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Corporate Innovation Day 2025, held on May 8 in Geneva, showed how blockchain is changing business, finance, and society. The event was organized by STORM Partners and brought together experts from many industries. They explored how blockchain can solve real problems, not just serve as hype.
This yearly conference proved once again that Geneva is becoming a strong center for blockchain innovation.
A Warm Start
The event started with Elli Koch giving a warm welcome. Vincent Subilia, General Director of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce (CCIG), opened the event with a keynote speech. He stressed that innovation is key for Geneva to grow and attract new tech talent.
Subilia shared that while Geneva is making progress, more work is needed to become a leading city in blockchain and fintech.
Making Blockchain Easier for Companies
Axel Sabbag from STORM Partners introduced a tool called Lightningbox. It’s designed to help companies apply blockchain in simple, useful ways.
He focused on making blockchain adoption easier for companies that don’t have deep tech skills. His message was clear: blockchain should serve business needs, not complicate them.
Protocols That Drive Innovation
One important session was called Beyond the Code. DJ Bodden moderated the panel, joined by:
- Alex Maaza, Cardano Foundation
- William De Ath, Hedera
They discussed how open-source blockchain protocols support innovation. Both agreed that businesses should use what works instead of always building from scratch.
De Ath also said blockchain terms should be easier to understand. The focus, he said, should stay on solving problems, not on technical jargon.
Web3 Security: A Serious Concern
Security was another big topic. Bryn Bennett from Hacken revealed a worrying fact — $2 billion was stolen in Q1 2025 due to hacks.
He explained Hacken’s goal to make crypto safer with tools like:
Security Tool | Purpose |
Audits | Spot weaknesses in code |
Compliance | Help follow rules and standards |
Monitoring | Keep systems safe over time |
Bennett emphasized that strong security builds trust, which is key for Web3 adoption.
Rebuilding Finance with Blockchain
In another panel, experts discussed how to rebuild finance using blockchain and regulation. Panelists included:
- Milko Hensel, Maerki Baumann
- Victor Busson, Taurus
- Liburn Mehmetaj, Walder Wyss
- Moderator: Sheraz Ahmed, STORM Partners
They all agreed: for blockchain finance to grow, technology and regulation must work together. Busson added that clear rules help companies feel safe to innovate. Mehmetaj reminded the audience that knowing the tech is just as vital as knowing the laws.
Blockchain for Social Good
A powerful session titled Blockchain for Good focused on humanitarian uses. The panel was led by Jakub Dziadkowiec from BeInCrypto Poland. Panelists included:
- Olivier Anselmo, Switzerland for UNHCR
- Elodie Jallet, Impactify
Anselmo spoke about using blockchain to make aid systems more transparent. He explained how blockchain could improve how aid is delivered, tracked, and measured. This helps donors and recipients trust the process more.
Hedging with Crypto-Assets
Bassil Eid from STORM Partners discussed how companies can protect their fiat holdings using crypto. He explained tools and strategies like:
- Stablecoins for predictable value
- Platforms like AAVE or COMP for passive yields
- Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) to reduce risk
- Understanding impermanent loss in DeFi
This session gave companies practical ways to manage risk using crypto tools.
Luxury Meets Blockchain
The final panel explored how blockchain is changing the luxury goods market. Speakers included:
- Franck Garnier, Hublot
- Pedro Lopez-Belmonte Eraso, ex-Richemont
- Davide Di Stefano, Aura Blockchain Consortium
- Moderator: Clio Godrèche, FHH
Garnier introduced the idea of turning luxury watches into NFTs. Di Stefano shared how blockchain helps prove product authenticity. This is very useful in the second-hand market.
They also discussed private blockchains, which help brands save money, manage data, and stay in control.
Corporate Innovation Day 2025 in Geneva showed how blockchain is no longer just theory. It’s becoming a practical tool for solving real challenges. From finance to fashion to humanitarian work, blockchain is making a positive impact.
The event proved one thing clearly — when used wisely, blockchain can transform industries.
Remember, investing in cryptocurrencies involves risks, and it’s important to conduct thorough research and seek professional advice before making any financial decisions. (Please keep in mind that this post is solely for informative purposes and should not be construed as financial or investment advice.)
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