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Phone: (307) 766-2929
Email: cbaldwin@uwyo.edu


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Blockchain Technology Topic of e2e Wyoming Meeting in Laramie April 4

This past legislative session, Wyoming took a bold stance as the leader in blockchain-friendly regulation, and the state is poised to become a leading hub for developing blockchain-based innovations.

Mike Borowczak, director of the University of Wyoming’s Cybersecurity Education and Research Center and Lab, and Ruben Gamboa, a UW professor of computer science, will present “Understanding Blockchain Beyond the Buzzwords” from 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, at UW’s Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center. It’s part of the e2e Wyoming program.

The two will discuss what blockchain is; what the legislation that Wyoming passed means; and what opportunities this opens up for entrepreneurs.

“The Wyoming Legislature passed some bills to encourage the development of blockchain companies in Wyoming. That’s absolutely why we’re doing this,” says Jon Benson, CEO of UW’s Wyoming Technology Business Center (WTBC). “A lot of people don’t even know what blockchain is.”

Invented in 2008 by Satoshi Nakamoto, blockchain technology offers a way for untrusted parties to reach agreement on a common digital history. A common digital history is important because digital assets and transactions are, in theory, easily faked and/or duplicated. Blockchain technology solves this problem without using a trusted intermediary.

For example, blockchain is used for digital transactions involving cryptocurrency called bitcoin, the first digital currency created and exchanged independently of banks and governments. Bitcoin is a peer-to-peer electronic cash system that allows online payments to move from one party to another, without going through a financial institution.

During its recent legislative session, the Wyoming Legislature passed five separate bills to smooth the way for blockchain technology to operate in the state and help diversify the state’s economy.

“We thought we’d do a program about what blockchain is; what the legislation was that was passed by the Legislature; and what kind of impact blockchain can have on startups in Wyoming,” says Benson, who noted the WTBC has already received 50 responses from people who want to attend.

E2e is an educational networking program with chapters in Laramie, Casper, Gillette and Sheridan. It is designed to improve the climate for the startup and growth of entrepreneurial companies. Each e2e chapter meets bimonthly for 45 minutes of networking, followed by a 45-minute program. The programs feature successful entrepreneurs telling their stories, panel discussion on relevant topics and advice from experts in specific businesses.

Administered by the UW Office of Research and Economic Development, the WTBC is a not-for-profit business incubator that provides entrepreneurs with the expertise, networks and tools necessary for success.

To register for the e2e meeting go to http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=imnvztkab&oeidk=a07ef7qj6zdfbf6d0e0, call Fred Schmechel at (307) 766-6395, or email him at fschmech@uwyo.edu.

 

 

Contact Us

Institutional Communications
Bureau of Mines Building, Room 137
Laramie, WY 82071
Phone: (307) 766-2929
Email: cbaldwin@uwyo.edu


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