Genfinity sat down with a trio of innovative blockchain technology leaders to explore the future of aviation, finance, and music. From the skies to the blockchain and the digital music landscape, this episode delves into the minds of visionaries who are reshaping their industries. Join us as we uncover the passions, challenges, and aspirations of Yannick Beunardeau, CEO of Kepler Digitals, Nibras Stiebar-Bang, CEO of Brillion, and Chris, CEO of SIKI, as they share their journeys and insights on how technology is driving groundbreaking change.
What if you could verify the authenticity of every component on an aircraft with a simple scan, ensuring unparalleled safety? Moreover, what if your crypto wallet could help you find a top list of coins? Or imagine a world where music discovery is as intuitive as scrolling through your social feed, connecting artists and fans in unprecedented ways. These are just a few possibilities unlocked by the revolutionary blockchain technologies explored in this episode.
Aviation Passion Unveiled: A Journey with Yannick Beunardeau
We welcomed Yannick Beunardeau, the Co-Founder and CEO of Kepler Digitals, to our podcast. Introducing himself, Yannick noted that aviation had always been his lifelong passion. He recounted his upbringing in a region where one could become a pilot before even driving a car, citing how his father would accompany him to the airfield, where he would take the controls, ferrying his dad through the skies before returning home. This early exposure ingrained aviation deeply in his identity from the outset.
Driven by this passion, Yannick naturally gravitated towards a career in aerospace. He immersed himself in studying aircraft engineering, delving into intricate details such as tire dynamics and turbojet propulsion. Beginning his professional journey in the robust aerospace industry in France, he gained hands-on experience in various companies before transitioning to an airline environment. There, he thrived in the high-stakes realm of line maintenance, ensuring the readiness and safety of aircraft like the 737 and 747 for timely departures.
However, eager for new challenges, Yannick then shifted his focus to operations, assuming roles at several airports where he oversaw crucial tasks such as aircraft preparation, baggage loading, and passenger check-ins. His tenure at Nice Airport, particularly memorable during the heyday of the Concorde, underscored his pivotal role in ensuring smooth operations amidst prestigious clientele.
Pioneering Airport Innovation with Blockchain Technology
His career took an unexpected turn twenty-eight years ago when he ventured into Information Technology, joining Amadeus, now a global leader in B2B travel technology. Here, Yannick found himself at the forefront of innovation, where the systems he helped develop powered the online booking experiences of millions worldwide. Notably, Amadeus also played a critical role in aviation operations, from customer service for Southwest Airlines to complex logistics at airports like Houston, Japan, Dubai, and Israel.
Furthermore, within Amadeus, Yannick’s entrepreneurial spirit shone as he founded and spearheaded the Airport IT division, crafting solutions that revolutionized airport operations worldwide. His passion for transformative technology and its potential to enhance aviation safety and sustainability remained a driving force throughout his tenure.
Looking ahead, Yannick’s entrepreneurial spirit continues to guide him as he embarks on a new venture with Kepler Digitals. Motivated by a desire to contribute to a safer and greener aviation industry, he sees this endeavor as a continuation of his life’s work — a commitment to leveraging his expertise for the betterment of society. Moreover, reflecting on his impending retirement from Amadeus, Yannick emphasized his unwavering passion for aviation and his determination to continue making meaningful contributions to the industry. Far from slowing down, he remains dedicated to his mission of advancing aviation technology through blockchain technologies and ensuring its future relevance and sustainability.
Kepler Digitals’ Vision: Revolutionizing Aviation Through Blockchain Technology
Yannick elaborated on Kepler Digitals’ mission to revolutionize aviation through the integration of blockchain technology, aiming to enhance safety and sustainability. He underscored the exponential growth of the aviation industry, projecting a staggering 4 billion passengers annually by 2024, nearly half of the world’s population. This surge, driven by increasing global wealth and accessibility, necessitates a concerted effort towards greener practices to ensure long-term viability.
Moreover, Yannick highlighted emerging trends like Urban Air Mobility, which promises to complement traditional aviation by enabling direct city-center-to-city-center flights. This innovation is poised to generate substantial economic opportunities, with forecasts predicting a $20 billion market by 2030 and potentially trillions by 2040.
“Aviation is evolving rapidly,” he emphasized, “and our focus must be on making it not only safer but also greener for future generations.” Blockchain technology, he explained, holds immense promise in achieving these goals by enhancing transparency, efficiency, and security across aviation operations.
