When one thinks of global centers of blockchain innovation, a number of places come to mind: Silicon Valley, Singapore, Hong Kong, London, Switzerland, New York ... and now Austin. The blockchain ecosystem in Austin exploded in 2017 with new crypto funds, lending platforms, $35 million+ ICOs and $100 million+ networks relocating their HQ to Austin, as well as the rapid growth of home-grown blockchain companies. Oh, and IBM's blockchain team in Austin is rapidly expanding too. This panel will discuss why Austin has emerged as a fantastic city for the blockchain and crypto community. Top local innovators will highlight Austin's most exciting blockchain companies, why Austin has become a hotbed of crypto innovation and the role that the Austin Blockchain Collective is playing in putting Austin on the global blockchain map.

[Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.]