The green and sustainable transformation is no longer based on the design of a linear economy, but a circular one, in which new blockchain technologies and artificial intelligence will play an increasingly important role.
In addition to many benefits for users and producers, globalization has also brought some challenges, most notably the exploitation of cheap labor and the lack of transparency in food supply chains among the socially conscious users, often leading to the exploitation of different fair trade brands, which in reality they are not.
Why should products have traceability data for input materials and raw materials to demonstrate their longevity? Mandeep Soor (Bendi), Žiga Drev (Trace Labs & OriginTrail) and Tania Le Voi (Oracle Digital) will present their opinions at the Podim DX round table moderated by Daniel Cronin (AustrianStartups).
Some of the first global food companies to start researching the applicability of blockchain technology years ago were Nestle, Unilever, Walmart, which saw the new technology primarily as a useful value of ingredient traceability and prevention of food poisoning.
Leanne Kemp, CEO of Everledger and Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum, will talk at Podim DX and demonstrate how traceability, trust and new technologies are linked to sustainability goals.
Blockchain provides high traceability in supply and food chains
Blockhain promises greater trust from all links in the food chain, from producers, suppliers, processors, distributors, retailers and also lawmakers, and of course consumers. As the final link in the supply chain, supported by blockchain technology, they will be able to be truly confident for the first time that the food on the shelves is truly safe and that the information on the products is accurate and reliable. In other words, blockchain will ensure 100% authenticity for food products as well.
This closes the loop of innovative designs on which the development of 21st century society is based – Blockchain technology is entering the circular economy. While the previous design of production and use is linear, in the circular economy it is integrated into a cyclical process of production, consumption and recycling. Sustainable development thus entails a radical paradigm shift. As a result, sustainability criteria become factors of competitiveness, leading to serious and visible changes in companies’ long-term business strategies.
Sustainable development as a competitive guide for startups and scaleups
The central players in the new sustainable paradigm are technology companies. A large number of startups and scaleups are constantly innovating in food production and distribution.
In addition to blockchain, the development of artificial intelligence will also help achieve the sustainable goals of the United Nations strategy. According to a study published in Nature Communications, the use of artificial intelligence can achieve up to 134 different sustainable goals from the UN strategy.
Suvi Haimi, co-founder and CEO of Sulapac, an internationally recognised company on a mission to save the world from plastic waste, will be one of the keynote speakers at Podim DX.
Effort for the sustainable use of artificial intelligence
Alina Bassi, speaker at Podim DX, co-founder and CEO of Kleiderly, a textile waste company, has developed an award-winning solution to turn textile waste into an alternative to plastic.
On the other hand, artificial intelligence (AI) development must also be sustainable and in line with UN goals. New, UI – added value could increase the income of the already wealthy, while the development of UI -tools would bring more unemployment to the already less wealthy lower classes. This, in turn, would deepen existing inequalities rather than reduce them. As a result, legislators need to follow the flow of technological innovation more quickly and respond to the challenges of new technologies more rapidly. Only in this way can the development of artificial intelligence and other new technologies pursue the sustainable goals of engaging individuals and the natural environment in favor of new breakthrough technologies.
More than 28 percent of all startups and scaleups on Podim DX use and develop artificial intelligence technologies. Machine learning, Internet of Things and Big Data, cloud computing and blockchain technologies, which are critical to the green transition and digital transformation of the economy, are also strongly represented.
Linking innovation to business opportunities, capital and knowledge
Podim DX 2021, the most influential startup & technology event in Central and Eastern Europe, will therefore offer a unique insight into linking innovation with business opportunities, capital and knowledge from May 17-19. Over the years, Podim has become a key regional learning and networking platform that creates real value by bringing together and connecting recognized international investors, established companies and startups and scaleups.
“To ensure the highest quality of learning and networking, the organizers have taken the strategic decision to allow a maximum of 1,000 participants to attend the event. This is one of the reasons why you can always approach top speakers at Podim, talk to them and spend quality time with investors, company representatives and other attendees. Podim is a window in and out of the region for effective networking, business initiation and experience sharing, ” write the organizers, who say that the essence of Podim DX is practical advice, sharing knowledge and valuable experience, as well as imparting important advice and tricks for business growth.
Opportunity to "book" 20-minute meetings with representatives of nearly 200 startups
Podim DX offers each individual within its digital audience the opportunity of 20-minute meetings with various experts and, most importantly, representatives of nearly 200 startups developing interesting technologies. When purchasing a digital ticket, Podim web attendees will receive access to a digital catalogue of all conference startups and scaleups.
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Content support for recipients of P2, SK75 or SI-SK financial products under the "de minimis" scheme is co-financed from the Slovene Enterprise Fund and the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund. This is implemented on the basis of the Content Support for Funds Recipients (SMEs) Programme in the 2018-2023 period, under the Operational Programme for the Implementation of the European Cohesion Policy 2014-2020.
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SEF
Ministry of Economic Development and Technology
European Regional Development Fund
Startup Plus Program
