Week Ending December 2, 2016

Three things to know

This was a big week for Illinois as both the State and a major Chicago-based trading firm announced new Blockchain initiatives.  In healthcare, Blockchain medical records move closer to reality through a Gates Foundation grant.

The State of Illinois announced the Illinois Blockchain Initiative, a combination of five government agencies that are joining forces to make Illinois a leader in Blockchain innovation. The Blockchain Initiative has three objectives: first, create a favorable regulatory environment for Blockchain businesses. Next, the Initiative will invite Blockchain businesses to make their headquarters in Illinois.  Third, the Initiative will develop specific Blockchain prototypes for the State. With this announcement, Illinois is making a commitment to Blockchain and could help the State become the North American hub for Blockchain innovation.   

Also in Illinois, the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME) announced they had joined forces with the UK-based Royal Mint to trade physical gold on the Blockchain. The product, called RMG, is scheduled to begin trading in 2017. The combined efforts of CME and Royal Mint are designed to enable customers to trade faster, with lower costs, and increased security.

In healthcare, Blockchain-based medical records received a big boost when Factom received a grant from the Gates Foundation.  The Factom model allows the patient or individual to control their own medical record.  The project is focused on emerging geographic locations that have been historically prone to instability.  This project will provide individuals with a confirmed identity as well as permanent and transportable medical records.

To read more:

Illinois Unveils Expansive Blockchain Policy in Bid to Attract Innovators

Gates Foundation gives Factom a grant to deploy blockchain for medical records

Using the Blockchain to Trade Gold, Via a 1000-Year-Old Institution

Royal Mint offers gold trading based on blockchain

Weekly Blockchain

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Healthcare
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Global

Argentina’s Central Bank is Warming Up to Blockchain

Bitcoin guru leaves Canada’s TSX to focus on blockchain venture

Germany’s Central Bank Trials Blockchain Prototype for Trading in Securities

Europe’s Biggest Shipping Port Tests Blockchain Logistics

Finland’s Central Bank Organizes Blockchain Event

Japanese MegaBanks Partner Bitcoin Exchange, Pilot 1500 Tns/Sec Over a Blockchain

Japan Exchange Group Expands Blockchain Trading Trial

Major Japanese Banks Seek Lower Costs with Blockchain Payments

Supply chain finance on blockchain debuts in India

Government

Blockchain tech is our financial future — America can get ahead of it

IEEE Security & Privacy Call for Papers: Special Issue on the Blockchain

Uses and Applications

Blockchain Opened 10 Millionth Digital Wallet Thanks to Uncertainty

Hyperledger hits 100-member milestone

Ethereum’s Blockchain Accidentally Splits

Overstock.com to Hold Investor Education Session on November 29, 2016

Bitfury Paper Makes Case For Auditability As Blockchain’s Defining Feature
BitSE Launches Blockchain-Based VeChain Platform, Teams Up With PwC

Cubichain Technologies Enhance 3D Printing Security with Blockchain

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