Spain

Innovators/Entrepreneurs

Date of the expedition

From 01/07/2023 to 31/12/2023

Selected Track

Paired Teams

Project title

Implementation of Blockchain-based authentication technology to secure US consumer products, services and IoT Platforms

Host Organization

UC Berkeley Citris Innovation Hub

Media

Biography

Holder of a PhD in Medicine from the University of Navarra, a Fulbright Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard Medical School, and a Master’s in Business Administration from IESE, Spain. With over 25 years of international experience in establishing and managing public and private universities, including roles as a Provost or Vice President at institutions such as Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Abat Oliba CEU, Camilo José Cela, Universidad del Atlántico Medio, and Universitas Europaea of Andorra. Currently, Director of the Department of Health Sciences at the Universitas Europaea of Andorra.

Since April 2018, I have been serving as the CEO of BlockTac, a company dedicated to developing blockchain-based business applications aimed at combating counterfeiting and fraud. BlockTac’s digital certificates and single-use digital seals empower consumers to easily and immediately verify the authenticity of their purchases using their mobile phones, at no cost. In addition, I am currently a Visiting Scholar in the NGI Enrichers Challenges program 2023 at the CITRIS Institute of UC Berkeley and Santa Clara University.

Project Summary

Our project main objective is to identify, with the help of Citris Invention Lab, in UC Berkeley, and contact leading and innovative stakeholders in target industries, that are capable of influencing the implementation of new technologies and good practices in specific sectors. The industries initially identified for tech collaboration and then commercialization of our authentication products and services are: Higher Education, Real Estate, Wine Industry, Cannabis Industry

Key Result

  • Industry reports:

Expected result: Identification of the needs and definition of the particular characteristics to be incorporated in each industry.

Securing Real Estate Transactions: The Role of Blockchain Authentication

A 49 pages report examining the implementation of blockchain-based authentication services, within the real estate industry in California. The report analyzes the stakeholders, characteristic processes, and challenges faced within the real estate industry, with an emphasis on issues related to fraud and unethical behavior. Blockchain technology’s sector-wide benefits are discussed, focusing on its effectiveness in combating fraud, improving the processes, and providing advantages for the various stakeholders involved. The report delves into specific types of fraud and unethical practices identified in the industry, outlining how blockchain technology can address and mitigate these issues. The in-depth analysis enables better understanding of each problem, aiding in the prompt identification and implementation of appropriate countermeasures. Major potential client companies are also identified, providing an overview of the market landscape and competition.

Finally, the report proposes a comprehensive strategy and action plan for the deployment of blockchain-based authentication services in the real estate industry.

Transforming Higher Education Industry with Blockchain Authentication Services

A 66 pages report exploring the implementation of blockchain-based authentication services for the higher education industry in the California region. The report delves into the structure and elements of the higher education industry in California, as well as its economic impact, analyzing the various stakeholders and processes within the sector. Challenges facing the higher education industry, specifically in the areas of security, trust, fraud, and data breaches, are explored in detail. The report highlights the potential sector-wide benefits of implementing blockchain technology and demonstrates its effectiveness in addressing these critical concerns. An in-depth analysis of the benefits that blockchain technology can bring to stakeholders and processes within the industry is provided to aid in the rapid identification of problems and the formulation of immediate solutions.

A comprehensive strategy and action plan are proposed for effectively deploying authentication services based on blockchain technology in the higher education industry to enhance trust, security, and data protection while fostering a resilient and future-ready sector.

Blockchain Authentication Solutions: Driving Trust and Compliance in Cannabis Industry

A 43 pages report providing a detailed overview of the use case for implementing blockchain-based authentication services within the cannabis industry in California. The report delves deep into understanding its key elements and stakeholders. Various characteristic processes are identified, documenting how the product travels from manufacturers to consumers, and the various stakeholders involved at each stage. The analysis reveals significant challenges, particularly the prevalence of fraud and counterfeiting – issues that are currently undermining consumer trust and negatively impacting industry growth.

