Consulate General of Belgium in Atlanta’s Post

🚀 Exploring Web3.0: What I Learned in Atlanta and Miami's Tech Cities Just back from an incredible journey through Atlanta and Miami. It was both exciting and exhausting, but happy to share the most interesting insights from the forefront of web3.0 and the Metaverse, meaning AI, AR, VR, Blockchain, Gaming, IoT and Cybersecurity. 🔸 Atlanta: A Hub of Innovation and Diversity 🔸 - You know Atlanta for its role in "The Hunger Games" and as the home of André 3000 :), but Atlanta is also rapidly emerging as a key player in the US tech scene. Visiting giants like Microsoft , Nike, Meta and Magic Leap, along with inspiring talks at Georgia Institute of Technology (university) was a eye-opener. Key Learnings 💡 : -⚡ Atlanta dedicates an impressive $1.5 billion annually to fuel innovation. Initially a university-led transformation, now a vibrant hub for non-profits and giants like Google and PWC. With over 600 startups, including unicorn Calendly.  - 🔗 Atlanta's role in blockchain and web3 is particularly noteworthy, fostering a fertile ground for pioneers in this field. 🔸 Miami: Capitalizing on Capital and Connectivity🔸 - 🌬Miami's tech scene echoes the importance of capital in building strong businesses. With VCs like Andreessen Horowitz setting up shop, it's clear the ecosystem is thriving . - 🤝 Networking is key in Miami, with numerous opportunities to connect with the right people and programs. - 🔰 Discussions about Meta's AI and VR strategies revealed a future where technology integrates seamlessly into our physical world, rather than isolating us in a digital bubble. A small add-on, but becoming big in your 'text-to' stack: Text to Stickers! 🔸 European Perspective on Blockchain: A Contrast in Trust and Technology🔸 While there's European skepticism around its security and transparency referring to bitcoin, stablecoins and others, the US separates the pure blockchain-technology and the malicious coins. Think of tokenisation of documents, tokenisation to protect your critical digital infrastructure from cyberattacks, token powered financial services, public blockchains... Could this be a potential blind spot for Europe 🤔? 🔸Influencing people & Innovations to Watch🔸 - 🌐 Larry Heck, an AI visionary and ex-CEO of Vivlabs, is leading the way in task-specific AI development at Georgia Tech. His focus? Task-specific AI and the quest for the ideal interface. - 🤖 Chris Ume of Metaphisics.AI, known for his face-swaps with Tom Cruise and America's got Talent, is pushing the boundaries of photorealistic faces and digital humans. 🔸Conclusion: The AI hype is real, but it's not the only story worth telling. AR, VR, blockchain, and quantum computing are opening up a whole new universe of storytelling possibilities! Special thanks to Agoria, Frederik Tibau & Bart Steukers, for organising this enlightening trip! #Web3 #Innovation #AtlantaTech #MiamiTech #Blockchain #VirtualReality #ArtificialIntelligence #MediaTech

Look who's back from Miami! ✈️ Our head of Sandbox Peter De Paepe just jetted back from an eye-opening Web3 trip which led him to the most vibrant AR, VR, and blockchain ecosystems across the ocean. Check out his insights and key learnings below 👇 #Web3 #Innovation #AtlantaTech #MiamiTech  #Blockchain #VirtualReality #ArtificialIntelligence #MediaTech

