Interview: Julia Stadnyk - Exploring the Intersection of AI and Blockchain

At the forefront of innovation, AI and blockchain are redefining how we think about technology, trust, and creativity

During the recent Crypto: AI Conference in Lisbon, we had the privilege of sitting down with Julia Stadnyk, Business Development Lead at INC4, to delve into the transformative potential of these cutting-edge technologies.

With a legacy in blockchain dating back to the Bitcoin boom of 2013, INC4 has witnessed seismic shifts in the tech landscape. Now, as AI reshapes industries, Stadnyk sheds light on how INC4 is bridging the gap between innovation and trust. From explainable AI driving user confidence in Web3 to the synergy of blockchain's transparency and AI's intelligence, her insights underscore the delicate balance between human creativity and machine-generated brilliance.

In this thought-provoking Q&A, Julia Stadnyk unpacks the challenges and opportunities at the heart of AI and blockchain integration, exploring their profound implications for decentralized applications and the future of tech innovation.

With AI and generative technologies reshaping industries, how do you see INC4's role evolving in the Web3 and blockchain space?

When the Bitcoin boom of 2013 began, people thought blockchain was a crazy bet. Now, with AI, we're seeing another game-changing moment.

Many companies are hopping on the AI bandwagon, using ready-made tools without really understanding the technology. This focus on hype rather than substance means fewer companies use AI as technology and instead treat it as a trendy add-on. That's why companies like INC4 must show how to use and implement AI properly.

We're seeing this, especially with Web3 - only about 7% of people use it today, not because the technology isn't powerful, but because people don't trust what they don't understand. That's where our work with explainable AI makes a difference - when people can see why an AI made a decision about their assets, trust follows naturally.

Of course, we're facing some interesting challenges. Integrating AI with existing blockchain systems isn't simple, and regulations are constantly evolving. But that's what makes this space exciting – we're building the future while making it accessible to everyone.

How do you view the role of human creativity versus machine-generated innovation in driving meaningful product development?

Being in Web3 since 2017, I've come to see AI as more of a creative partner than a tool. It's fascinating – AI can generate thousands of ideas in seconds, but it takes human insight to know which ones actually solve real problems.

Here's how I think about it: AI is like having a brilliant brainstorming partner who never gets tired. It can help us explore countless ways to improve a smart contract or make interfaces more intuitive. But knowing which improvements will really resonate with users? That comes from human experience and understanding.

At INC4, we're not just chasing AI capabilities - we're thoughtfully combining AI efficiency with human expertise to create solutions that users actually trust and want to use.

How can blockchain and AI complement each other for secure, innovative, decentralized applications?

While many companies treat AI as a superficial add-on to their blockchain solutions, we've found that thoughtful integration creates something truly powerful.

AI adds active protection to blockchain's robust storage, monitoring transactions and preventing attacks before they happen. Meanwhile, blockchain provides AI with trustworthy data sources and transparent decision trails. It's about making data work smarter, not just storing it securely. When you combine AI's ability to detect patterns with blockchain's immutable record-keeping, you get something revolutionary - a system that's both intelligent and trustworthy.

What impact will AI have on creativity and innovation within the tech industry?

At INC4, we see AI as more of a collaborator than a replacement. The companies that will thrive aren't those who simply adopt AI tools, but those who understand how to integrate AI meaningfully into their development process.

But here's what's really exciting – AI is helping democratize tech creation, though there's an important catch. You might not need to write every line of code from scratch anymore, but you definitely need expertise to ensure AI is truly enhancing your work rather than introducing subtle issues. It's about knowing how to effectively direct and validate AI's output.

Looking ahead, especially as Web3 grows beyond its current 560 million users, the key isn't about AI taking over - it's about thoughtful human-AI collaboration to build things we couldn't imagine before.

Closing Thoughts

As Julia Stadnyk highlights, the fusion of AI and blockchain represents a pivotal moment in tech innovation. It’s not just about adopting the latest tools but understanding how to harness their potential responsibly and meaningfully. INC4’s vision emphasizes the importance of trust, transparency, and collaboration — values that will undoubtedly shape the future of Web3 and beyond. As we move forward, it’s clear that the real breakthroughs will come from thoughtful human-AI partnerships, creating solutions that are not only innovative but truly impactful.