Annual Achievement Awards Nominees
Each year, the GBA gives out Annual Achievement Awards for Leadership, Innovation, Social Impact, and Courage. In 2023, the Organization Award was added. These awards are given to individuals who have achieved outcomes that benefit a wider circle of influence than just themselves; they have forged a more perfect union between governments and the citizens they serve. Their accomplishments have contributed to enhancing justice, domestic tranquility, and support the common defense of citizens’ rights and welfare while securing the blessings of liberty in a free society.
Voting Closed
Leadership
Leadership is the act of leading a group of people or an organization. Exceptional leaders provide freedom of thought, resources, support, encouragement, and challenge. Chasing bold goals, leaders inspire others to go beyond what they believe they could, and then reward them for trying. They are pioneers of change with a tangible track record of results. Leading by example, they inspire others to take smart risks, bringing positive advancement to the professional lives of their group. This award acknowledges and celebrates exemplary leadership that has a significant and positive impact on advancing the theory and practice of blockchain technology while benefiting the welfare of many.
Sheila Warren
Ms. Warren is the CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation. She founded the WEF blockchain & digital asset team, and oversaw policy strategy across 14 countries.
Dragan Boscovic
Dr. Boscovic leads the ASU Blockchain Lab, and is a founding member of the Arizona Blockchain Applied Research Center.
Alejandro Mandujano
Mr. Mandujano is the GBA Director of Global Operations. He has lead the path in bringing GBA content to the LATAM region, translating material into Spanish while bringing opportunity to the Spanish community
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Sheila Warren
Sheila Warren is the CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation – the premier global alliance for advancing the promise of this new technology through research, education, and advocacy. Prior to the Crypto Council, she founded the World Economic Forum’s blockchain and digital assets team and was a member of the Executive Leadership Team for the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. She oversaw tech policy strategy across 14 countries and regularly briefed ministers, CEOs of the Fortune 100 and Heads of State. She spent significant time as a lawyer and executive in the nonprofit sector helping companies work with emerging technology to solve problems and increase efficiency. She was on the leadership team at TechSoup and built NGOsource, an online service that helps US foundations reduce costs on cross-border grants. As the CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation, Sheila runs the premier global alliance advancing crypto innovation, advocating for inclusive regulation across the globe.
In 2023, Sheila was voted one of the most influential women in DC by the Washingtonian magazine.
Dragan Boscovic
Dr. Boscovic leads the ASU Blockchain Lab, merging technical expertise with visionary thinking and a demonstrably successful track record. As a founding member of the Arizona Blockchain Applied Research Center, his focus on industrial-scale applications underscores his commitment to real-world impact. Dr. Boscovic’s leadership extends far beyond founding initiatives. He has: – Educated over 2,000 students in the art of blockchain through a renowned Coursera course. – Secured over $3 million in private and public funding, fostering strong public-private partnerships. – Shaped national understanding of blockchain by engineering solutions for US Federal Agencies. Cybersecurity solutions for permission blockchain and secure data exchanges are some of the solutions engineered and tested. – Spearheaded international collaborations with the EU, UAE, and Qatar, advancing global knowledge exchange. Dr. Boscovic’s passion, vision, and proven ability to deliver results position him perfectly to propel the ASU Blockchain Lab to unwavering leadership in this ever-evolving field.
Voted the best hosting partner by EU NGI Programme.
Alejandro Mandujano
Alejandro has Help in the development and implementation of:
– New strategies to reinvigorate GBA throughout the regions
– Resuscitate the active participation of Members, Chapters Leads, Regionals, and Ambassadors
– Make members believe in GBA´s new path and a corporate identity
– New Regional partnerships with organizations, universities, and other blockchain associations
– New Regional projects to reinforce the member´s participation
– New focus on Universities and Research Centers to become proficient in blockchain project development
– New proposal to create Blockchain SW Network of Cooperatives for trained students in all GBA Regions
– Train students and professors with live and online blockchain networks
– Develop projects to promote Blockchain solutions to governments and companies to promote Members BMM Rated Blockchain Solutions
– New projects aimed at resolving critical problems for humanity – Water Tokenization Project
– Set a scheme to show GBA´s Members how to monetize their GBA investment through teamwork, BMM certification and commitment
– Proving that GBA can be profitable, have constant growth, and active members
Innovation
Innovation is turning an idea or invention into a product or service that creates value for people and organizations. We are looking for the application of blockchain-related ideas that are novel and useful but also applied and scaled. These applications must further satisfy the needs and expectations of users in the public or private sector. An innovative solution has been implemented if it has been introduced, adopted, and solves a real-world problem. In this time of unprecedented change, what may have helped an organization be successful in the past might not be effective today. We are looking for individuals that adapt and evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of their constituents and stakeholders, both for now, and the foreseeable future.
