National DigiFoundry Sets Bold Agenda for 2025

The National DigiFoundry (NDF), a member-funded U.S.-based initiative aiming to leverage digital assets and blockchain technologies for the global public sector, has announced an ambitious agenda for 2025. As detailed in a recent briefing, the organization is poised to solidify its role as a leader in digital innovation, pushing boundaries in securing information with blockchain, artificial intelligence governance, refugee management, and financial tokenization. Underpinning this effort is a strategic alignment with the Government Blockchain Association and the United Nations IGF Dynamic Coalition on Blockchain Assurance and Standardization. The trio looks forward to supporting the incoming U.S. administration, which has signaled a crypto-friendly regulatory environment.

A Framework for Digital Leadership

NDF was born out of Executive Order 14067, signed in March 2022, to address risks and capitalize on opportunities in digital asset technology. Following its establishment in October 2023, the organization has championed projects that blend public and private interests, including grants for digital innovation and collaborative efforts to strengthen blockchain infrastructure.

For 2025, the NDF’s roadmap includes advancing projects from its working groups while responding to evolving governmental priorities. Central to this strategy is reorganizing NDF as a self-sufficient entity, transitioning into a legally registered decentralized autonomous organization (DAO). This shift positions NDF as a critical player in U.S. policy and digital asset education, with plans to enhance public-private collaboration and spearhead international blockchain standards.

Government Blockchain Association: A Partner in Progress

A key collaborator in these efforts is the Government Blockchain Association (GBA), a global organization dedicated to promoting blockchain adoption in public and private sectors. With over 4,000 members and more than 200 active chapters spanning six continents, the GBA is a vital force in shaping blockchain discourse and implementation. Its mission is to bridge the gap between governments, industry, and academia to create a unified approach to blockchain technology.

The GBA’s working groups explore topics such as cybersecurity, supply chain resilience, quantum computing, financial services, and healthcare applications of blockchain. These groups offer NDF and its members access to cutting-edge research, thought leadership, and a platform for addressing global challenges. The geographic spread of the GBA’s chapters ensures a truly global perspective, with initiatives tailored to diverse regional needs while aligning with overarching global standards.

Recent Collaborations and Global Engagements

NDF has strengthened its global presence through its recent collaboration with the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Dynamic Coalition on Blockchain Assurance and Standardization (DC:BAS). This partnership focuses on promoting global blockchain assurance and establishing universal standards to foster interoperability and trust.

At the IGF 2024 conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, NDF actively participated in discussions about digital governance, blockchain’s role in fostering transparency, and innovations to address global challenges.

During the conference, NDF announced the Blockchain Innovation Grant Program, a significant initiative to fund blockchain-driven solutions that tackle pressing societal and industrial issues. By combining the coalition's reach with NDF’s expertise, the program aims to accelerate adoption while addressing regulatory and technical barriers to innovation.

This collaboration underscores NDF’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that enhance blockchain governance, helping the organization remain at the forefront of shaping the future of global blockchain technology.

Strategic Initiatives in 2025

NDF’s proposed initiatives for 2025 reflect its commitment to addressing global challenges through digital technology:

• Space Economy Advancement: Sponsored by Forward Edge-AI, the Space Working Group's Trace.AI enhances AI model visibility for space systems. NDF aims to further integrate additional digital assets into thr burgeoning space economy.
• Secure Information Sharing: Sponsored by Constellation Network, NDF’s Secure Information Sharing Working Group developed guidelines for streaming the use of blockchain to deliver secure, Web3-enabled data orchestration.
• Tokenization of Financial Products: Led by Intrana, the NDF Financial Tokenization Working Group has laid the groundwork for compliant and secure digital finance. This effort addresses the growing demand for tokenized securities.
• Refugee Data Management: Spearheaded by Maximus, Inc., the NDF Refugee Management Working Group has designed a technology demonstrator to ensure secure handling of refugee data. This project demonstrates how blockchain can protect sensitive information even in permissive environments.

These 2024 projects showcase how NDF members leverage our business incubation business model to prototype blockchain based services and capabilities. In 2025, this infrastructure will include services from Microsoft Azure, IBM Cloud, Oracle Cloud Infrasturcture, Constellation Network, LACNet, and the Internet Computer.

Aligning with Policy and Market Trends

The briefing highlighted a notable shift in federal policy under the new administration. Key appointments signal an openness to cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, creating a more favorable environment for NDF’s efforts. The anticipated regulatory clarity has already sparked a positive market reaction, with stakeholders eager to engage with initiatives fostering digital asset growth.

NDF’s agenda also supports broader national priorities. By leveraging its recent designation as a Department of Treasury’s Center of Excellence, the NDF will expand partnerships with the Department of Energy and the U.S. Space Force, to position itself as a pivotal resource for integrating blockchain into the nation's critical infrastructure.

Education and Workforce Development

To ensure sustainability, NDF is investing in education and workforce training through a planned collaboration with the Cyber Halo Innovation Research Program (CHIRP) and the NSF ALL-SPICE INCLUDES Alliance. In partnership with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the U.S. Space Force, CHIRP offers a two-year pathway for students to pursue careers in cybersecurity, blockchain, and AI. Through mentorship and internships, CHIRP addresses workforce gaps in emerging technologies, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for the digital economy. Led by Chaminade University in Honolulu and housed in Chaminade’s United Nations CIFAL Center, ALL-SPICE is developing regional data science capacity in support of Hawai'i-Pacific progress towards the UN Sustainability Development goals.

In partnership with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the U.S. Space Force, CHIRP offers a two-year pathway for students to pursue careers in cybersecurity, blockchain, and AI. Through mentorship and internships, CHIRP addresses workforce gaps in emerging technologies, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for the digital economy. Led by Chaminade University in Honolulu and housed in Chaminade’s United Nations CIFAL Center, ALL-SPICE is developing regional data science capacity in support of Hawai'i-Pacific progress towards the UN Sustainability Development goals.

Further, NDF’s education and training initiatives include workshops, mentorship, and SBIR Academy training, equipping participants with the skills necessary to navigate the evolving digital landscape.

Expanding $NDT Token Utility

The utility token $NDT will see expanded use in 2025, reinforcing its role in the digital ecosystem. Beyond its current applications, $NDT will support training discounts, event participation, social rewards, and infrastructure usage, making it a cornerstone of NDF’s operational model.

A Global Vision

NDF’s partnerships with organizations like the GBA and participation in events such as eMerge Americas and Tech Basel reflect its international ambitions. These collaborations aim to establish the United States as a leader in blockchain innovation, countering global competitors by fostering a robust and resilient digital asset ecosystem.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite its comprehensive plan, NDF acknowledges the challenges ahead. The lack of a cohesive, whole-of-government approach to digital assets remains a significant hurdle. To address this, NDF is working to build consensus among stakeholders, from policymakers to industry leaders. Its transition to a DAO structure underscores this commitment, ensuring a flexible and responsive governance model.

Looking Ahead

As 2025 approaches, the National DigiFoundry is poised to lead the charge in digital innovation. By aligning its mission with national policy, fostering international collaboration, and investing in education, NDF is not only addressing current challenges but also laying the groundwork for a future where digital assets play a central role in economic and social progress.

With its ambitious agenda, robust partnerships, and support from the GBA’s vast network, NDF stands at the forefront of a digital revolution, setting a blueprint for how nations can harness the potential of blockchain and emerging technologies.