Gabi Zodik

Gabi Zodik is the Director of Blockchain and IoT Platforms for IBM Research. He works on strategy to transform the fascinating ideas of IBM Research scientists around the world into new blockchain and IoT technology that brings value to clients around the world. Gabi's vision is to harness blockchain technology for existing processes and transactions so they execute in seconds instead of days or weeks, increase privacy so individuals own and manage their digital identities, and build applications that have more transparency for all the stakeholders involved. He also manages the Blockchain and IoT Technologies department at IBM Research - Haifa. In this role, he oversees the lab's R&D efforts in blockchain, IoT, 5G/Edge, Drone solutions. Gabi has an MSc and BSc in electrical engineering from the Technion, and an MBA from the University of Haifa. He is a frequent speaker on the challenges and opportunities in blockchain and the future of AI and IoT systems.

ABSTRACT

Blockchain – the Myth and Realities

This talk covers cutting edge research technologies that enhance our Blockchain offerings and services, via a new Blockchain Middleware layer. In this talk we shall cover the following innovations:

• A new centralized blockchain model, based on database concepts enhanced with blockchain characteristics
• Advanced privacy preserving AI/analytics frameworks, based on zero knowledge proofs and multi party computation, applied to our leading solutions like BTS (Blockchain Transparent Supply)
• Decentralized digital identity technology and it's implementation in Health Pass, providing a solution for tracking Covid-19 vaccines and tests
• Digital Tokens with privacy and how they are revolutionizing the banking industry with CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency), covering our engagements with Bank of France
• Crypto Currency platform that allows us to connect the physical and digital world and provide the ultimate provenance in supply chain scenarios
• Blockchain interoperability framework that allows to transfer Tokens, data and do atomic transacations across different DLT technologies such as HLF and Corda