the blockchain. Hence, a stone’s provenance, and the trail of ownership can be traced, therefore limiting the opportunities for fraud and making it difficult for stolen diamonds to re-enter the market. Topics covered in this episode: Leanne’s background as a technologist A broad overview of the diamond industry A look at the diamond supply chain What roles banks and insurance companies play in the supply chain How diamonds are uniquely fingerprinted The Kimberly process and other regulations Everledger’s technology stack and business model Other sectors which can also benefit from increased traceability Episode links: Everledger Kimberley Process This episode is hosted by Meher Roy and Sébastien Couture. Show notes and listening options: epicenter.tv/156