Ian Taylor
Mr. Taylor has led the development of blockchain solutions for branches of the US government including Air Force, Army, Navy, and Space Force.
Radhakrishnan Mahalingam
RK has made a Predictive Analytics platform for Legal Tech services benefitting legal firms. He is also shaping how global law enforcement undertakes cyber investigations and forensics.
Tanuj Surve
Mr. Surve has a patent for a blockchain solution revolutionizes mortgage transactions through smart contracts.
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Ian Taylor
Ian Taylor, as the Chief Information Officer of SIMBA Chain, has led the development of pioneering blockchain solutions tailored for various branches of the US government, including the Air Force, Army, Navy, and Space Force. Under his guidance, SIMBA Chain has established itself as a leader in providing secure, tamper-free data exchange solutions. Their cloud-based Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform enables users of all skill levels to implement decentralized applications (Dapps) seamlessly, eliminating the need for intermediaries and fostering direct connections between users and providers. Ian’s focus on data trust is reflected in SIMBA Chain’s comprehensive approach, ensuring secure and verified data exchange across every layer of the platform. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, Ian has facilitated impactful government engagements, driving digital transformation and innovation within the public sector. With a commitment to accessibility and scalability, Ian’s vision extends beyond large enterprises, enabling organizations of all sizes to harness the power of blockchain technology to improve operations and achieve their objectives. For his outstanding contributions to advancing blockchain innovation in government sectors, Ian Taylor is a deserving candidate for the Government Blockchain Association’s Annual Achievement Award for Innovation.
Radhakrishnan Mahalingam
Radhakrishnan (RK) has pioneered and ideated a Predictive Analytics platform for Legal Tech services benefitting Legal firms. RK has been a Consummate Innovative Leader in leading KPI driven AI & Blockchain platforms for Legal Tech services marking successful solutioning for Cognitive Laws (CogL), Sustainable Legal frameworks (SLF) and Real-World Laws (RWL) for Law Economics and Legal Research (LELR). Exceptional leadership and Community contribution : Driving “Partnership Community events” in Legaltech community in the region, a streamlined enablement to Legal professionals, Legal tech innovators has been the core attributes aiming towards absolute Legal Excellence (LE). Impact on Legal technology : Radhakrishnan as a certified COP advocate (University of Edinburgh), has delivered a measurable impactful solution integration via multi-geo packages producing unflustered Leadership guidance. Innovation : Shaping how Global Law Enforcement undertakes cyber investigations and forensics, as an industry expert RK has been applying ethical AI solutions to a wide array of Legal solutions like : – “Zero touch Invoicing for law firms” – “Legal tech incubation” – “Digital Courts for Audits & Compliance” – “Legal services in Cloud Computing” – uncovered innovative approaches that fuse cutting-edge technology with legal principles, ensuring that AI is harnessed responsibly and ethically
Legend Global CIO Award Dec 2023 Legal Luminary Award 2024 COP28 – Sustainability for Future (University of Edinburgh)
Tanuj Surve
The nominee has spearheaded groundbreaking advancements in blockchain technology, marked by a patent for a blockchain solution that revolutionizes mortgage transactions through the use of smart contracts, significantly improving both efficiency and security. This innovation, paired with his development of AI-generated smart contracts in collaboration with the Hyperledger Foundation, showcases his ability to blend technical expertise with practical applications, setting new industry standards. His work with UC Berkeley Law School highlights his commitment to ensuring that blockchain technology evolves within a robust legal framework, enhancing its reliability and societal impact. Additionally, his contributions to the academic field through research papers and book chapters on DeFi governance layers, along with his role as a DeFi writer for Cointelegraph, demonstrate his dedication to advancing the blockchain community’s understanding of governance and regulatory issues. These efforts exemplify a blend of technical innovation, legal research, and community engagement, making him a deserving candidate for this award.
