12/2/2024 - technology-and-innovation

Blockchain Made Simple: Accessible Innovation for People and Businesses in Latin America

By rodrigo coronel

Blockchain Made Simple: Accessible Innovation for People and Businesses in Latin America

A few years ago in another article I commented that blockchain and all its applications resembled the internet of the 90s. Being what they call an early adopter or technology enthusiast, between 2013 and 2014 I started to pragmatically test the technology, since so far what I only knew about it was crypto. In the search for innovative solutions that solve business needs, I endlessly tested countless solutions and I'm still at it. The truth is that until not so long ago everything related to the use, implementation, adoption really tedious, it seemed to visit those search engine portals of the 90's where the experience was deplorable and usability even more.

In today's interview to one of the referents in Latin America on blockchain, Ricardo Ruano of Zeyo Inc. pointed out that unfailingly what happens with cryptocurrencies affects the projects at the decision levels for investment in blockchain technology, something that does not even have direct relation in the practice of technology and solutions for companies, but it is true that other referents argue that the crypto winter and the pandemic delayed all the budgets that bet on this technology since 2020.

Blockchain companies have matured to become a list of practical and accessible solutions to solve day-to-day needs of both individuals and companies. Its essence, based on transparency, traceability and cryptographic protection of data, has positioned it as a technology that not only improves processes, but closes the golden circle in the management of secure and reliable information.

Over the years, other technologies have helped optimize the path to operational efficiency, but the blockchain has arrived to integrate all these efforts. It is no longer just a tool for specialists; thanks to industry leaders, blockchain-based solutions are now as easy to use as Google or Canva services. This shift marks a turning point, as the technology, which once seemed distant, has been seamlessly integrated into everyday life.

Beyond cryptocurrencies

In Latin America, blockchain has found a prominent place in addressing specific problems, from guaranteeing the authenticity of a product to facilitating more secure transactions. Ricardo Ruano notes that the technology is being used in areas such as traceability in supply chains, financial services and, more recently, government elections.

"Blockchain is not just another solution, but a comprehensive tool that solves everyday problems with an unprecedented level of security and efficiency," Ruano highlights. In addition, he points out how blockchain is now at the center of sensitive processes such as government elections, ensuring transparency and trust. This allows companies and governments to address transparency issues in traditionally opaque systems, while expanding the possibilities for innovation.

Success stories in the region

Concrete cases in Latin America show how blockchain is transforming industries and solving historical transparency and efficiency challenges:

In Ecuador: With blockchain solutions applied to the traceability of the tuna industry, the country ensures confidence in its exports, benefiting both producers and consumers.

In Chile: The registration of renewable energy through blockchain allows a more rigorous compliance with sustainable standards, in addition to attracting international investment.

These initiatives not only solve specific needs, but also show the positive impact this technology can have on everyday life.

The opportunities of blockchain in everyday life

The impact of blockchain is not limited to specialized sectors; its usefulness extends to solving everyday problems faced by both individuals and organizations. Among the most prominent opportunities, we find:

  1. Traceability and authenticity
    In industries such as food, pharmaceuticals and retail, blockchain ensures that products are authentic and meet quality standards. For example, a consumer can verify in seconds the origin of a food or the authenticity of a medicine.

  2. Data protection
    Blockchain provides an unprecedented layer of security, protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access. This is key in sectors such as healthcare and finance, where data privacy is critical.

  3. Financial security
    From validating identities for financial transactions to automating internal processes, blockchain enables efficient data integration between users, banks and service providers. For example, the use of smart contracts streamlines mortgage loan approvals, reducing time and human error.

  4. Optimization of corporate processes
    Companies are using blockchain to simplify processes such as inventory management, smart contracts and transaction automation. This saves time and resources, improving operational efficiency.

Accessible innovation: the new face of blockchain

In the not-so-distant past, interacting with blockchain required advanced technical knowledge. Today, however, innovative companies are designing tools that simplify its use, allowing any person or company to take advantage of its benefits.

Ricardo Ruano highlights how this shift has democratized access to blockchain. "We are seeing solutions as intuitive and easy to use as Canva or Google, but with the robustness and security that only blockchain can offer," he explains. This accessibility is driving adoption in sectors that previously considered the technology too complex.

This has been achieved from learning over all these years of having worked in consulting and custom and bespoke development for mid-range and large companies where proof-of-concepts and pilots were the currency of the day, where testing was short-sighted, low budget and lack of visibility from the executive management of the companies. The continuity of projects made it possible to gain a lot of experience in the different types of use that this technology covered, however the lack of strategic planning of the companies in the incorporation and correct adoption based on efficient processes and a user-focused experience made the company change its focus from consulting to product and even changed its brand identity based on new markets and needs.

Today, having created solutions that function as autonomous and sustainable units, the company is turning its focus back to covering a market that is not yet properly served, the financial market, and for this it is seeking financing and that all of the above worked thanks to bootstrapping (autonomous financing).

Innovators leading the change

In this context, Zeyo Inc. has established itself as one of the key players in Latin America, offering cloud-based solutions integrated with blockchain networks supported by Ethereum virtual machine (EVMs). Among its most outstanding developments are:

  • SafeTrack: A platform that allows tracking the path of products in real time, ensuring their authenticity and reducing fraud risks.

  • Certero: A solution for digital identity management, designed to protect personal data and streamline processes in sectors such as health, education and finance.

What sets Zeyo apart is its focus on user experience. Not only are its tools secure and reliable, but they are designed with simplicity and usability in mind, removing barriers so that any organization, regardless of size, can adopt blockchain with ease.

Conclusion

The blockchain has matured to become a technology that transforms everyday life, closing the golden circle in terms of transparency, traceability and security. In Latin America, the opportunities it offers are changing the way businesses and governments operate, solving real problems with accessible solutions.

Thanks to entrepreneurs who took the course to create a new type of solutions blockchain is no longer just a futuristic promise; it is a powerful tool that is shaping the present and opening a path to a more efficient, secure and transparent future.

In a market and industry that continues to need solutions focused on different proto personas, nothing is more constant than change.

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rodrigo coronel

rodrigo coronel

With a career spanning over 21 years, I have taken on various leadership roles in finance, technology, sales, operations, and delivery, specializing in IT/Business transformation. I have led multi-country and interdisciplinary teams incorporating innovation strategies and methodologies such as Lean, Design Thinking, agile, 6Sigma, and exploring emerging technologies in Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, LLM, web3, and AR/VR/MR.

Bachelor's degree in Administration from El Salvador, master's degree in finance from CEMA, specialization in Six Sigma quality management from El Salvador. I hold certifications in Digital Journalism Reuters, Google Project Management Certificate, Certified Blockchain Expert Blockchain Council, Mastering Design Thinking MIT Sloan School of Management, Driving Strategic Impact Columbia Business School.

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