“Fostering a sustainable aviation ecosystem is paramount,” Yannick concluded, “and leveraging blockchain’s capabilities is crucial in ensuring the industry’s continued growth aligns with environmental and safety imperatives.” His vision with Kepler Digitals is to pioneer solutions that not only meet current demands but also set a sustainable trajectory for aviation’s future.
Verifying Aviation Safety and Operations
Commenting on aviation safety during his interview, Yannick acknowledged its current shortcomings while emphasizing the need to accommodate the doubling of passenger numbers and the rise of new technologies. He identified blockchain technology as a critical tool in enhancing and maintaining safety standards.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of verifying the origin and quality of aircraft components, known as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers). Yannick proposed that blockchain could facilitate this process by introducing certificates of authenticity and Digital Twins of manufacturing processes, thereby preventing the use of counterfeit parts. Moreover, he highlighted the complexities in aviation logistics, particularly in ensuring that every component installed on an aircraft was genuine and certified. Yannick noted the fragmented certification processes currently in place, which could lead to inconsistencies and potential safety risks.
Transitioning to airport operations, the CEO spoke about the need for traceability and safety in ground handling procedures. He cited examples such as aircraft pushback operations, where blockchain could ensure the proper maintenance and use of equipment like towbars and engines, thus reducing operational risks.
Regarding green aviation, technologies such as batteries in electric aircrafts will play a critical role, and there is a necessity for rigorous monitoring and traceability throughout their lifecycle.
Furthermore, Yannick discussed the importance of certifying personnel involved in aircraft operations. He highlighted challenges in verifying credentials and proposed blockchain as a solution to provide transparent records of individuals’ qualifications from organizations like IATA and ACI.
Yannick sees blockchain as a dynamic tool — pioneering transparency and traceability to revolutionize safety in both traditional and cutting-edge aviation sectors. His vision spans safeguarding against counterfeit parts, fortifying operational integrity, and certifying personnel competencies, all culminating in a bold advancement of global aviation safety standards.
Sustainability in Aviation and Pathways to Carbon Neutrality
We inquired with Yannick about the alignment of sustainability efforts between traditional sectors like banking and financial services and the aviation industry. Our focus was on understanding how aviation plans to meet agendas like the UN’s 2030 sustainability initiative.
The Kepler Digitals CEO stated that aviation aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, as detailed in his whitepaper. He stressed that despite aviation’s relatively small global emissions footprint — about four to five percent — it remains highly visible and thus crucial to address.
Moreover, he pointed out that while electric aviation is a promising avenue for short-range flights, it’s not the sole solution. Yannick highlighted advancements such as hydrogen propulsion and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) derived from recycled carbon sources. He emphasized that achieving carbon neutrality would require integrating these technologies comprehensively.
Discussing aerodynamics, Yannick noted ongoing innovations in wing design, citing collaborations with Airbus experts. He mentioned the distinctive wingtips on modern aircraft like the Dreamliner 787 and Airbus A350, which improve fuel efficiency. Additionally, he shared his vision for future aircraft, including the potential for retractable wings to optimize efficiency based on flight speed. Drawing from supersonic jet designs, Yannick envisions dynamic wing configurations that adjust during flight to maximize aerodynamic performance.
Overall, there is a need for a multifaceted approach to achieve sustainability in aviation. He emphasized integrating electric propulsion, advanced fuels, and aerodynamic innovations into blockchain technology to pave the way for a more sustainable future of flight.
Kepler Digitals’ Collaboration with Galileo Protocol
Yannick elaborated on the strategic alignment between Galileo Protocol and Kepler Digitals, emphasizing their mutual strengths in technology and production. Serving as an advisor to the Galileo Protocol provided him with insights into how their innovations could directly benefit aviation. Beyond facilitating business-to-business applications, Yannick envisioned a broader impact on consumer interactions across diverse sectors. He foresaw a future where blockchain technology seamlessly integrates into daily life, offering assurances of authenticity and efficiency.
For instance, consumers could use Digital Twins to ensure the longevity of luxury goods and rely on blockchain for secure and convenient air travel, from digital boarding passes to advancements in electric aviation. This transformative integration enhances operational efficiencies and additionally responds to growing consumer expectations for interconnected digital solutions that span luxury and aviation industries alike.
Kepler Digitals’ Unique Position and Aspirations
The CEO pointed out Keplar Digitals’ pioneering role in the industry, noting that they were the first of their kind. Notably, he pointed out the credibility lent by whitepapers from major IT players endorsing blockchain, which underscored the necessity of their approach, supported by publications from IATA, ACI, and other prominent entities. However, he acknowledged the challenges faced by established players in replacing existing systems that have proven effective for boarding billions of passengers annually. This hesitancy stems from the need to align decisions with both bottom-line profitability and top-line revenue targets.
