Cleveland Blockchain Boosters Gear Up For December Conference

Advocates of attracting blockchain technology companies to Northeast Ohio plan an update on their efforts Tuesday morning

Blockchain is a decentralized way to keep records online that’s not owned by any one person or group. It’s used in digital or crypto- currencies like Bitcoin, but it could have other uses— such as in healthcare data.

Ohio businessman Bernie Moreno said he wants to encourage local blockchain startups and to help current businesses use the technology.

Moreno has convened a number of business, philanthropic and civic leaders around the idea of elevating Cleveland’s tech profile through blockchain.

He said the event this week is a chance to hear input.

“The idea behind that is to make sure everybody in the community is engaged, can ask questions,” he said, “and actually most importantly, can give input as to whether we’re going directionally the right way or the wrong way.”

Last week, the group announced that venture capital nonprofit JumpStart would work with Toronto-based Blockchain Research Institute to make research data available to local entrepreneurs and businesses. 

A conference, managed by Destination Cleveland, is scheduled for December of this year.

“The conference is our coming-out party, so to speak,” Moreno said. “The Blockland effort itself is something that hopefully will be a long-lasting community project.”