Oscar So

Cornell University
🇺🇸 Decentralized Identity Wallet (2019)

Through IBCOL I established valuable connections and learned more about real-world blockchain applications.

Anh Le

University of Waterloo (UW)
🇨🇦 Renzimme (2019)

Participating in the International Blockchain Olympiad (IBCOL) honed my problem-solving and technical skills while sparking my passion for blockchain technology.

It provided a platform to tackle real-world challenges and connect with industry talent, directly shaping my career as a data scientist and deepening my interest in decentralized solutions.

Nicole Wong

Diocesan Girls' School (DGS)
University of Melbourne
🇭🇰 2LUX (2021)
🇭🇰 IMProof (2022)

IBCOL participation enhanced my interdisciplinary capabilities by developing advanced skills in visual communication, technological prototyping, and strategic problem-solving.

Through mastering Figma for user interface design and analyzing blockchain system architectures, I cultivated a robust skill set in translating complex technological concepts for diverse audiences.

These experiences bridge my technological interests with medical studies, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to my career.

Delia Elena Barbuta

Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iași
🇷🇴 Paper Dissemination System (2024)

My experience with IBCOL was eye-opening. I realised that there are so many incredibly talented people in the web3 area. It never felt like a competition, but rather an amazing opportunity to learn and grow.

I am now more confident than ever that decentralized technologies have limitless potential and that our generation is prepared to take them to new heights.

Sophia Liu

Diocesan Girls' School
Lawrenceville School
🇭🇰 HelpProof (2021)
🇺🇸 ClubProof (2024)

This experience broadened my perspective on blockchain. While the mainstream perception of it is of a money-making machine in finance/cryptocurrency industry, I learnt through IBCOL's courses that blockchain's potential is far-reaching. Its ability to protect data authenticity establishes trust between people. Thus, blockchain isn't just a cold and capitalistic tool but a powerful agent for social change. 

This is an invaluable lesson that echoes in the tech industry--never just look at what a technology is portrayed as; look at what a technology actually is and what it can do beyond what others think it can.

As a woman in STEM, who is especially underrepresented in fields like blockchain, I am particularly grateful for the confidence that IBCOL instilled in me. IBCOL educators bestowed imparted state-of-the-art knowledge to young women indiscriminately, with a purpose to making this field more inclusive and representative of diverse perspectives. IBCOL is not just a course or competition.

To this day, I continue to seek mentorship and resources from IBCOL, using what I learnt in IBCOL to implement real-life solutions that can improve my community. IBCOL has made such a huge impact on my life that since competing in it in 2021, I have supported its mission and spread its word to empower more students in technology.

Owen Tam

Diocesan Boys' School (DBS)
🇭🇰 Ledger Logger (2024)

IBCOL helped me explore and understand many facets of blockchain technology, while prompting me to learn more about systems architecture.

Daniyar Kuzekov

Nazarbayev Intellectual School
Lingnan University
🇰🇿 EduChain (2024)

I learnt a lot about blockchain technology, attended multiple fruitful networking events, broadened my horizons and travelled to Amsterdam!

Agnes Chiu

Canadian International School
🇭🇰 Repro-Trust (2024)

Through KBI, I built my network and gained insight into global challenges through various projects, which enhanced my soft skills in presentation and crowd interaction. This experience also taught me how to collaborate effectively within a team of two.

Rebeca Borrego Cavazos

Universidad de Monterrey
🇲🇽 EcoTransform (2023)

Participating in IBCOL significantly broadened my horizons in the fields of data science and blockchain. It gave me the invaluable opportunity to connect with professionals in these areas and explore the vast range of applications for these transformative technologies, which I firmly believe represent the future.

The experience allowed me to showcase my project and passion while gaining invaluable insights on how to improve it. I found inspiration in the innovative ideas, designs, and diverse backgrounds of other participants. It was an incredibly motivating journey, as I walked away not only with valuable professional connections but also friendships.

NIKKIA LO

Diocesan Girls' School (DGS)
The University of Hong Kong
🇭🇰 2LUX (2021)
🇭🇰 IMProof (2022)

I developed the ability to assemble and lead diverse teams while honing my skills in research, analysis, and formulating recommendations. I learned to effectively understand and define problems, as well as integrate technology into innovative solutions.

