Blockchain
Trace Labs is driving radical transparency and trust in agri-food supply chains with OriginTrail and Oracle
Transparency and trust are crucial for well-performing and sustainable agri-food supply chains. Yet, in too many food supply chains both are lacking. Using the OriginTrail Decentralized Knowledge Graph and Oracle Blockchain Platform, Trace Labs has recently launched a solution to drive radical trust and process optimization in agri-food supply chains with the use of distributed ledger technologies (DLTs). The solution is used to set up automated trusted payments for milk to help optimize a dairy supply chain as part of SmartAgriHubs (SAH), the largest EU-funded project focusing on digitizing the European agri-food sector.
Almost one-third of global food manufacturers cannot guarantee that the ingredients they use are not fraudulent. The root cause is insufficient data exchange due to a lack of trust between different organizations. As such, data is often stored in silos at every point in the supply chain, which is a significant barrier to effective traceability and overall transparency.
Trace Labs is actively tackling this problem with unique solutions built on the open-source OriginTrail Decentralized Knowledge Graph (DKG). With the use of the OriginTrail DKG, crucial data from stakeholders across the supply chains can be connected and secured from manipulation through semantic web and blockchain technologies. Trusted and connected linked data is then used in different web applications to improve the traceability of products, increase trust, and help optimize every stage of the supply chain management process.
When a problem such as contamination is discovered, the solution enables quick discovery of the product trail end-to-end. With all the data interconnected and accessible, it is easier to track and trace the root cause of any problem that may occur. This drives down the costs of recalls and prevents food waste. The solution also provides an excellent technological infrastructure for deploying other kinds of trusted solutions for optimizing agri-food value chains, like trusted and automated payments in dairy and other value chains.
Optimizing dairy value chains with OriginTrail and Oracle technology
Milk payment is a complex process and the price of milk paid to a farmer depends on multiple factors. The quality of the milk, the quantity of the shipment, and negotiated margins all play a part in every single delivery that farmers make. Additionally, these deliveries are taken in and processed by different organizations, like farmers, agricultural cooperatives, dairies, and testing laboratories. All of this means that the current way of handling payments towards the farmers still involves significant manual effort to verify all inputs and ensure the right process is respected.
To help optimize this process, Trace Labs paired OriginTrail with the smart contract capabilities of Oracle Hyperledger Fabric to deliver a solution that showcases how blockchain-based technologies can improve efficiency, safety, and trust in food supply chains without interrupting the existing business processes. Using the two systems, the milk payment mechanism that Trace Labs developed enables automatic calculation of payments due to each of the farmers based on the trusted milk processing data stored on the OriginTrail Decentralized Network (ODN) and the contractual data stored in the Hyperledger Fabric.
Notably, the new system in no way changes the current IT landscape, nor the existing business processes. Rather, it treats both as key data sources and a starting point for improvement. Each of the involved IT systems (the dairy ERP, the cooperative ERP, and the cooperative contractual data) exports data in its existing format, Trace Labs’ solution restructures the data for interoperability and prepares it for publishing on the OriginTrail DKG.
Since a lot of the included data is very business-sensitive, data access control and permissioning is handled with great care. Critical data is kept in the secure private store of the OriginTrail node subgraph with only key integrity-assuring data points published to the public DKG (metadata for indexing and cryptographic proofs for data validation). Once the cooperative is ready to make the payment, the required payment data is taken out of the Oracle Hyperledger Fabric blockchain and restructured into a payment file.
Combining all components, Trace Labs was able to entirely automate the payment system by simultaneously increasing the integrity level of the entire process and the accountability of each supply chain partner for the parts that they are responsible for. The solution was initially deployed in the scope of the Smart Agri Hubs project supported by the European Union (EU) under Horizon 2020 research and innovation program.
OriginTrail – combining data integrity, confidentiality and connectivity for supply chain transparency and trust
The implemented solutions prove that effective and efficient blockchain solutions can be built on top of existing IT infrastructure enabling systems interoperability and linked data. There was no need for costly rip-and-replace of existing IT infrastructure for any of the stakeholders in the respective value chains when implementing the solutions.
Importantly, by enabling the users of the solutions to combine both the integrity of public networks and the confidentiality of private ones, Trace Labs ensures that agri-food stakeholders can extract tangible benefits from using blockchain-based technologies. Namely, making sure their supply chains are more efficient, more transparent, and more sustainable. All things which increase the long-term viability of their business and allow for a greater value proposition.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 818182.
Blockchain
From Onboarding to Settlement in Minutes: TransFi Launches BizPay to Redefine Global Business Payments
TransFi
The blockchain universe never sleeps. From pioneering cross-border payment systems in Central America to city-wide crypto strategies in New York City, today’s headlines reveal an industry maturing at breakneck speed. In this edition of Blocks & Headlines, we explore five landmark developments:
-
Guatemala’s Banco Industrial integrates blockchain for seamless cross-border remittances.
