Blockchain for Good: How New Technology Is Helping Those in Need in Novel Ways

There has been a lot of discussion about how cryptocurrencies and blockchain can transform the world's economy - leaving paper money behind and going truly digital.

Away from the profit margins, is there any way that blockchain can be a force for good? Some not-for-profit organizations - as well as companies and individuals who want to give back to the community - have shown that there's a promising future in which this technology can address some of the biggest challenges facing the world in the 21st century.

The World Food Programme is using blockchain to tackle hunger in impoverished areas through the "Building Blocks" scheme, with more than 100,000 refugees benefiting so far.

In a prime example of blockchain being used for good, several nations are exploring whether this technology could help return confidence to the electoral process.

Delivering scientific advancement There are several companies working to improve patient safety by championing blockchain as an ideal place for storing patient records - eliminating the inaccuracies, inefficiencies and geographical barriers that can arise from paper-based documents.

Blockchain is also helping cutting-edge scientific disciplines, such as genomics.

Giving back Of course, the act of doing good doesn't necessarily need to involve creating an entire blockchain platform.

Helping the unbanked Other blockchain startups are attempting to address an issue which is leaving hundreds of millions of people financially disenfranchised.

Based in the United States, BanQu allows refugees, the displaced and the world's poorest individuals to establish an economic identity on the blockchain.

The event will be a place for dozens of exhibitors to come together - promising to offer new insights into the ways blockchain can be a force for good.