A convergence of “disparate technologies” such as blockchain, robotics AI, VR and AR could bring immense opportunity in 2025, says the managing director of the Sui Foundation.
Speaking to Cointelegraph at Consensus 2025 in Hong Kong, Christian Thompson said in the mid-term he sees an opportunity with the convergence of a number of technologies, such as AI agents integrated into blockchains.
“The interesting thing with all of these technologies, you get AI, you get robotics, you get like things like AR, VR for gaming, you get blockchain, you get the ability to own your assets in a way,” he said.
“As these technologies converge, you get these watershed moments; I think we’re peering over the edge as it relates to blockchain and AI. Other things will come next. I don’t think it’s very far off. I think it’s in this cycle,” he added.
Christian Thompson, managing director of the Sui Foundation. Source: Cointelegraph
Blockchain firms have already started integrating AI into blockchain to enhance user experiences and operational efficiency. Decentralized AI infrastructure provider Kite AI launched an AI-focused testnet on Feb. 6.
A day earlier, on Feb. 5, the 0G Foundation launched an $88.88 million ecosystem fund to accelerate projects creating AI-powered decentralized finance (DeFi) applications and autonomous agents, known as DeFAI agents.
Along with greater developments around AI and blockchain, Thompson says this cycle might see “payments actually start to get adopted in meaningful ways,” thanks to regulatory and policy clarity spurring developers to enter the space.
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“On the investment side, the liquidity free-up will likely happen. You’ll see VCs and funds and private family offices coming in and feeling more confident to wade into the space. Once you get some regulatory clarity, you will open up a world of investment,” Thompson said.
“From that, you’ll get this shift from Web2 to Web3; they’ll begin to converge. Then you get all this experimentation, research and development work, creating its own flywheel effect.”
US lawmakers and industry leaders have been calling for a regulatory overhaul of the crypto sector under US President Donald Trump’s administration to ensure the nation maintains an edge over global competitors.
Meanwhile some crypto skeptics, such as US Senator Elizabeth Warren, continue to take a hardline toward the industry with calls for stricter crypto laws.
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Additional reporting by Ciaran Lyons.
