About me
Shane Deconinck
Blockchain Architect & Web3 Strategist, bridging technology and business through decentralized infrastructure, trust systems, and full-stack development.
I lead Web3 applied research at Howest Cyber3Lab, with 7+ years experience translating blockchain and digital assets into enterprise-ready architectures — focusing on tokenization, system design, and digital trust for SMEs and larger organizations.
My work spans smart contract development, backend/frontend integration, and architecture consulting — with a strong foundation in design thinking and interdisciplinary problem-solving. In 2023, I was invited to speak at the Linux Open Source Summit in Tokyo.
I combine a technical and strategic mindset with strong communication and leadership skills, helping organizations navigate real-world adoption of Web3 technologies.
Now preparing for relocation to Japan in 2025, I’m seeking new challenges where I can contribute long-term value at the intersection of decentralized tech and business innovation.
Contact Information
- Location: Bruges, Belgium - relocating to Tokyo
- Phone: +32 471 591 187
- Email: shane.deconinck@gmail.com
- Website: shanedeconinck.be
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/shanedeconinck
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
- CHFD: Certified Hyperledger Fabric Practicioner (The Linux Foundation, 2025)
- BCP: Besu Certified Professional (The Linux Foundation, 2025)
- CHFD: Certified Hyperledger Fabric Developer (The Linux Foundation, 2021)
- Certified Laravel Developer (Laravel Certification Program, September 2020)
- Foundations in Design Thinking (IDEO U, July 2019)
- TERP10 - Integration of Business Processes in SAP ERP (SAP, January 2017)
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
- EthCC Side Event 2024: Organized an event focused on Hyperledger Besu implementations.
- DAO Brussels Crypto Wednesday April 2024: Presentation on blockchain governance.
- Linux OSS and Hyperledger Member Summit 2023 Tokyo: Presentation on EBSI.
- LFDT Webinar 2023: Presented on deploying and hosting EBSI nodes using Hyperledger Besu.
- EBSI Demystifying Seminar 2022: Spoke on verifiable credential adoption for municipalities.
- Interreg Blockchain in Government Conference 2022: Discussed blockchain use cases in government.
- BLING Token Conference 2022: Insights on blockchain applications in government processes.
- PropTech Lab Lunch 2021: Presentation on blockchain’s potential in construction and real estate.
Media
- Interviewed by De Tijd (leading Flemish financial newspaper) on blockchain applications and Bitcoin halving.
- Featured in VOKA Entrepreneurs magazine discussing blockchain’s transformative potential.
- Articles on LinkedIn and personal blog.