Rebecca Ryan, partner at Matheson. Image: Karl Hussey/Fennell Photography
Participants are set to pool their tech talent to see how blockchain could have a positive impact on the financial and legal sectors.
On 3 to 4 November of this year, Matheson – in partnership with Deloitte, IBM and the Dublin City University (DCU) Ryan Academy – will host Ireland’s first ever law-focused blockchain hackathon, as part of Matheson’s Smart Programme, designed to inspire innovative thinking.
A two-stage blockchain hackathon
The event will be split into two distinct phases.
On Friday 3 November, the ‘Learn It, Pitch It’ phase will be held, where participants will learn about implementing blockchain technology and the advantages it has over existing systems.
The following day, the ‘Create It, Win It’ leg of the hackathon will take place, where participants can learn how to implement their ideas in a team setting and put it into practice, then teams will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges.
Although enabling the cryptocurrency industry is perhaps the most well-known application of blockchain technology, it can be applied to many other industries that transact goods and services, including law.
Rewarding new innovations in how blockchain is used
Rebecca Ryan, partner at Matheson, said: “We are delighted to partner with Deloitte, IBM and DCU Ryan Academy to host the first legal hackathon in Ireland.
“This event is all about bringing together, appreciating and rewarding new ideas. Blockchain is a completely new way of working and a technology where the rules have yet to be set.
“There are no losers in a hackathon and everyone walks away with valuable insights and brilliant networking opportunities.”
Niamh Collins, chief operations officer at DCU Ryan Academy, added: “DCU Ryan Academy is excited to be supporting this event, which is at the intersection between an innovative Irish law firm in Matheson and a massively disruptive new technology in blockchain.
“We’re already looking forward to seeing what innovations participants develop as well as the new networks and partnerships that will be formed.”
