What does it mean 'born in lab?' What does CS359B mean?
Pi Network LATAM
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The Names Behind the Name What do you get when you mix Stanford brilliance, startup hustle, and 100M users? A crypto project unlike any other.
Pi Network isn’t just another blockchain — it’s the fusion of academia, innovation, and bold execution. And at the center? A name many know… but few really understand.
Here’s why Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis’ journey is one of the most underrated stories in crypto:
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1. Born in the Lab: CS359B at Stanford 🧠 In 2018, Kokkalis co-taught a course on decentralized apps with Dr. Chengdiao Fan & Aurélien Schiltz. ⚙️ They turned lectures into a launchpad — building Pi’s mobile-first, energy-efficient mining concept. ✨ Inspired by Professor David Mazières’ Stellar Consensus Protocol (SCP). → Academic theory → blockchain reality.
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2. Crowdsourcing Power 👥 Kokkalis’ postdoc under Michael Bernstein focused on breaking down complex tasks via crowds. 🔍 Pi now applies that model: KYC, utility apps, governance — all powered by users. 📈 Even cited by Microsoft in 2023. → Real users. Real utility. Real adoption.
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3. Startup DNA: StartX & Gameyola 🚀 Before Pi, Kokkalis founded: • StartX — Stanford’s elite startup accelerator • Gameyola — a viral gaming platform with built-in monetization 🎮 Today, Pi mirrors that gamified growth with daily mining, referrals & app ecosystems. → He’s been building Web3 before it was cool.
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4. Crypto Myths & Mystery 🕵️ Rumors swirl that Kokkalis knew Buterin… or might be Satoshi? 👀 While unproven, it shows how Pi stirs imagination — and speculation. → Every crypto legend needs a little myth.
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So what’s the big picture? Pi Network is a blueprint for the next wave of Web3: • 📚 Born in classrooms • ⚒️ Built by community • 🔁 Backed by research • 🌍 Scaling with purpose
If it succeeds, it won’t just change crypto — It’ll change how crypto is built.