Moreover, Yannick emphasized their advantage in not being encumbered by these traditional constraints. He described their approach as pioneering, noting their unique position in the market without direct competitors pursuing similar initiatives. Yannick expressed openness to collaboration and growth, envisioning a scenario where the industry expands, accommodating various players and approaches. He highlighted their startup ethos characterized by dynamism, multiculturalism, and the ability to make swift decisions — a hallmark of their operational philosophy.
Kepler Digitals’ Strategic Roadmap and Future Vision
When asked about Kepler Digitals’ current status and near-term goals, Yannick detailed their strategic plans and aspirations. He mentioned their recently published five-year plan, outlining their vision and operational trajectory. Currently, in the phase of company formation and recruitment, the CEO pointed out their strategy to leverage existing resources and investments, thanks in part to their affiliation with Galileo. Reflecting on the historical significance of aviation pioneers like Wilbur Wright, he drew parallels to their ambitious journey ahead.
Looking forward, Yannick articulated a bold vision for the future. He expressed a clear goal: within a decade, aiming to achieve annual revenues in the triple-digit millions. Drawing from his past entrepreneurial successes, including a venture that now generates 500 million euros annually, Yannick emphasized his commitment to building a sustainable legacy. For him, ensuring future generations have a solid foundation to build upon is paramount, encapsulating his long-term vision for the company’s growth and impact.
Brillion’s Evolution and Strategic Vision in Blockchain Technology
Nibras Stiebar-Bang, CEO of Brillion, recounted her diverse career journey, which began pretty early with computer science, obtaining a Master’s degree in fluid structure dynamics. She navigated through roles in tech sales, product management, and engineering leadership before making a significant move to Spotify. It was at Spotify where Nibras first encountered the potential of Web3, marking a pivotal shift in her career trajectory.
Moreover, her foray into blockchain technology started in 2017, initially sparked by her husband’s curiosity about cryptocurrencies. Delving deeper into the space, she became enamored with the potential of Web3 to democratize access to funding and innovation globally. She envisioned a future where anyone with internet access and network connectivity could participate in and fund startups through platforms like launchpads.
Transitioning to her role at Brillion, Nibras joined the multi-chain wallet provider on May 2, 2024. Notably, Brillion offers B2C wallets that integrate seamlessly with existing platforms like Twitter, Gmail, and MetaMask. This integration aims to bridge the gap between Web2 and Web3, addressing the complexity often associated with cryptocurrency adoption.
Additionally, the CEO highlighted her motivation for joining Brillion, emphasizing its user-friendly approach to crypto adoption. She recognizes the daunting learning curve for newcomers and aims to simplify the process, ensuring that users can engage with cryptocurrencies in a non-custodial manner easily. In essence, Nibras’s journey into blockchain technology and her leadership at Brillion highlights her commitment to making Web3 accessible and inclusive, propelling innovation and democratizing financial opportunities globally.
Bridging AI and RWAs: Brillion’s Strategic Vision
Nibras reflected on the evolution of Brillion’s platform, noting its origins on Avalanche before transitioning to an EVM-based architecture. She elaborated that Brillion now supports multiple chains, including Polygon, aiming to integrate Rust smart contracts to further expand connectivity with Rust-based layer-one networks like Solana. This strategic move is part of Brillion’s broader vision to become a versatile smart wallet accommodating diverse blockchain technology ecosystems seamlessly.
Moreover, Nibras emphasized Brillion’s recent organizational growth, positioning the team to drive ambitious initiatives throughout 2024 and beyond. Central to this vision is Brillion’s aspiration to become the go-to platform for managing real-world assets, DePIN projects, and autonomous agents. She envisions Brillion as a comprehensive super app that simplifies user interaction with blockchain technology. Additionally, she enthusiastically discussed plans to incorporate AI agents into the wallet interface, envisioning customizable avatars capable of assisting users with real-time market insights and transactions.
“But then imagine you being able to talk to your crypto (wallet). So you tell your avatar, ‘Hey, can you list me five trending coins with a market cap under 5 million?’ It should highlight that for you. “
Furthermore, Nibras highlighted Brillion’s strategic alignment with the rising trend of real-world assets (RWAs), noting the industry’s growing momentum and Brillion’s pivotal role in facilitating adoption. She reflected on the industry’s historical challenges with RWAs, noting that while the concept has gained traction recently, many earlier projects failed to achieve widespread adoption due to inadequate wallet infrastructure. Despite advancements in backend technologies for asset tokenization and fractionalization, she highlighted a persistent gap in effectively distributing these innovations to a broader audience.
