- In January, 2009, the first broadly available
and viable cryptocurrency was created.
Called Bitcoin, this new form of money
was born on the internet.
Powering the magic of Bitcoin was a novel
underlying technology that would itself
become a breakout hit.
A digital ledger mechanism that would be referred to
as blockchain demonstrated enormous potential
in how it authorized, validated, and stored transactions
on a computer network.
No longer tethered to human oversight,
blockchain introduced the notion of transactional trust
through computer code.
This was a game-changer.
While it's just over a decade since blockchain technology
first arrived, its full potential is still to be realized.
Now, all types of organizations are discovering
and embracing its value and unleashing
its capacity for innovation.
The unique qualities of blockchain
make it a truly 21st-century disruptor
that must be understood.
Hi, I'm Dr. Jonathan Reichental.
By completing this course, you will understand
what blockchain technology is, how it works,
and the ways it's creating new value
for different industries.
I'll also discuss some of the challenges and risks ahead,
where the technology may be headed, and some possible
next steps for you or your organization.
In this course, I'll keep focused on the big picture
and explain important concepts in a way
that everyone can understand.
If you're ready to explore one of the hottest
technologies today, come on, let's jump in and get started.