**Inside the Tech Universe: August 24, 2023 | Insights by CA AKSHAY KIRITI Team** Hello, LinkedIn tech aficionados! Tech revolutions are taking center stage this month. Let’s delve into the intricacies of the tech world and discover its marvels together. Ready to embrace the digital tide? 🌐 --- 🔍 **Apple's New Dimension**:   Apple's Quantum Computing venture aims to shift paradigms. With the promise of solving complex problems in seconds, we may be witnessing a watershed moment in computational history. 💻 🔍 **Asian Tech Surge**:   Beyond Singapore’s ascendance, Malaysia and Vietnam are showing robust growth in the fintech and e-commerce sectors. The Asian tiger cubs are roaring! 🐅 🔍 **Meta's Reality**:   While Meta’s WorkVR promises groundbreaking collaboration, it raises compelling questions about work-life boundaries in the digital age. 🌐 --- 🎯 **Startup Spotlight**: - **Nexa Robotics**: With a fusion of deep learning and emotional analytics, their robots are not just tools but companions for the future. Are we on the brink of forming digital bonds? - **Greene Energy**: Their latest solar tech not only offers impressive efficiency but also integrates seamlessly into urban architectural designs. A blend of aesthetics and function! ☀️🔋 - **FlyHigh Drones**: Their drones aren’t just for agriculture; they've recently expanded into urban planning, aiding in efficient city designs from the sky. 🎯 **Gaming Galore**:   Epic Games isn't alone; Ubisoft hints at a massive multiplayer universe set in historical epochs. Time-travel, anyone? 🎮 🎯 **Digital Innovations**:   CyberNex's decentralized web is rumored to collaborate with major browsers for a seamless and private browsing experience. The future of browsing looks decentralized! --- 🌐 **Global Tech Trends**:   - **European Tech Flourish**: Berlin and Stockholm are becoming the new tech havens in Europe. With an influx of innovative startups, Europe is gearing up for a digital renaissance. - **African Digital Renaissance**: Nigeria and Kenya lead the continent's charge into the digital age with remarkable growth in edtech and healthtech sectors. 🔥 **In the Pipeline**:   - **QuantumScape and Beyond**: Rumors are swirling about Tesla's interest in collaborating with QuantumScape. This partnership could potentially dominate the EV battery market. - **Smart Homes 2.0**: With the integration of AI and IoT, the next wave of smart homes will not just be about automation but also about personalization. Homes that learn and evolve with you! --- Amidst these tech evolutions, the CA AKSHAY KIRITI Team pledges to be your guiding compass, offering clear and concise insights. *Disclaimer: All updates are informational. Always consult with experts for technical decisions.* Stay innovative, stay ahead! ⚡ Warm regards, **CA AKSHAY KIRITI Team** 🌐

📢 Attention startup founders and deep tech enthusiasts in Europe! Y Combinator's latest startup request strongly focuses on Deep Tech (enabled) startups. More than half of these topics are rooted in deep tech, covering a broad range including AI, Machine Learning, Robotics, Defense Tech, Space Tech, Climate Tech, Spatial Computing, Blockchain/DLT, HealthTech, and BioTech. https://lnkd.in/dRgDqr4F This pivot towards deep tech by the world's most renowned startup incubator, historically known for nurturing software and platform startups, underscores the growing significance of these fields. It's a clear indicator of where future such programs are headed and a call to action for founders in these domains to bring their ideas to the forefront. But what does this mean for all existing incubator programs in Europe like Antler, Entrepreneur First, Plug and Play Tech Center, STATION F, Techstars etc.? Are those programs losing track and facing challenges in competing for tech talents? Or do we also expect short-term adaptations, like special tracks or calls for deep tech? I would love to see that!

📢 Last week, Y Combinator / Dalton Caldwell published their "Request for Startups", which is basically their wish list for startup ideas (if you want to apply, you'll find the request in the comments). 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 3 𝘬𝘦𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘢𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴. 👇 ➡ 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐈: Unsurprisingly, Artificial Intelligence is still the talk of the town. The ideas requested by YC particularly focus on automation (e.g. of manual back office processes) as well as the development of customized AI models. ➡ 𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 - 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞: Robotics, defense technology, and new space companies - compared to the past, YC seems to be more interested in funding deep tech efforts. ➡ 𝐁𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞: There's a strong interest in innovative biotech and healthcare solutions, especially those that can make high-quality care more accessible and improve disease prevention and treatment. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵 𝘢 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘶𝘵𝘦. ⁉ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗪𝗲𝗯𝟯? Interestingly, out of 21 proposed ideas, 𝘰𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘯𝘦 deals with blockchain technology. Namely stablecoin finance, that could be used to ➡️ improve cross-border payments, ➡️ reduce transaction fees and fraud, ➡️ and help users protect their savings from hyperinflation. 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞: Especially with regard to AI, I think the challenges emerging from its adoption aren't addressed adequately (or maybe not visible in this request for startups?!). In my opinion, going forward, decentralized systems will be of utter importance. Primarily because of true ownership of data. For example, let’s imagine some sort of personalized AI. A piece of software that potentially knows more about us than we know about ourselves. Do we really want such data stored and processed on the servers of centralized companies - out of our reach and control? (have a look at what e.g. Owen Barnes had to say about this topic at last year's Urbit Assembly - The Future of Personalized AI - Link in the comments) I certainly won't. That's why we at Blockwall are actively investing in decentralized networks like Urbit and blockchain-based systems which have the potential to counter arising challenges brought about by new centralizing forces. And, the conversion of different technologies such as AI and Blockchain actually offers many opportunities and the outcome will be more powerful. What's your opinion? Do you care about data ownership? #startups #innovation #web3 #venturecapital

