Juan Benet Warns EU Risks Missing 'Perfect Chance' in Decentralized Blockchain and AI Future

Juan Benet, the influential founder and CEO of Protocol Labs, voiced strong concerns regarding the European Union's approach to technological innovation, specifically in the realms of decentralized blockchains and artificial intelligence. In a recent social media post, Benet suggested the EU risks falling behind due to a perceived inability to innovate. His statement highlights a critical juncture for global leadership in emerging technologies.

Benet, known for inventing the InterPlanetary File System (IPFS) and the Filecoin decentralized storage network, leads Protocol Labs, an R&D lab dedicated to advancing computing. The organization focuses on a wide array of frontier technologies, including web3, AI, augmented reality, virtual reality, and brain-computer interfaces, aiming to push humanity forward through breakthrough innovations.

In his pointed tweet, Benet stated, > "Perfect chance to build the future — on decentralized blockchains and AI compatible. Probably going to miss it though because EU gov cannot innovate, stuck looking at the past." This commentary underscores his belief that the EU's governmental structures may be hindering its participation in the next wave of technological evolution.

Protocol Labs and Benet himself are actively investing in the future he describes. For instance, Protocol Labs was a lead investor in Zama, a Paris-based cryptography company that recently raised •67 million in Series A funding to develop privacy-preserving blockchain and AI solutions. Benet also participated as an individual investor, demonstrating a commitment to fostering these technologies.

The intersection of decentralized blockchains and AI represents a significant frontier in computing, promising advancements in data privacy, security, and autonomous systems. Experts widely acknowledge these technologies as foundational for future digital infrastructure and economic growth. Benet's critique suggests that a lack of proactive engagement could lead to missed economic and strategic opportunities for the European bloc.