Additionally, I mastered the design of technology solution architectures and strategically planned complex projects. My experience also includes clearly presenting intricate project details and organizing events, such as the DGS Demo Day 2022.

Initially, I did not consider a career in innovation and technology. IBCOL convinced me to apply to tech programmes at Waterloo, HKU, and HKUST with the eventual goal of incubating a startup at HKSTP.

Sakib Rabbani

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)
🇭🇰 UniMatrix (2021)

The IBCOL and KBI network connect me with industry professionals, which helped me get a job in Software Engineering at JP Morgan HK. The experience also inspired me to launch my own startup Talentier, which I recently brought to Silicon Valley.

Annie Suen

Queen Elizabeth School (QES)
🇭🇰 BallotBlock (2021)

Participating in IBCOL has profoundly shaped my personal growth and honed my skills in project management. It enhanced my ability to organise tasks effectively and be a good team player.

I started to develop a strategic mindset and encouraged me to approach complex problems with clarity. Most importantly, I understood the power and importance of self-directing learning.

I am grateful to have a precious learning experience that is so different from drilling exercises in the classrooms. IBCOL pushed me to jump out my comfort zone and explore novel solutions.

Woody Tai

The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE)
🇭🇰 DeGRID (2024)

IBCOL really opened my eyes on technology and how fast everything is changing. It gave a home, a place where I could just be a tech geek without judgement and meeting a bunch of people that are into technology and blockchain as a whole.

Dion Kamst

Hogeschool InHolland
🇳🇱 Production & Volunteer Management (2023 & 2024)

IBCOL, IDSOL, and DigiQuest were a transformative experience for me. As the production lead for the international segment and volunteer manager, I gained invaluable insights into working across cultures and making impactful changes.

The events ignited my passion for event management and broadened horizons for both me and the volunteers, giving us a deeper understanding of AI and collaboration.

Bryan Chiu

Canadian International School
University of Pennsylvania
🇭🇰 CircularX (2023)
🇭🇰 BackTrack AI (2024)

IBCOL fostered self-directed learning and encouraged me to seek innovative solutions beyond traditional academic settings. This opportunity pushed me out of my comfort zone and developed my problem-solving abilities.

Shirley Siu

Lingnan University
🇭🇰 Sr Manager, Career Advising Services, Office of Student Affairs

I would like to thank KBI for offering world-class training to our students. Our students do not only learn more about blockchain and data science, they could also apply the knowledge into their majors. We are grateful to have their support and passion in supporting the future generation.

Jully Slavtcheva

Hogeschool InHolland
🇳🇱 Junior Customer Success Manager (2023)

Working on DigiQuest 2023 enhanced my project management and event planning skills. I contributed to website development, onboarded sponsors, and provided input on building a customer success platform.

Leading tours of Amsterdam Noord for participants broadened my perspective on integrating technology into education. This experience expanded my network and strengthened my ability to manage impactful, cross-functional projects.

Dominic Tam

The Hong Kong Academy for Gifted Education (HKAGE)
🇭🇰 TraderLedger (2022)
🇭🇰 LockChain (2023)
🇭🇰 HealthNutz (2024)

Participating in the International Blockchain Olympiad and the International Data Science Olympiad was an invaluable experience that greatly enhanced my skills and knowledge. The opportunity to network and connect with talented individuals and experts worldwide allowed me to exchange ideas and build meaningful relationships.

The competitions also helped me develop strong system design thinking skills, enabling me to approach complex problems with innovative solutions.

Additionally, I improved my pitching and communication abilities, learning how to present ideas clearly and confidently. 

Finally, working on graphic design and coding pushed me to turn ideas into practical, well-executed solutions. Overall, the Olympiads were an incredible learning experience, and I highly recommend them to anyone looking to grow both personally and professionally.

Zhanel Tagayeva

National School of Physics & Math  (FIZMAT)
Lingnan University
🇰🇿 CollApp (2022)

IBCOL and KBI helped me to get accepted to participate in the internship program which is sponsored by METI of Japan. I could also move to Japan after that internship. 