I recently explored the wonders of #FutureFest, delving into the realm of cutting-edge startups specializing in Web 3.0 and AI. Amidst the excitement, my encounter with an AI startup left me grappling with a disheartening revelation. This particular startup, prominently featuring 'AI' in its name, boldly claimed to revolutionize processes, boasting 95% efficiency in a specific stage of the software development lifecycle (SDLC). However, upon inquiring about the strength of their AI department, I was met with astonishment – there wasn't one. No AI talents, no specialists, just an AI void. As a seasoned data scientist and tech enthusiast, this left me disheartened for a few critical reasons: Credibility Challenge: A company touting state-of-the-art generative AI without a single AI developer raises serious doubts about its product, corporate integrity, and leadership. This could cast shadows on the company's reputation, with potential users questioning the authenticity and quality of their offering. Misleading the Youth: In an era where our youth is embracing groundbreaking technologies like AI and Web 3.0, such instances can create a skewed impression. Falsely representing AI's capabilities risks damaging the perception of these transformative technologies among the younger generation, potentially hindering their interest and growth in the field. Confidence Crisis: If a startup genuinely excels in an aspect of SDLC and claims a 95% efficiency rate, resorting to unnecessary AI embellishments implies a lack of confidence in their own product. Many successful startups thrive on solving problems through conventional coding, receiving substantial investments and user support without relying on buzzword gimmicks. Looking ahead, such practices could have profound consequences. Investors, discovering the truth about these startups, may become wary, making funding for genuine AI startups more challenging. It underscores the importance of authenticity in tech ventures, steering clear of deceptive practices that ultimately harm both the industry and its stakeholders. In the world of technology, associations with buzzwords like #IoT, #AI, #Web3, and #blockchain should signify substance, not deception. Let's collectively aspire for a tech landscape built on genuine innovation, fair practices, and a commitment to the true potential of transformative technologies.

Exciting news! Our latest article uncovers the front-runners in Attiki’s thriving tech landscape. Meet these innovative startups that are boldly reinventing the software space in 2023. (https://lnkd.in/eH5tPRWe) Discover: BibeCoffee, braced by the dynamic trio Kostas Sigalas, Panos Vrettos & Vasilis Apostolopoulos, brings a unique tech blend to your everyday caffeine fix. BlockPegnio, spearheaded by the ingenious Savvas Lazopoulos, integrates blockchain technology to uncharted gaming territories. Qurio, creates engagement platforms cultivating more robust connections in newsrooms, powered by Spyros Tzortzis, Tassos Morfis. Emphasis DigiWorld SA, pioneers in sensor design and software solutions. ApoMechanis led by the determined George Tekelis, takes price monitoring to new levels. Linked, the brainchild of Elias Letsios & George Pantoulas, seamlessly merges firms and staff, while boosting engagement. Scio - Empowering Science, lead by the dynamic duo Pythagoras Karampiperis, Sotiris Konstantinidis, offers world-leading, personalized solutions for data management. Phenometry, takes surfacing modeling to revolutionary heights. Loctio, led by Lazaros Kapsias, democratizes precise location capabilities for IoT devices. PEX, innovating AI solutions for the ports, marine, and mobility industries. Alumni Reach, the flourishing venture of Argyrios Skouloudis, bridges the gap between corporations and the rich pool of alumni. Feedgrip, creates an organized user feedback system deeply valued by product companies. Heypet, led by dynamic duo, Ioannis Tsaliagkos and Yiannis Zenzefilis, introduces a secure tracking system for your fur babies. Harbor Lab, revolutionizes tech solutions for shipping industries. Moveo.AI, captained by the innovative Panos Karagiannis, relies on AI to facilitate satisfying interactions between companies and their customers. Stay tuned for more revelations from the pulsating tech world in Attiki! 🌍🚀 #EUStartups #Tech #Innovation #SoftwareStartups #AttikiTechLandscape #2023TechTrends

Exciting times ahead for the social networking sphere as CharacterX secures a $2.8M Seed funding, hitting a $30M valuation! 🚀 Venturing into the AI-powered decentralized arena is no small feat, and snagging support from the likes of Lightspeed, INCE, and Spark Digital hints at a promising disruptive potential. As we witness traditional platforms evolve or get outpaced, seeing innovation backed by major investors like CGV and ZC offers a glimpse into a future where AI and decentralization could redefine our digital interactions. Eager to see how CharacterX leverages this capital to carve out its niche and perhaps inspire other startups to bold, fresh explorations in tech! #Innovation #AITech #SeedFunding #SocialNetworking #Decentralization Thoughts on what this means for the tech community? Share your insights below! 👇 https://lnkd.in/e8u33G2g