For many, blockchain is still synonymous with cryptocurrency. But for the leaders at the forefront of decentralized tech, crypto is just the tip of the iceberg—and blockchain’s bright future is dawning right now.
From compliance automation to financial services to patient data security, the latest wave of blockchain innovation is already reshaping how industries build trust, process transactions and unlock operational efficiency. As enterprises and startups move beyond speculation and hype, real-world utility is driving the next phase of growth.
We asked members of the Senior Executive Blockchain Think Tank—a group of enterprise leaders, builders and investors—what use cases and trends they’re most bullish on now. Their answers reveal a rapidly maturing ecosystem where blockchain is quietly becoming an indispensable tool across multiple sectors.
“I’m particularly bullish on blockchain infrastructure that enhances usability and scalability—such as interoperability protocols, modular chains and account abstraction.”
Scalable Infrastructure + Real Utility: Prepping for the Next Wave of Web3
Tomer Warschauer Nuni, Founder and Investment Director at PRIM3 Capital, says the foundations are being laid for mass blockchain adoption, with a focus on delivering measurable value.
“I’m particularly bullish on blockchain infrastructure that enhances usability and scalability—such as interoperability protocols, modular chains and account abstraction,” he says. “These factors are key to onboarding the next wave of users and developers.”
But for Nuni, infrastructure is only part of the story. He points to RWAs (real-world assets) and DePIN (decentralized physical infrastructure networks) as potential game changers. “They merge physical utility with tokenized ecosystems, delivering tangible value for both crypto-native and institutional players,” he explains.
Nuni also sees momentum building around the intersection of blockchain and AI. “I see major potential in DeFAI (decentralized finance AI) and InfoFi (information finance), which fuse AI and data intelligence with financial systems,” he says. “These emerging sectors will drive smarter, more secure and transparent Web3 environments.”
“As investor focus shifts to utility, these real-world applications are powering sustainable growth and delivering measurable ROI.”
Providing Enhanced Transparency and Security Benefits
For Bojan Ilic, Chairman and Global Director at Swiss Security Solutions, the most promising blockchain applications are centered on trust, traceability and regulatory resilience—and they’re already in play.
“Beyond cryptocurrency, I’m most bullish on blockchain’s potential in terms of supply chain transparency, digital identity and compliance automation,” he says. “For example, blockchain-powered supply chains enable real-time provenance tracking, reducing fraud and ensuring ethical sourcing.”
In highly regulated industries like finance and healthcare, blockchain’s benefits are especially impactful, providing not only enhanced protection of sensitive data but also productivity boosts.
“Verifiable digital identities streamline onboarding while strengthening security,” Ilic notes. “And smart contracts are reimagining compliance as an auditable, automated process.”
Ilic emphasizes that these applications aren’t theoretical—they’re already making a big impact. “Live use cases are solving pressing challenges, powering operational integrity and cross-industry adoption,” he asserts. “As investor focus shifts to utility, these real-world applications are powering sustainable growth and delivering measurable ROI.”
“Enterprises are achieving cost reductions of 60 to 80% in contract processing and compliance reporting.”
Blockchain + AI: Forging New Trust and Efficiency Solutions
Donna P. Mitchell, Founder and CEO of Mitchell Universal Network, is most excited about what happens when AI and blockchain converge.
“I’m most bullish on AI-powered smart contract automation and healthcare digital transformation through the use of blockchain for patient data integrity,” she says.
In interviews with industry leaders, she’s heard firsthand accounts of the productivity and cost benefits of blending blockchain and AI. “Enterprises are achieving cost reductions of 60 to 80% in contract processing and compliance reporting,” Mitchell reports.
She says that the combined power of blockchain and AI is also solving complex trust issues. “We’re seeing unprecedented opportunities in supply chain transparency, automated compliance and fraud prevention,” she says, noting that the healthcare industry in particular is buzzing with excitement about immutable patient records and transparent pharmaceutical supply chains.
“These aren’t speculative use cases,” Mitchell emphasizes. “They’re real-world solutions to immediate pain points around trust, efficiency and regulation—all making an impact now while building Web3 foundations.”
5 Enterprise Blockchain Trends to Watch Now
- Infrastructure innovation. Interoperability protocols and modular chains are unlocking scalability and onboarding.
- Tokenization of physical assets. DePIN networks and RWAs are creating hybrid systems with both utility and value.
- Digital identity and compliance. Blockchain is reshaping how regulated industries validate users and manage risk.
- Smart contract automation. Enterprises are using AI and blockchain to cut costs and improve operational accuracy.
- Healthcare transformation. Patient data integrity and pharmaceutical transparency are driving blockchain adoption in health tech.
Homing in on Blockchain’s Real Power
Crypto’s reputation may be clouded by hype and speculation, but the real value of the underlying blockchain technology is shining through, catching the attention of industries and investors.
Today’s blockchain innovators are focused on the real problems facing multiple industries—from supply chain resilience to reliable identity verification to compliance management—and they’re solving them in ways that are scalable, secure and increasingly integrated with AI and data-driven processes.
Blockchain isn’t just enabling intriguing emerging applications—it’s the foundational technology for mission-critical infrastructure that will power the next era of digital business.
