Zoran Nasteski’s Blockchain Vision Takes Shape at ASU
Zoran Nasteski, an experienced technology entrepreneur from North Macedonia, currently based in the United States, embarked on his entrepreneurial journey with the NGI Enrichers fellowship to explore transatlantic blockchain innovation. With over 15 years of expertise in launching digital products, scaling businesses, and driving innovation across Europe, Zoran joined Arizona State University (ASU) as his host to immerse himself deeply into its vibrant technology and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Choosing ASU was strategic; renowned for its cutting-edge research and innovation culture, ASU provided an ideal environment for Zoran to blend academic insights with practical business development activities. Beyond academia, Zoran quickly established meaningful connections within ASU’s broader network, which included Salt River Project (SRP), J Orin Edson Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute and Phoenix Venture Caffe.
During his fellowship, Zoran initiated the QX Chain white paper, a groundbreaking blockchain solution dedicated to enhancing consumer-to-brand engagement through privacy-focused loyalty and reward systems. By leveraging local talents, blockchain researchers, and professors from ASU, Zoran was able to refine the concept into a transatlantic vision, laying the groundwork for a future-ready, scalable blockchain architecture.
His proactive approach extended beyond the academic sphere. Zoran participated in the SRP Small Business Academy powered by ASU, successfully competing against 68 other promising businesses and ultimately emerging as one of the top six finalists. This achievement opened doors for strategic relationships, leading to ongoing discussions about potential long-term collaboration and pilot projects with ASU’s procurement team and Salt River Project (SRP).
Zoran’s entrepreneurial spirit and collaboration during his fellowship directly contributed to assembling a dynamic team and forming strategic partnerships, enabling him to submit a robust proposal for the NGI TrustChain initiative— a nominated proof-of-stake blockchain solution aimed at enterprise-grade sustainability and consumer privacy.
From Fellowship to Finalist: How Zoran Nasteski’s Blockchain Idea Gained Traction
Through the NGI Enrichers program, Zoran has not only accelerated his entrepreneurial vision but also paved the way for deeper, impactful connections between European innovation and U.S. business and technology ecosystems, positioning his venture prominently on the global stage.
The NGI Enrichers fellowship directly enabled Zoran Nasteski to actively explore and initiate new blockchain concepts, leveraging resources and relationships built at Arizona State University (ASU). Supported by the fellowship, Zoran began drafting a blockchain white paper, collaborating closely with ASU researchers and local talents. This groundwork facilitated his successful participation in the SRP Small Business Academy, where he pitched his project and emerged as a top-six finalist out of 68 innovative ventures.
This outcome is a direct output of the fellowship’s extensive networking opportunities and strategic mentoring at ASU, validating both the potential of Zoran’s blockchain solution and his entrepreneurial approach. The achievement significantly impacted Zoran’s project, positioning him to seek a female late co-founder in the U.S. to incorporate and expand the venture further.
The results from this fellowship hold particular importance for transatlantic innovation, as Zoran’s progress exemplifies effective collaboration between European entrepreneurial vision and U.S. business ecosystems, setting the stage for future deep-tech partnerships and enterprise growth.