ETHDenver 2024 has come and gone, leaving us with a trove of memories and insights to share. Now that we’ve had a chance to catch our breath and reflect on the event, we’re excited to take you on a journey through some of the most memorable moments.
Denver, it’s been incredible!
Even though we did not attend in full force like last year, our team was still superbly well represented by Alec in Denver. Despite the chilly weather, the atmosphere crackled with energy, fueled by innovative projects and the palpable enthusiasm of the crowds.
From February 24th onwards, ETHDenver unfolded with over 500 industry speakers, 200+ blockchain/Web3 companies, and a bustling community of over 600 team members and staff. The #BUIDLathon, the event’s flagship hackathon, drew in 6,000 competitors, resulting in nearly 400 inspiring projects submitted for judging.
One of our personal highlights was the audit showdown organized by our partners Code4rena. It was an electrifying experience! We also had the chance to delve into discussions about our ongoing audit and the intricacies of coding strategies.
Hot topics at ETHDenver
– AI x Crypto Space
Builders in the AI x Crypto space were out in force, discussing topics like decentralized AI infrastructure. Livepeer’s Shannon Wells highlighted the challenges of AI processing hardware shortages and costs, proposing solutions through leveraging decentralized networks for more accessible and affordable processing.
– Account Abstraction
ERC-4337 emerged as a significant development, attracting builders interested in Account Abstraction. Dror Tirosh’s keynote emphasized updates, including transaction volumes, user statistics, and the release of wallets and SDKs. Future focuses include ERC-4337 and ERC-7560, aiming to enhance Account Abstraction’s capabilities.
– On-chain Identity
Evin McMullen explored the evolution of on-chain identity, emphasizing its significance in creating personalized experiences. Projects like Disco showcased futuristic on-chain experiences, envisioning AI-powered interactions based on verifiable on-chain data.
– Layer 2 Updates
Fhenix presented innovations in on-chain encryption, focusing on privacy in smart contracts. Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) was highlighted as enabling more complex logic on-chain, albeit with challenges like gas estimation and information leakage.
– Web3 Gaming is back baby!
The event was a buzz with excitement from projects like Aavegotchi, Cellula, and Chibi Clash, demonstrating the dynamic fusion of gaming and blockchain tech. Aavegotchi allows players to stake NFT avatars and explore an immersive world. Cellula offers a fully on-chain autonomous life simulation, while Chibi Clash integrates Web3 and AI technologies in a fantasy gaming universe.
And speaking of games, we had the pleasure of meeting the Aavegotchi team, creators of a really cool game where players stake NFT avatars to earn interest. These pixelated ghosts that live on Ethereum, derive their value from traits, staked collateral, and wearables. Players progress through activities like mini-games and governance, exploring the immersive Gotchiverse and Spirit Force Arena. We discussed potential synergies with the Aavegotchi team, sparking ideas for future collaboration.
Closing thoughts
Wrapping up our time at ETHDenver, it’s been quite a ride, especially with the buzz around BTC hitting new highs. Here’s what stood out:
- Account Abstraction: It’s gaining serious traction!
- AI x Web3: This combo was all the rage, with exciting new projects popping up left and right. It’s catching more eyes than ever before.
- Web3 gaming: Back in action, and ETHDenver was the perfect stage for showcasing the latest games in the space. The creativity was off the charts.
- Layer 2 Updates: Big strides were made by teams like Lorenzo and Fhenix, bringing privacy enhancements, composable contracts, and scalability to Layer 2 solutions.
- Chain Abstraction: It’s not just about Account Abstraction anymore; there’s a whole world of possibilities opening up.
We’re filled with anticipation for what what the future holds. It’s great to be part of such a vibrant and forward-thinking community, and we can’t wait to reconnect with you at ETHDenver 2025!