Kaitlyn Zee

Aragon High School
🇺🇸 Journal of the Wills (2024)

I learned more about web3 and reinforced my passion for solution design and pitching.

Nisreen Bahrainwala

University of Michigan
🇺🇸 Vivica (2019)

The International Blockchain Olympiad was the perfect platform to raise awareness of the opioid crisis that has ravaged America, and to let everyone know that a realistic solution is within reach.

We are happy to report that Vivica is in talks with the right stakeholders to bring this into reality. Thank you for giving us the boost we need.

Jeremiah Valero

University of San Carlos (USC)
🇵🇭 MediSure (2019)

Our team is fortunate to be blessed with the capability to learn and the ability to build, so it is our patriotic and moral obligation to tackle a problem that countless of my people and many more around the world are literally dying from.

We are fortunate to have the chance to go through the IBCOL program, which forced us to up our game. This network is amazing, and our work is just getting started.

Paul Huang

Guangzhou Civil Aviation College
🇨🇳 Aero-Knowledge Proof (2019)

I had the opportunity to attend some of the blockchain classes at City University of Hong Kong, specifically the “blockdating” session. I was matched with a local student to help me express my work in English. I owe him and the organizers my sincere gratitude. Because of the competition, my idea is now an incubated project at Hong Kong Science Park.

Danielle Cadoret

University of Waterloo (UW)
🇨🇦 VaccinePlus (2019)

The blockchain training program was a very eye-opening experience. Besides adding privacy and blockchain into my thesis, I also explored the idea of blockchain in healthcare, and decided to tackle a problem that is very personal for me.

Winning the competition was a nice surprise, but the support I got after to bring the project to market was invaluable. I hope VaccinePlus can really change the world.

Tony Chow

Canadian International School
🇭🇰 EcoFare (2024)

IBCOL helped me develop my pitching and networking skills. By competing in this competition, I learned how to grab the attention of judges and visitors.

This experience greatly helped me learn how to pitch an idea of mine to potential investors. It also taught me the importance of being active and seeking for opportunities instead of just sitting and waiting.

Lester Chong

United World College (UWC) Hong Kong
🇭🇰 TraderLedger (2022)
🇭🇰 LockChain (2023)

KBI helped me understand the power of technology, not just as a subject at school but also a medium that can empower every aspect of our daily lives. 

Xu Shijie

City University of Hong Kong
ESSEC Business School MiM
🇭🇰 Health Pass (2020)

The IBCOL experience has been a great experience for me. Developing a blockchain solution to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in education allowed me to explore blockchain’s real-world applications while balancing innovation with practicality. The competition was not just about solving problems; it was a journey of learning, collaboration, and creativity.

Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of blockchain technologies, particularly in the areas of data privacy and secure verification processes. The mentorship and feedback from industry experts were invaluable and pushed me to refine my project and approach challenges more strategically.

Additionally, IBCOL provided a platform to connect with talented peers and professionals from around the world. This exposure enriched my perspective, broadened my network, and gave me the confidence to pursue more ambitious goals in the tech industry. Overall, participating in IBCOL was a transformative experience that equipped me with skills and insights I will carry throughout my career.

Dr. Prof. Adrian Alexandrescu

Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iași
🇷🇴 Vice-Dean for Didactic Activity & Assistant Professor

Participating at IBCOL as team coordinator was a wonderful experience. It gave me the opportunity to explore a variety of innovative projects and be part of an open and supportive community, even among competitors.

Coming from a technological university, our focus is often solely on the technical aspects. However, IBCOL helped me realize that the project idea, the people you work with, the connections you build, and especially the business perspective are what truly matter.

Dr. Prof. Isabel Yan

City University of Hong Kong
🇭🇰 Associate Professor, Department of Economics and Finance

The Königsberger Bridges Institute comprises a great team of professionals with rich academic and enterprise experience. They are very dedicated to advancing students’ knowledge and application skills in blockchain and data science. I am glad to see so many students benefit from their educational initiatives.