Shane Deconinck

About me

Shane Deconinck

Shane Deconinck

I’m recognized for my leadership and innovation in decentralized technologies, with deep expertise in digital trust and extensive experience as a senior full stack web developer.

I hold certifications in Laravel, Design Thinking, Hyperledger Fabric, and Besu, blending technical mastery with a user-focused and strategic approach.

Recently, I expanded my focus to Trusted AI Agents, exploring how to ensure their safety and reliability across diverse trust boundaries within digital systems.

At Howest Cyber3Lab, I lead applied research projects and actively contribute to the Linux Foundation Digital Trust (LFDT) community. I write, speak, and build communities dedicated to demystifying complex tech. Helping businesses separate hype from value and embrace real-world adoption.

Contact Information

Experience

Web3 Lead

Howest University of Applied Sciences · 2019 - Ongoing

  • Development and architecture within blockchain use cases for national and European research projects.
  • Development of innovative web platforms with interdisciplinary teams.
  • Leading Web3 team, mentoring interns.

Interim Research Manager

Howest University of Applied Sciences · 2022 - 2023

  • Managed 13 applied researchers at the research group Security & Privacy. (AI, Cybersecurity, Immersive Tech, Web3).

Full Stack Web Developer

Howest University of Applied Sciences · 2017 - 2019

  • Developed innovative web platforms with interdisciplinary teams.

Certifications

Side Projects

Tech Lead

Afrodidact vzw · 2017 - Present

  • Non-profit developing EdTech solutions for schools in deprived contexts.

Education

  • BA Blockchain Developer & Architect @home (Howest University of Applied Sciences, 2020-2022, highest distinction)
  • BA Applied Computer Science - Minor ICT Consultancy (Howest University of Applied Sciences, 2015-2017, distinction)
  • IT Management (High School) (KTA Drie Hofsteden Kortrijk, 2007, award best IT student)

Languages

  • Dutch - Native
  • English - Proficient
  • French - Professional
  • Japanese - Beginner

Skills

Web3

  • EVM, Besu
  • Hyperledger Fabric
  • SSI / EBSI
  • Bitcoin / Lightning Network
  • IPFS

Web2

  • TALL stack: Tailwind, Alpine.js, PHP / Laravel, Livewire
  • Node.js / Express
  • Vue.js

System

  • Linux, Docker
  • DevOps: CI/CD, Kubernetes (conceptual)
  • Git

Other

  • Design Thinking
  • Business Process Modeling
  • Agile Project Management
  • Educating & Writing (demystifying complex concepts)

Research Projects

  • 2024 - Ongoing: Interreg SecuWeb: Implemented SSI on EBSI, Solid data pods, and Industry 4.0 solutions.
  • 2024 - Ongoing: EBSI Node Expansion: Hosting of EBSI node infrastructure for decentralized credentials.
  • 2023 - Ongoing: Digital Credentials for Europe: Explored verifiable credentials in public-sector processes.
  • 2022: EBSI Early Adopters Programme: Created a portal for municipalities to issue verifiable credentials.
  • 2021 - Ongoing: ICON Future Flemish Pig: Explored blockchain’s potential in supply chains.
  • 2021 - 2023: Interreg Blockchain4Prosumers: Investigated blockchain’s potential for energy trading systems.
  • 2019 - 2023: Interreg Blockchain IN Government: Developed blockchain use cases for mobility, fitness, and energy.
  • 2017 - 2019: TETRA Blockchain4SME: Demonstrated blockchain frameworks like Hyperledger Fabric.

Hackathons

  • Decentralized Autonomous Hackathon Series: Developed and organized smart contract-driven hackathons:
    • 2024: AI Hackathon
    • 2023: Energy Hackathon
    • 2022: Anna Ridler Hackathon
  • ETH Brussels Hackathon 2023: Co-organizer of this blockchain-focused hackathon.
  • BLING Hackathon 2021: Co-organizer of an international blockchain hackathon.

Events & Speaking Engagements

Media