The report examines the blockchain technology’s potential role in mitigating these problems, reducing incidences of fraud and counterfeiting within the cannabis supply chain. Delving deeper into the benefits of implementing blockchain technology, the report highlights how the transparency and security of blockchain can enhance trust among stakeholders, streamline operations and potentially provide a competitive edge within the ever-growing cannabis market.

Finally, the report lays out a comprehensive strategy and action plan for implementing blockchain-based authentication services within the cannabis industry.

Implementation of Blockchain Technology in the Wine Industry

A 48 pages report centered around the application of Blockchain-based authentication services amidst the wine industry, specifically in the region of California. The exploration involves an in-depth examination of significant stakeholders and characteristic procedures endemic to this industry. An essential part of this report captures the substantial challenges that the industry is grappling with, particularly concerning fraudulent practices and counterfeiting. The report includes an analysis of the benefits derived from the implementation of Blockchain technology in dealing with these industry-wide challenges. Blockchain technology is portrayed as no less than a beacon of hope, holding commendable promise in combating counterfeiting and fraud effectively. There’s an emphasis on the specific benefits that stakeholders can expect to reap from the introduction of Blockchain technology to their operations.

Closing, the report proposes a strategic and operational action plan for the deployment of Blockchain-based authentication services in California’s wine industry to create a robust solution to combat prevalent fraudulent activities and enhance the industry’s overall credibility.

  • Industries stakeholder’s database

The four industry reports each contain a database of the primary clients on which to focus commercial efforts.

  • Presentation decks for the industries

The reports for each of the four industries have been finalized with a one-page summary and a presentation deck to facilitate the conducted demonstrations.

  • Demonstrations

Realization of 3 demonstrations in Higher Education.

Realization of 3 demonstrations in Real Estate.

Realization of 2 demonstrations in Wine Industry.

Realization of 4 demonstrations in Cannabis Industry.

  • Setting safety standards in desired industries.

The guidelines for the definition of said standards have been well established in the reports prepared for the four industries under analysis. Specifically, they are informing the preparation of a state law for the implementation of this technology in the Real Estate sector.

  • Development of pilot projects.

Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and the Banatao Institute (CITRIS), in UC Berkeley

Kolas Dispensaries

FIO – CCM referral program

Americana

  • Implementation of the solution in leading and innovative clients.

Our technology has been seamlessly integrated into the management systems of client companies.

Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society and the Banatao Institute (CITRIS), in UC Berkeley

Kolas Dispensaries

CCM referral program

  • Identification of potential investors and spotting fundraising opportunities for equity investment in California.

We are part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Evolution Accelerator, which has become a shareholder in Trusted Market.

  • Strengthening innovation collaboration with the US

We have established collaboration agreements with Santa Clara University, Greater Sacramento Economic Council, and Folsom Economic Development Corporation to undertake data assurance projects for IoT medical devices.

  • Building partnerships in the US

We have entered into a strategic collaboration agreement with Capitol Compliance Management and Kolas.

  • Accelerated business partnerships

We have established collaborative agreements with the Northern California Innovation District to promote innovation across sectors in the Greater Sacramento Region.

  • Start-up establishment:

After finalizing an agreement with a strategic partner (CCM) and a local business accelerator (Evolution), we have registered a subsidiary company of our European entity to commence commercial activities under the Trusted Market brand.

  • New Job Oportunities:

Above all, I would like to highlight two accomplishments that would shape our future activities: Firstly, we have started collaborating with the State Attorney General Office of California to outline a future law. This law aims to prevent fraud in the real estate industry by implementing blockchain technology. Secondly, we have partnered with Santa Clara University to design a project developing an IoT device. This device is capable of analyzing pacemaker data using a machine learning system and recording it on the Blockchain. The latter venture has opened doors to the health sector. It stems from the necessity to enhance the quality and safety of cardiac care, offering real-time monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment for pacemaker patients. More significantly, ensuring the integrity, privacy, and traceability of their medical data using our chosen technology.