The nominee has distinguished themselves in the blockchain field through various prestigious recognitions and contributions: US Patent: Awarded for an innovative blockchain solution that enhances mortgage transactions with smart contracts, reflecting a significant technological contribution to the field. DeFi Talent Certification: Earned from the Frankfurt School of Management, showcasing expertise in Decentralized Finance. Thought Leadership: Featured in interviews by ShoutoutMiami and BoldJourney, recognizing the nominee as a thought leader in the blockchain space. Published Articles: Authored 15 articles for Cointelegraph, a leading blockchain magazine with a readership of over 11 million, contributing to widespread knowledge and understanding of blockchain technologies. Research Publication: A research article published with Techbullion magazine, further demonstrating expertise and contribution to blockchain knowledge. Peer Review: Served as an article reviewer for an IEEE conference and a reviewer for IGI publication, contributing to the academic rigor and quality of research in the blockchain domain.
Social Impact
Social Impact is the effect that an individual or organization has on the wellbeing of the community, society, or world at large. Similar to social good, social impact brings about results that are more widespread, even life-changing. This requires a significant shift in the vision, the trajectory, or the culture of a society. To really make a social impact requires action more than just ideas. However, this kind of change takes time. With a clear vision of what could be, one individual or organization can start the process to bring real and lasting social impact. That is who we seek to honor with this award.
Pradeep Goel
Mr. Goel and his Solve.Care team developed Care Shelters and Care Schools in Ukraine, and provided accessable healthcare services to displaced individuals.
Tristan Thoma
Mr. Thoma led the adoption of Bitcoin in the nation of El Salvador, increasing the population banking rate from 30% to over 75%.
Akon
Akon is a musician who has used his platform and influence to bring benefit to Africa in the form of electricity, healthcare, crypto economy, and opportunity, rising the economies of Africa and beyond.
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Pradeep Goel
Pradeep Goel, the CEO of Solve.Care, has made a significant social impact through his innovative approach to healthcare solutions. Under his leadership, Solve.Care has developed initiatives like Care.Shelters and Care.Schools, aiming to address the health, shelter, and educational needs of vulnerable populations and students, in Ukraine respectively. Care.Shelters focuses on providing accessible healthcare services to displaced individuals, ensuring they receive the necessary medical attention and support. More importantly, it provides them a community. Meanwhile, Care.Schools is designed to improve education and services within educational institutions, providing an Ontario High School Diploma, leading to more options for the children. Solve.Care’s partnership with Inha University in South Korea exemplifies Pradeep’s vision of leveraging global collaboration to enhance blockchain education and innovation. This partnership is set to foster research and development in healthcare technology, contributing to the advancement of digital health solutions worldwide. Moreover, the Care.Platform, a cornerstone of Solve.Care’s ecosystem, is bringing healthcare delivery to the next level. By integrating blockchain technology, it ensures secure, efficient, and transparent healthcare processes. The platform facilitates seamless communication and transactions among patients, providers, and insurers, reducing administrative burdens and improving care coordination.
CEO- Solve.Care Nominated for this award in the past?- Yes. Won the GBA AAA Courage Award in 2023 for the work he did in Ukraine sheltering people during the war.
Tristan Thoma
Tristan led the adoption and resurgence of the first and only national cryptocurrency system in the world. This increased financial inclusion in El Salvador from a 30% banking rate to over 75% of the country having used the wallet. This system gave access not only to decentralized currency but is expanded (and still is expanding) to provide a broad range of digital financial services to the previously underbanked population. He is currently working with Government agencies, Central banks and financial authorities across 4 continents to support the development of next-generation digital currency in a responsible and financially inclusive way. The millions of people across El Salvador that have been given access to the global financial economy, and billions of people represented through the governments he is working with will see impact of this work for generations to come.
Privately granted impact and leadership award given in El Salvador by the team leading the country’s bitcoin wallet.
Akon
Akon is a multiplatinum-selling recording artist. He also started the Lighting Africa initiative, which has provided electricity to dozens of countries in Africa. Akon is a major supporter of cryptocurrencies and has launched his own, Akoin, (AKN) (now available in the US on BitMart) which is being used to power the economy of a new “crypto city” in Africa. Akoin is a cryptocurrency, powered by a marketplace of tools and services to fuel the dreams of entrepreneurs, business owners, and social activists. Akoin helps them connect and engage across the rising economies of Africa and beyond; created by visionary global artist, change-maker, innovator, and humanitarian, Akon.