Subsequently, she pointed out the evolving role of wallets, suggesting that the traditional concept has become outdated in today’s blockchain landscape. She stressed the importance of intuitive user interfaces and robust functionalities like browsing capabilities and KYC procedures to enhance user engagement and facilitate broader adoption of blockchain-based assets.
Simplifying KYC and Customizing User Experiences at Brillion
Brillion’s CEO mentioned the challenge of integrating mainstream verifiable credentials, like KYC, into the blockchain space, noting its complexity for those unfamiliar with traditional finance (TradFi). She envisioned a streamlined onboarding process, drawing from her experience as a Web2 user accustomed to occasional verifications.
Consequently, Brillion envisions users landing on a tailored main page based on their intentions upon joining. Whether users aimed to search for assets, engage in DePIN projects, or explore DeFi options like staking and lending, Brillion would customize their experience accordingly. For instance, if a user expressed interest in browsing RWAs such as luxury watches, Brillion would curate relevant options. Additionally, the platform could possibly offer fractional ownership of items like Rolex watches before verifying the user’s credentials.
Nibras emphasized the necessity of regulatory compliance, explaining that purchasing RWAs would require document submission, akin to processes familiar to Web2 platforms. Furthermore, she highlighted the importance of seamless user experience with blockchain technology to drive Web3 adoption, drawing parallels to the early days of Web1 when internet usage became commonplace despite initial unfamiliarity.
Partnering with NexeraID: Enhancing KYC for Real-World Assets
Brillion’s CEO emphasized that the pivotal addition of partnering with NexeraID to integrate KYC, KYP, and AML marked a distinctive factor. She highlighted that this strategic move positions them strongly in the realm of real-world assets. While DeFi ventures might demand identity verifications, RWAs necessitate deeper details like location, nationality, and age verification for asset ownership and transfer.
Reflecting on past discussions, Nibras noted some project’s challenges in navigating RWA tokenization due to issues integrating with wallets — a gap that Brillion aims to fill with its seamless connectivity and user-friendly interface.
Additionally, she elaborated on Brillion’s process, mentioning that users are guided through a streamlined KYC process where verifiable credentials are stored on their wallet. This approach enables users to share verified information securely across platforms using zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP), a technology Nibras views as transformative for privacy rights and compliance, particularly in light of GDPR regulations in Europe.
Fostering Collaboration and Innovation at Brillion
Advocating to share knowledge and learn from others, Nibras highlighted the importance of reciprocal relationships in innovative spaces. “You can’t just expect to receive; you need to contribute to gain something back,” she noted, highlighting her philosophy on collaboration.
Brillion’s approach to B2B aspects intrigued her, particularly their ongoing development of a full-fledged platform, “Wallet as a Service.” This initiative involves partnering with layer-one solutions, dApps, and enterprises to provide tailored toolkits and comprehensive wallet solutions. Unlike other approaches in the market, Nibras emphasized that Brillion fosters true partnerships, ensuring mutual benefits for all involved. Excited about recent partnerships and upcoming announcements, she humorously recalled a friendly bet with Rachid from Nexera, in which Brillion emerged victorious, winning a kilo of baklava.
Furthermore, highlighting the differentiation from competitors, Nibras stressed Brillion’s commitment to ensuring that blockchain technology partners share in the benefits. Unlike other wallet providers, Brillion’s platform empowers partners to retain ownership and visibility while tapping into Brillion’s B2C ecosystem. This dual approach enhances partner engagement and additionally broadens their exposure to retail investors. The CEO sees this as a strategic advantage, creating collaborative synergies that significantly benefit their partners.
Future Developments and Strategic Ambitions
Nibras expressed her enthusiasm about future developments, emphasizing that there’s much more in store. She highlighted partnerships as a cornerstone of Brillion’s strategy, underscoring their ambition to reach millions, if not billions, of users to empower financial freedom. Whether achieved through partnerships or their direct-to-consumer platform, Nibras viewed both paths as equally instrumental in fulfilling their mission. Touching briefly on the Nexera Foundation, she noted its role in enriching their ecosystem, providing additional support beyond Brillion’s offerings. The CEO encouraged further engagement, welcoming inquiries and discussions via LinkedIn and Twitter, where she remains actively involved.
Transforming Music Discovery: SIKI’s Vision
Chris, the CEO and founder of SIKI, recounted his journey, which began with a rich background in the music industry spanning two decades, marked by achievements like Platinums and Grammys. Having toured extensively as a folk artist, he identified numerous gaps within the industry. The emergence of Web3 in 2016 sparked his enthusiasm to address these gaps, leading him to assemble a diverse team with specialized blockchain technology skills to synergize their efforts. Notably, Chris expressed excitement about leveraging these talents to integrate innovative solutions and propel their initiatives forward.
