Above image: Pictured during the panel discussion at the Blockchain Ireland Summit 2025, from left to right: Carmel Somers (Digital Technology Skills), Alexandra Overgaag (Thrilld Labs), Aileen Carville (Colonii), and Paul Hearns (Blockchain Ireland).
Author: Carmel Somers, Digital Technology Skills
At the Blockchain Ireland Summit (Dublin, 26th + 27th May 2025), a thought-provoking panel gathered to explore what’s next for Web3 – an area full of energy, promise and disruption. Under the banner “Web3 Landscape and Evolution”, moderator Carmel Somers (Digital Technology Skills) welcomed an inspiring mix of voices: tech journalist Paul Hearns, Web3 founder Aileen Caraville (Colonii), and Alexandra Overgaag, CEO of Thrilld Labs.
What followed was a lively discussion, beginning with personal stories of how each panellist entered the world of blockchain and Web3 and what continues to excite them today. Hot topics included the rise of decentralised communities (DAOs), digital assets, and the growing influence of AI in the Web3 space. But a recurring theme emerged – are we seeing true innovation or just hype?
The panel was clear: real change is coming. In the next 12-24 months, we can expect a surge in tools for digital identity, creative industries, and transparent supply chains. And beyond the buzzwords, Web3 is already tackling real-world challenges – from streamlining logistics to protecting health data and verifying educational credentials.
Still, the future of Web3 won’t be shaped by technology alone. Legal clarity, cultural openness, intuitive design, and crucially education will be one of the deciding factors in whether it takes root or stays on the fringe.
That’s where the Digital4Business Master’s Programme comes in. Designed to develop professionals who can connect the dots between strategy, technology and business value, it builds the kind of hybrid leaders Web3 urgently needs – people who don’t just understand the tools, but also know how to apply them with impact and integrity.
The message from the panel was clear: Web3’s future depends on people who can turn ideas into action. That starts with the right learning, the right mindset, and the courage to lead in organisations where technology and business are intertwined.
