From May 14–16, 2025, the Consensus 2025 conference took place in Toronto, Canada, attracting major players from the blockchain and crypto world. One of the standout figures was Dr. Nicolas Kokkalis, the founder and CTO of Pi Network, whose keynote drew wide attention and sparked meaningful discussions.
1. Nicolas Kokkalis’ Keynote Insights
In his talk titled “AI + Blockchain Infrastructure to Unleash Mainstream Adoption”, Kokkalis highlighted how combining artificial intelligence with blockchain can open the door to real-world applications on a global scale. He encouraged AI innovators to build directly on the Pi Network and touched on essential themes like DeFi, digital identity, and the use of blockchain in underserved regions—where digital tools are scarce, but financial needs are high.
He also called for flexible, inclusive regulations that take into account diverse user bases—from mobile Pi miners in remote areas like rural Ghana to cutting-edge dApp developers in tech hubs like Berlin.
2. Pi Network's Strong Presence at Consensus
Pi Network played a major role as an official block sponsor of the event. They hosted several workshops, panels, and presentations that revolved around growing the Pi ecosystem. These sessions explored Web3, decentralized finance, e-commerce, social platforms, and blockchain-based gaming.
A major highlight came on May 14, when the Pi Core Team announced a major shift in the ecosystem—deactivating the central node and hinting at potential open-source development. This move marks a serious push toward full decentralization and real-world utility (RWU) for the network.
3. Navigating Regulation and Real-World Impact
Dr. Kokkalis also joined a regulatory panel alongside key figures like Eric Trump and Robert Hines, Director of the White House Digital Asset Advisory Council. The panel focused on policy challenges and the long-term outlook for digital assets.
Kokkalis reiterated Pi’s mission: to build a Web3 ecosystem that's inclusive and mobile-first, targeting emerging markets such as Nigeria, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. He emphasized Pi’s eco-friendly, mobile mining approach as a gateway to financial inclusion in regions that need it most.