Akoin supported western Kenya’s Mwale Medical Technology City, or MMTC.
The pilot stage allowed residents to pay and be paid using Akoin and have the transactions converted immediately into cell phone minutes or other forms of exchange.
Monthly transactions were projected to reach $2 billion by 2022. By that time, Akoin became the only platform for business transactions in the city.
Courage
Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyways. (As spoken by John Wayne). Blockchain is challenging the traditional paradigms, norms, and power structures of today. Most people do not understand the impact of this technology, while others do understand it, and feel threatened. This presents great potential for opposition, fear, and doubt. Sometimes navigating uncharted waters means taking risks for a vision that no one else sees. True courage is standing for one’s convictions, and not backing down to popular or powerful opinion, even at the risk of great personal loss. Courage is speaking up for what you believe must be said, no matter the cost, for not speaking would be cowardice. Courageous people are willing to endure personal sacrifice for the betterment of others and to defend values such as liberty, integrity, and justice.
Michael Benzaken
Mr. Benzaken has been a fighter for the rights of citizens who have been harmed by nefarious and illegal practices of some cryptocurrency companies.
Perianne Boring
Ms. Boring has been an advocate for blockchain policy in the US government and for all humanity.
Wassim Jarkas
Mr. Jarkas has been an advocate for blockchain development in the Middle East at his own expense to benefit the nations in the area.
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Michael Benzaken
Mike, former Chair & CEO of an SME Life Science multinational, is known for his engagement with the UN, non-governmental supranationals, & Health Ministries across the globe, launching new programs in furtherance of serving disadvantaged populations. He spent years improving his company’s tech & analyzing reliable open-source data to ensure delivery of goods & services provided abroad for disaster relief & economic development were efficient & effective. During his time on the Hill, Mike spoke with various agencies about the substantial inefficiencies in the transfer of monies, goods, and services overseas, which was widely accepted by select agency leadership.
After selling his equity position, Mike transitioned into emergent tech to design solutions to long-standing problems. He & his late business partner were attacked for their investigations & community-sponsored decentralized media apparatus. His partner later disappeared bit Mike’s will remained. Following the CeFi implosion & FTX contagion, Mike activated his nonprofit to investigate DeFi ’19-’22, uncovering points of alleged criminality that materially impacted the Examiner’s Report in the Celsius case. His contact, founder of the popular DeFi protocol in question, found drowned subsequent to the prior to the release of the report.
Mike’s determination to pursue truth & justice, despite the consequences, has inspired others to join his cause. CWF’s findings & its private supporters have demonstrated that one’s success is proportionate to the success that one elicits from others. Protecting the innocent is our hill & nothing will dissuade CWF from defending it.
After losing his life savings to these criminals, Mr. Benzaken investigated Celsius Network and helped the court bring charges against Celsius and FTX. His foundation received neither compensation nor recognition for these efforts.
Perianne Boring
Perianne Boring is a visionary leader in the blockchain industry, and is the Founder and CEO of the Chamber of Digital Commerce, the prestigious trade association dedicated to representing and advancing blockchain technology. The Digital Chamber of Commerce has created the ‘Stop Crypto Ban Campaign’ to stop governments from banning an entire industry. She has shown great courage to challenge governments from having the power to cut someone off from the economic system if that government is not aligned with an individual’s beliefs. When governments control the economic system, they control humans. Fighting the ban on crypto assets bill is a fight for human freedom, and Perianne Boring has been very courageous in standing up for blockchain regulations that support human freedom.
Forbes honored Perianne as one of “America’s Top 50 Women in Tech.” Furthermore, CoinDesk named her one of the “10 Most Influential People in Blockchain.”
Wassim Jarkas
Wassim deserves to be nominated for this award due to his courage along the journey of leaving a very high level position and title and high level pay in STC , the biggest telecommunication company in the middle east and the the third biggest corporation in KSA after ARAMCO and SABEC. just to join the Blockchain Technology journey with GBA , FAB, and i-Blockchain. He insisted on his goal despite all of the circumstances he have been through and business politics around his role.
This was a never easy decision for Wassim and his family, and he suffers in the beginning of this decision by colleages and pepole around him. he stand-up and continue until reaching this level for i-blockchain maturity.
