Web3 Startups Compete at Consensus 2025 With AI, DeFi, and NFTs

- CoinDesk's PitchFest, 40 Web3 Startups Compete - Integration of AI and Blockchain, New Financial and Infrastructure Innovations [Unblock Media] Consensus 2025 has become more than just a cryptocurrency conference; it is now a crucial stage for next-generation blockchain innovation. Investors, policymakers, developers, and industry leaders have gathered in Austin to explore the technologies and teams shaping the future of Web3. One of the main highlights is CoinDesk's PitchFest, where 40 semi-finalist startups compete to become the next Web3 success story. Startups active in the AI/ML/LLM/GenAI sector are showcasing the real-world integration of AI and distributed technologies. @genieaiofficial offers a blockchain-secured AI solution optimizing data privacy and transparency, while @laurascarlettm, @BaselightDB, and @ccc_kccs are pushing the boundaries of on-chain machine learning. Several teams are addressing critical flaws in Web3 infrastructure and distributed security. @akavenetwork is developing a distributed node operation system that enhances blockchain scalability and security, and @bold_xyz and @solidityscan are introducing pre-vulnerability scanning tools for the smart contract ecosystem. Decentralized finance (DeFi) remains a significant theme. [@Stratos_Network] is building a trustless financial protocol that enables permissionless transactions in complex environments, while @quantinium_fdn and @earnos_io are creating new liquidity mechanisms and user-friendly staking frameworks. The creator economy is not an exception. @dripchain provides a mint-to-market platform that allows creators to easily tokenize and sell their digital works, and @Co2e_ai and @imagineaksel are integrating climate data and immersive art into the NFT space. Tokenization of real-world assets also holds much priority. @AMLOK_Tech is pushing asset tokenization to make real estate investments more accessible, and @atvfund and @cryptorecordsca are introducing digital frameworks for ownership and compliance. This year's Consensus reflects a strong shift from speculative narrative to infrastructure-level utility. "Consensus 2025 is where the real builders launch, not just the hype," a panelist commented. Major partnerships, funding rounds, and protocol updates are expected to emerge from the event.