Unlocking Privacy: The Future of Data-Protecting Smart Contracts with Thomas Kerber

Unshielded: A Blockchain & Data Podcast

In this episode of Unshielded: A Blockchain & Data Podcast by Midnight, host Anthony Day is joined by Thomas Kerber, Technical Architect at Midnight.

Join them as we discuss:

• The Kachina model for smart contracts and its novel approach to privacy in blockchain
• The evolution of Kachina from research to implementation in the Midnight network
• The challenges developers face when working with zero-knowledge proofs
• A round-trip transaction on Midnight, showcasing the intricacies of data-protecting smart contracts
• The potential impact of data-protecting smart contracts on blockchain adoption and data sovereignty
• The future of privacy-preserving blockchain technology and its applications

Thomas Kerber is a Technical Architect at Midnight, with a significant background in computer security and blockchain technology. His work on the Kachina Protocol and its evolution into Midnight has been groundbreaking in the field of smart contracts. Thomas brings a wealth of experience from his research and development at Input Output Global, particularly in the areas of privacy and scalability in blockchain systems.

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Episode Highlights:

[00:01:27] The potential of data-protecting smart contracts

[00:04:07] Overview of the Kachina model for smart contracts

[00:06:33] Evolution of Kachina into the Midnight Network

[00:08:42] SNARK upgradability in Midnight's design

[00:11:41] How zero-knowledge proofs enable data protection in smart contracts

[00:13:16] Challenges for developers working with zero-knowledge proofs

[00:16:28] Live demo: A round-trip transaction on Midnight

[00:30:47] The future of data-protecting smart contracts

Episode Resources:

• Thomas Kerber on LinkedIn
• Kachina Protocol Research Paper: Kachina – Foundations of Private Smart Contracts
• Midnight Network: Midnight Network
• IOHK Website

This episode is brought to you by Midnight.

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