Discussing SIKI’s innovative projects, Chris emphasized the transformative potential of their platform. One significant initiative, Atmosphere, represents just the beginning — a dynamic web allowing users to swipe through music seamlessly, whether in studios or personal playlists. This interactive approach marks a departure from traditional static lists, aiming to enhance the music discovery experience significantly.
“At SIKI, we’re driven by the belief that music discovery should be an engaging journey,” Chris remarked. “It’s not just about finding tracks; it’s about learning and exploring as you go.”
Moreover, a cornerstone of SIKI’s vision revolves around their SIKI Studios — a blend of playlists and live interactive features. These studios serve as multifunctional hubs equipped with live streaming capabilities, integrated chat rooms, and even a built-in telegram. Each studio acts as a personalized space where users can curate content, interact with their audience, and monetize their broadcasts through tips and royalties.
“Our studios are designed to be a home for creators,” Chris explained. “They offer a seamless experience where every song played, whether live or recorded, earns royalties. This empowers curators and musicians alike, ensuring they’re compensated for their creativity and contribution.”
Preserving Human Connection Through Music Sharing at SIKI
Chris highlighted the platform’s focus on music sharing, emphasizing its increasing importance in a landscape inundated with new releases daily. Additionally, he pointed out how SIKI’s approach preserves the human connection often lost in mainstream streaming services, where music sharing becomes a transaction rather than a communal experience.” In platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, connectivity often takes a back seat,” Chris noted.
“At SIKI, we’re placing a renewed emphasis on fostering meaningful connections through music sharing — a vital aspect, especially as AI and mass releases reshape the industry.” Consequently, with these initiatives, SIKI aims to revolutionize how music is discovered and shared and to redefine the relationship between artists, curators, and listeners in the digital age.
Innovative Features at SIKI: Enhancing User Experience and Interaction
Chris detailed the upcoming features of SIKI, shedding light on their innovative approach to enhancing user experience and interaction within the platform. One of the pivotal updates is the introduction of Top Studios, a feature set to revolutionize how users navigate and discover content. “When you click on Top Studios, it zooms into a curated selection,” Chris explained. “This feature will soon unveil a comprehensive bubble chart interface, offering users a visually rich experience.”
Furthermore, Chris elaborated on the functionality of clicking on a specific studio, which expands into a dedicated section revealing a wealth of information. This section includes details about the song’s studio affiliation, the collectors who own the associated NFTs, the current listeners, and related videos.
“It’s like diving into a web of interconnected content,” Chris illustrated. “Users can explore the music ecosystem organically, discovering related content and connecting with like-minded listeners.”
Additionally, the CEO highlighted the platform’s commitment to supporting artists and creators by ensuring full royalty payments for videos, including reruns. This initiative underscores SIKI’s dedication to fair compensation and promoting sustainable growth within the music community. “We’re excited to roll out these features this month,” Chris concluded. “They represent a significant step forward in our mission to redefine how music is experienced and shared in the digital era.”
SIKIs CEO detailed the innovative features of the platform, highlighting its approach to integrating NFTs with music and community engagement. Each NFT purchase not only grants ownership of the digital asset but also includes a corresponding physical collectible, starting from a basic Dirt record and advancing through levels such as Marble, Paper, and even Platinum.
Significantly, the concept revolves around fostering music within a community, where owning an NFT means being part of a collective experience. Everyone contributes to the growth and success of the music they own, creating a rewarding journey for artists and collectors alike. Moreover, Chris expressed frustration with traditional streaming platforms, like Spotify, particularly their emphasis on achieving a minimum number of streams before gaining recognition. For artists, even in the early days, milestones like 50 or 100 streams from strangers were incredibly rewarding, marking significant steps in their careers.
There are plans to enhance the interactive experience of owning NFTs, with Chris drawing parallels to traditional achievements in the music industry. NFTs can evolve from gold to diamond status and beyond, reflecting ongoing engagement and support. Chris’ insights shed light on the potential of blockchain technology across the content sector, shaping future innovations and strategies.
Looking ahead, Chris revealed plans to expand beyond music, incorporating similar RPG-like progression systems into studios and playlists. This expansion aims to cater to community feedback and foster a collaborative approach to product development. “It’s about creating a community-focused ecosystem,” Chris emphasized. “We’re not just developing ideas internally; we’re actively listening to our users and integrating their suggestions into our platform.”
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