The International Testing Agency revealed to CNNMoney Switzerland today that it is exploring the use of blockchain for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. The independent organization based in Lausanne is working on a prototype with blockchain firm BlockFactory to see how the technology can be used to fight doping. “I think it’s ambitious to have it ready by Tokyo, but we are there to be ambitious,” says Benjamin Cohen, director general of the ITA. The agency has chosen to focus on Therapeutic Use Exemption, or TUE, which states that athletes can take prohibited substances if they have a medical reason. The ITA is trying to digitize this process so that any of the documents uploaded can’t be forged. “Blockchain can be one of the answers,” Cohen says. On the partnership with BlockFactory, Cohen says: “Today I am pretty sure that we can reach a satisfactory solution where we can have some of the processes secured at a reasonable cost.”WATCH MORE
March 13: What happened in blockchain?
A free pass to Swiss blockchain education marketplace Odem during the coronavirus pandemic: The platform is already working with the School of Management in Fribourg and is now in discussion with other schools in the U.S. and Canada. Also: Google searches for coronavirus and cryptocurrencies spike in Switzerland, and we talk to Crypto Finance about why the pandemic is the first big test for bitcoin.
Coronavirus is first big test for Bitcoin
Forget gold and equity markets, Bitcoin stands in its own category, says Crypto Finance CEO Jan Brzezek. He argues that Bitcoin hasn’t reached the status of a safe haven—yet. Brought to you by Swissquote.
March 6: What happened in blockchain this week?
The Paris Blockchain Week Summit has been postponed to December over coronavirus concerns; Facebook plans a redesign of its digital currency project, according to reports from Bloomberg and The Information; and India’s Supreme Court overturns a ban on cryptocurrency trading. Brought to you by Swissquote.
February 28: What happened in blockchain this weeks
Migros Bank releases a new cryptocurrency survey in Switzerland; Nornickel looks to Swiss platform for tokenizing metals; and SIX invests in Omniex to pave the way for cryptocurrency trading.
February 21: What happened in blockchain this week?
UEFA kicks off blockchain-based ticketing for EURO 2020; Swiss diamond start-up loses its sparkle; blockchain powers local electricity markets in Switzerland; and Xing adds 6,000 blockchain jobs in DACH in Q4 2019.
February 13: What happened in blockchain this week?
Hundreds of crypto shoppers head to Digitec Galaxus; Zermatt jumps on the crypto train after Zug and Chiasso; Crypto Valley Conference returns for the third time; and BitGo enters the Swiss and German market to provide custody for digital assets.
Bitcoin is a hit with Swiss tax collectors
It started with Zug and then Chiasso. Now Zermatt is the latest Swiss town to let residents pay their taxes with Bitcoin. While cryptocurrencies are striking a chord with Swiss tax collectors, it’s falling short with residents.
PwC wants to make smart contracts smarter
PwC Switzerland is building up its blockchain arm with a focus on smart contracts. Partner Andreas Eschbach explains why the company is integrating ETH spin-off ChainSecurity and what’s holding blockchain back from mass adoption.
January 17: What happened in blockchain this week?
• Ulysse Nardin launches warranty certificate on blockchain • Crypto conference takes on Crypto Finance Conference St. Moritz • Swiss hospitals trace medical devices with blockchain Xatena • Blockchain real estate deal on Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse
Libra says it’s just 3 steps away from launching its currency in 2020
“We realize there’s a number of hurdles left to be overcome and crossed,” says Dante Disparte, head of policy and communications at Libra Association. Disparte outlines the three main priorities for the digital currency project to take off in 2020. Regulation is just the first one.
January 10: What happened in blockchain this week?
IBM to trace coffee with #blockchain thanks to a new app developed in Switzerland; Bitcoin Suisse releases its 2020 Crypto Outlook Report; and PwC Switzerland snaps up blockchain start-up ChainSecurity.