-
NYC Mayor’s Office unveils a comprehensive crypto and blockchain roadmap.
-
OSR Holdings, BCM Europe & Taekwondo Cooperative sign an MOU to launch the OSRH token.
-
Bybit’s “Chicken Trader” livestream—crypto meets poultry in the world’s first poultry-powered trading showdown.
-
FIFA taps Avalanche to build a dedicated blockchain for its NFT platform.
These stories underscore three key trends reshaping the ecosystem:
-
Institutional Adoption & Regulation: From national banks to municipal governments, legacy institutions are embracing decentralized technologies.
-
Tokenization & Community Engagement: Strategic partnerships are launching specialized tokens that bridge niche communities with global markets.
-
Innovative Use Cases: Whether gaming, entertainment, or live-stream events, blockchain’s versatility spawns ever-more creative applications.
Join us as we unpack the implications, weigh the opportunities, and forecast where these trajectories might lead.
1. Guatemala’s Largest Bank Integrates Blockchain for Cross-Border Payments
What Happened
Guatemala’s Banco Industrial, the country’s biggest financial institution, announced the deployment of a private‐permissioned blockchain network to streamline remittances from the U.S. into Guatemala City and beyond. The solution reduces settlement times from days to minutes, cuts fees by up to 60 %, and offers real-time traceability for senders and receivers.
Source: Cointelegraph
Analysis & Commentary
-
Financial Inclusion Boost: Remittances account for over 12 % of Guatemala’s GDP. By minimizing friction and cost, blockchain integration will extend financial services to remote communities reliant on diaspora funds.
-
Risk & Compliance: Permissioned networks allow Banco Industrial to retain AML/KYC controls, mitigating concerns around illicit flows. This hybrid approach demonstrates that enterprise blockchain can balance decentralization with regulatory rigor.
-
Regional Ripple Effects: Neighboring Central American banks are watching closely. Should Guatemala’s pilot succeed, we can expect a domino effect across El Salvador, Honduras, and Costa Rica—each seeking to capitalize on faster, cheaper cross-border rails.
Implications
Legacy banks worldwide should view this as a blueprint: private blockchains can coexist with existing compliance frameworks while delivering transformative user benefits. Early movers will capture remittance market share and cultivate fintech partnerships across the Latin American corridor.
2. NYC Mayor Unveils Ambitious Crypto & Blockchain Agenda
What Happened
New York City Mayor Eric Adams detailed his administration’s multi-pronged strategy to make NYC a global crypto hub. Key initiatives include:
-
A regulatory sandbox for crypto startups to pilot DeFi, NFTs, and token-based fundraising under city supervision.
-
Partnerships with CUNY and Columbia University for blockchain research and talent development.
-
Deployment of a blockchain-based public record system for land titles and business registrations.
Source: GovTech
Analysis & Commentary
-
Regulatory Harmony vs. Overreach: By offering a controlled sandbox rather than blanket deregulation, NYC signals a nuanced stance—encouraging innovation without sacrificing consumer protection.
-
Talent Pipeline: Academic partnerships aim to remedy the talent shortage plaguing blockchain firms. Local graduates trained in distributed ledger technologies (DLT) will feed startups, financial institutions, and government agencies.
-
Public Services on Chain: Land registries and business filings on blockchain promise greater transparency and fraud reduction. If scaled effectively, NYC could set a global standard for government-blockchain integration.
Implications
Other major cities—London, Singapore, Dubai—will feel pressure to match NYC’s playbook. Municipal leaders should prioritize sandbox frameworks and academia-industry liaisons to nurture homegrown crypto ecosystems.
3. OSR Holdings, BCM Europe & Taekwondo Cooperative Launch OSRH Token
What Happened
OSR Holdings, BCM Europe, and the Taekwondo Cooperative signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding to co-develop the OSRH token, a blockchain-based digital asset aimed at supporting global Taekwondo practitioners. Features include:
-
Membership Rewards: Tokens earned through event participation, coaching certifications, and tournament wins.
-
Decentralized Governance: Athletes vote on sponsorship allocations and rule-change proposals via on-chain ballots.
-
Marketplace Integration: A dedicated NFT marketplace for Taekwondo memorabilia, from digital belts to highlight reels.
Source: PR Newswire
Analysis & Commentary
-
Niche Tokenization: OSRH token exemplifies the power of community-focused tokens. By aligning incentives with passion points—training, competition, governance—stakeholders gain ownership and engagement.
-
Governance Innovation: Athlete-driven decision-making on sponsorship and funding disrupts top-down federation models. This could democratize sports governance across disciplines.
-
Commercial Ecosystem: The NFT marketplace offers monetization channels for athletes and federations alike. Strategic royalties on secondary sales ensure sustainable funding.