His contribuation to the technology in the middle east is uncountable , and he has participated in his own expense for three major tech. events to promote the blockchain features and benefits to the good of the nations and governments in our region. Wassim Truly deserve the Courage Award.
Wassim receive the Leadership Award in Money 2.0 Dubai Event. Wassim has a lot of other regional and global recognitions in the Telecom Sector.
Organization
The Organization that qualifies for the Organizational Award brings together a group of people to solve challenges, eliminate waste, promote justice, improve results, and even change paradigms, by using blockchain technology. An organization that qualifies is exceptional in their creativity, effective in their implementation, and ground-breaking with their results. Organizational winners create an atmosphere where the individuals can thrive, and where synergy creates a whole that is greater than the sum of its’ parts. Winning organizations make an impact that reverberates around the world.
Highline Techology is bringing the GBA content and the Blockchain Maturity Model opportunity to the nations in Latin America.
EarthID is a decentralized identity platform which allows secure and frictionless exchange and verification of identity information using future gen biometric technology.
Voatz is a mobile elections platform using military grade technology and highest grade security to provide reliable and trustworthy elections through technology.
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Highline Technologies
Highline Technologies was born in 2023 with the aim of bringing GBA’s knowledge of Blockchain technology, best practices and the BMM Standards and their Supplements in the Spanish language to the Ibero-American region. In this way, Highline made alliances with Universities, Technology, Polytechnics and Innovation Organizations in the region to integrate students, teachers and researchers in the development of regional Blockchain projects that benefit communities comprehensively. Additionally, Highline integrated 15 GBA members who were certified by the BMM as BCA – BMM Certified Advisors, and is implementing internal Governance strategies, comprehensive Compliance, as well as professionalization of the company. Making Highline the 1st BAP in Ibero America with a true regional reach, in addition to having the international support of GBA members to offer Blockchain consulting services and Evaluation of blockchain solutions in compliance with the BMM.
EarthID
EarthID is a global award-winning decentralized identity platform which allows secure and frictionless exchange and verification of identity information. On January 20, 2024, this organization achieved the Level 1 Rating of the Blockchain Maturity Model (BMM) issued by the Government Blockchain Association (GBA) and recognized by the United Nations Internet Governance Forum’s Dynamic Coalition of Blockchain Assurance Standards.
For EarthID to achieve the Level 1 BMM rating ensures that they can demonstrate credibility to potential customers, and they now have a roadmap for continuous improvement.
EarthID offers its users a straightforward and versatile human verification process by using future gen biometric technology. This helps organizations reduce identity fraud and ensure privacy and regulatory compliance. Powered by third generation DLT, Artificial Intelligence and the latest biometric security, EarthID provides a Universal ID Solution that is resistant to cyberattacks and compliant with global Data Regulations like GDPR and PDPB. For these reasons, EarthID is being nominated for the GBA Annual Achievement Award for Organization.
The International Centre for Culinary Arts adopts EarthID for blockchain based certification for their students.
Voatz
Voatz is a mobile elections platform powered by cutting edge technology making it safe and easy to vote from anywhere.
Their mission is to make it safer and more accessible for people to participate in democracy.
Backed by military grade technology, Voatz enables a secure vote from a smartphone. Voatz can be used in all kinds of voting events, including overseas citizen absentee voting, state political party conventions, town hall meetings, university student government elections, professional organizations and more.
Voatz uses both high-security and low-security measures in order to protect both the voter’s privacy and the vote in all conditions, and they work closely with each election jurisdiction to ensure smooth integration and a seamless workflow. In the past, internet-based voting has failed due to an inability to ensure security, auditability, and voter anonymity. By using smartphone biometrics for security and blockchain for irrefutability, Voatz tackles these challenges and streamlines the process of voting and identity verification. The strongest democracies require active participation from us all. This is why Voatz should win the GBA Annual Achievement Award for Organization in 2024
Voatz was the first voting app to pass a GBA Blockchain Maturity Model (BMM) assessment.
Voting Closed
Nominations are open from May of the previous year until February of the award year. Candidates can be from around the world, and winners will be announced in May from stage at The Future of Money, Governance, and the Law conference in Washington, DC.
All nominations are sent to the past winners to choose 3 finalists per award. The finalists are then posted on the GBA site for the global community to vote for their favorite candidate during the month of March. Finalist nominations close April 3rd, and winners are announced at the AAA ceremony during the conference.