An exploration of how fintech and digital asset technologies can be integrated into Bermuda residents’ everyday lives will be the focus of next week’s fifth annual International Tech Summit.

ITS 2024 will feature an education, community and career fair on Tuesday at the Pier Six complex on Front Street in Hamilton.

The ITS panel discussions take place on Wednesday in the same location, while a start-up pitch contest will be held on Thursday afternoon in the headquarters of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation on Church Street in Hamilton.

Sean Stapley, a partner at conference organisers Penrose Partners, said the organisation “will focus on activating fintech and digital assets at a nation-state level, specifically looking at how these technologies can integrate into everyday life”.

He added: “We’ve gathered a diverse group of innovators and builders from across the globe to join us in Bermuda, and our goal is to create a dynamic and engaging forum for anyone to learn about and get involved in the industry.”

Kerem Kolcuoglu, managing partner at Penrose, added: “We look forward to bringing technology to life through engaging activations at this year's summit where attendees will be encouraged to onboard and test digital products available in Bermuda.

"It has been discussed for years that digital assets will give Bermudian businesses and citizens an advantage. We hope that the summit will provide a platform for our attendees to provide feedback on the usability of these innovative products and help identify real use cases in Bermuda."

Mr Stapley said: “With Bermuda’s doors wide open for fintech and blockchain companies, the island is the perfect location for the International Tech Summit.

“Since 2018, we have seen how the island has created solid foundations for innovative companies to build upon, highlighting the impressive efforts of the Bermuda Government and Bermuda Monetary Authority.

“The results speak for themselves, with the island attracting leading digital-asset companies like Coinbase, Circle, Nayms, HashKey and more.”

He added: “As a Bermudian company with Bermudian roots, Penrose is proud to support this growing ecosystem as it continues to flourish. We’ve enabled fintech adoption in Bermuda by bringing international tech companies to the island over the last five years, supporting the Bermuda Government’s Economic Development Department’s initiatives and presenting dozens of workshops and educational sessions for the public and private sectors since 2019.

“We believe that Bermuda exemplifies the ideal ecosystem for nurturing fintech, digital assets, and Web3 companies.

“Holding the International Tech Summit in Bermuda aims to highlight the island's vibrant and innovative ecosystem, and we want to showcase the island's pioneering spirit, rooted in our deep local ties and commitment to advancing digital innovation.”

Speakers from overseas include Tom Duff Gordon, vice-president of International Policy at Coinbase; Fred Pye, founder at 3iQ Corp; Christopher Donovan, chief operations officer at Near Foundation; and Michael Casey, adviser and chairman of Consensus at Coindesk.

Speakers from Bermuda include Carika Weldon, CEO and founder of CariGenetics; Polina Branco, CEO at TU.O Collective; Holly Mazar-Fox, founder of HMF Consulting; and Brett Corday, chief revenue officer at Paradise Mobile.

The summit will also showcase several tech activations and web3 demonstrations, including a non-fungible token art gallery where attendees can learn about and experience the world of NFTs through collaboration with Bermudian and international artists.