Hi there, Stefan here!

‍

Welcome to the very first episode of the StartToBlockchain Podcast! Did you know that according to PwC, blockchain technology is expected to add $1.76 trillion to the global economy by 2030?

That’s why understanding its real-world applications is more important than ever.

‍

I’m thrilled to kick off this journey by diving into a topic that’s close to my heart: how blockchain creates real value for enterprises. For this episode, I had the privilege of chatting with Koen Vingerhoets, Blockchain Evangelist and Business Architect at Fujitsu Belgium, one of the world’s leading IT services companies. 

‍

Fujitsu operates on a global scale, providing cutting-edge solutions in technology and innovation, which makes their work in blockchain especially impactful. Koen’s wealth of experience and insights into blockchain’s business potential made for a fascinating conversation, and I’m excited to share some of the highlights with you.

Koen’s Blockchain Journey

One of the things that stood out to me during our conversation was Koen’s unique path into the world of blockchain. He started his career in law before transitioning into technology and eventually discovering Bitcoin in 2014. What began as curiosity about Bitcoin’s potential to disrupt the financial sector quickly evolved into a deep understanding of blockchain’s broader capabilities. Today, Koen focuses on how blockchain can address enterprise challenges, which we explored in depth during our chat.

01: Why Blockchain Matters for Enterprises

Koen brought up an important point about the inefficiencies in how businesses exchange and manage data across value chains. He explained that many companies still rely on outdated methods, which can lead to risks and redundancies. What I found particularly eye-opening was how blockchain can act as a single source of truth, enhancing transparency and trust while cutting down on unnecessary duplication.

‍

We also touched on the EU’s Digital Product Passport (DPP) initiative. While the framework is designed to be technology-neutral, Koen believes blockchain’s decentralized nature makes it an ideal solution for ensuring long-term data retention and interoperability—two critical components of the DPP.

02: A Real-World Blockchain Use Case

One example from Koen’s work that really stuck with me was Fujitsu’s collaboration with Tex.tracer, a Dutch company focused on garment supply chain transparency. By integrating blockchain with QR codes, they’ve created a system that not only allows consumers to trace a product’s origin but also helps businesses comply with environmental and labor regulations. It’s an amazing example of how blockchain can deliver tangible value by building trust and ensuring accountability.

03: Decentralization, Regulation, and Enterprise Blockchain

Another key topic we discussed was the role of regulation in blockchain adoption. I appreciated Koen’s perspective on how clear regulatory frameworks, like those being developed in the EU, provide a defined playing field for innovation. While compliance can seem like a hurdle, Koen argued that it ultimately fosters trust and helps businesses focus on delivering solutions that work within established boundaries.

04: Clearing Up Misconceptions About Blockchain

A common misconception we tackled is the idea that blockchain is synonymous with cryptocurrency. Koen emphasized that while cryptocurrencies often dominate the headlines, the true value of blockchain lies in its ability to enhance efficiency, trust, and collaboration. As Koen put it:

"I work with the things that give people a paycheck, not with the things that will make people rich if they’re lucky.”

His practical approach to blockchain adoption offers valuable lessons for enterprises looking to navigate this transformative technology.

05: Koen’s Advice for Blockchain Adoption

For businesses exploring blockchain, Koen’s advice was straightforward and practical: start small. He recommended beginning with a Proof of Value to assess business benefits before diving into full-scale implementations. He also stressed the importance of collaboration, governance, and standardization to maximize blockchain’s potential and ensure long-term success.

Looking Ahead

What I found particularly inspiring about this conversation was Koen’s vision for the future of blockchain and how it aligns with Fujitsu’s global mission to innovate and solve real-world challenges. He imagines a world where value is exchanged seamlessly, without borders, using blockchain to connect people and businesses securely and transparently. It’s an inspiring vision that underscores the transformative potential of this technology.

‍

This episode was an incredible start to the StartToBlockchain Podcast, and I can’t wait to share more insightful conversations in the episodes to come. If you’re curious about how blockchain is reshaping industries and unlocking new opportunities, this is a must-listen.

Listen (or watch) Now 🎙️

You can catch the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. Subscribe on your favorite platform to stay updated with future episodes. And if you’d like to dive deeper into Koen’s work, be sure to connect with him on LinkedIn or X.

Join the STB Innovator Program

Taking the first step into blockchain can feel daunting. That’s why we created the StartToBlockchain Innovator Program, a platform designed to help businesses like yours explore blockchain’s potential with confidence. The program offers expert guidance, actionable insights, and access to the tools you need to build and scale your blockchain projects.

‍

Blockchain is no longer the future - it’s happening now. Don’t wait to start your journey.

‍Join the program now.

‍

If you’re finding this blog and podcast valuable, share it with a friend, and consider subscribing if you haven’t already. See you next time!

‍

Stefan Colins
CMO @ Venly

‍