Implications
Other sports federations and niche communities should explore token models that blend rewards, governance, and commerce. Successful launches will hinge on clear utility, user education, and regulatory compliance in key jurisdictions.
4. Bybit Presents “Chicken Trader”: The World’s First Poultry-Powered Trading Showdown
What Happened
Cryptocurrency exchange Bybit debuted “Chicken Trader,” a live-streamed event where two contestants trade crypto pairs—and manage live chickens—to earn “Egg Points.” Viewers can stake on their favorite trader, earning NFTs and token rewards based on performance.
Source: PR Newswire
Analysis & Commentary
-
Gamification Meets DeFi: Chicken Trader’s fusion of live-stream engagement, staking mechanics, and NFTs exemplifies Web3’s playful ethos—turning trading into interactive entertainment.
-
User Acquisition Strategy: Bybit gamified acquisition funnels, leveraging viral social content to onboard nontraditional crypto audiences intrigued by the novelty factor.
-
Regulatory Tightrope: Combining staking with competition and livestock raises jurisdictional questions around gambling, securities, and animal welfare. Bybit must navigate diverse regulations to scale globally.
Implications
Other exchanges will replicate gamified formats to differentiate UX and grow communities. Yet long-term viability demands balancing flashy live-events with rigorous compliance, sustainable tokenomics, and authentic value for participants.
5. FIFA Taps Avalanche to Power Its NFT Platform
What Happened
Global soccer body FIFA selected the Avalanche blockchain to launch its official NFT marketplace, featuring digital collectibles—from World Cup highlights to player-card packs. Avalanche’s high throughput and low fees were cited as decisive factors.
Source: TradingView (via Cointelegraph)
Analysis & Commentary
-
Scalability & Sustainability: Avalanche’s consensus mechanism delivers sub-second finality and carbon-offset commitments, aligning with FIFA’s environmental pledges.
-
Fan Engagement: Tokenized highlights and limited-edition digital memorabilia expand revenue streams beyond broadcast rights, offering fans verifiable ownership and collectible provenance.
-
Interoperability: Avalanche’s growing DeFi ecosystem enables future integrations—staking fan tokens, launching prediction-market games, or embedding NFT rewards in FIFA’s mobile apps.
Implications
Major sports leagues and entertainment brands eyeing NFT forays will scrutinize Avalanche’s performance under FIFA’s global load. Blockchain platforms must prove they can handle spikes during marquee events—kickoff times, finals, transfer windows—while preserving UX and sustainability goals.
Conclusion
Today’s Blocks & Headlines illustrate blockchain’s multifaceted evolution:
-
Legacy institutions like banks and city governments are unlocking new efficiencies and transparency through private and public DLT networks.
-
Community-driven tokens are redefining governance and monetization in sports and niche domains.
-
Innovative engagement—from poultry-fueled trading spectacles to global soccer NFTs—demonstrates blockchain’s capacity for gamification, fan loyalty, and novel revenue models.
Yet with opportunity comes responsibility: scalable architectures must coexist with robust compliance; token economies require thoughtful design to sustain value; and regulators, academia, and industry must collaborate to craft frameworks that balance innovation with consumer protection.
As blockchain weaves deeper into finance, governance, entertainment, and sports, stakeholders who embrace strategic partnerships, prioritize user education, and invest in resilient infrastructures will lead the charge into Web3’s next frontier.
The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – May 22, 2025 appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.
Blockchain
Freeman Quantitative Trading(FQAI) 5.0 Is Coming—Ushering in a New Wave of Intelligent Investing
-
Blockchain7 days ago
Mercurity Fintech’s Subsidiary Grows Cross-Border Business Advisory Services with New Asia-Pacific Healthcare Client Engagement
-
Blockchain7 days agoSaudi Arabia Loan Aggregator Market Report 2025: Retail Digital Payments Hit 70% as Tech Adoption Transforms Saudi Financial Services – Competition, Forecast & Opportunities to 2030
-
Blockchain6 days agoBlocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – May 16, 2025
-
Blockchain Press Releases4 days agoCoinW Unveils Industry-First Futures Protection Program：Instant Refunds Designed to Safeguard Traders
-
Blockchain3 days ago
Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain – May 19, 2025 | DoubleZero, Toobit, Story Protocol, Marco Polo, Argo Blockchain
-
Blockchain Press Releases4 days agoFrom Web3 to Wall Street: Bybit Becomes the First Crypto Exchange to Offer Direct Global Stock Trading with USDT
-
Blockchain Press Releases3 days ago
HTX Launches Multi-Assets Collateral Mode for USDT-Margined Futures, Empowering Traders With Enhanced Capital Efficiency
-
Blockchain Press Releases3 days agoHTX Unveils Finalists for $6M Mars Program Special Edition, Space Journey Selection Enters Final Phase
