Seattle AI Week Recap: Why AI Agents, Web3 Ownership, and Data Portability Dominated the Niftmint & UpRock Happy Hour

October 30, 2025 | Seattle, WA

Seattle AI Week: AI x Web3 Happy Hour

Seattle AI Week was buzzing, but the AI x Web3 Happy Hour, co-hosted by Niftmint and UpRock, was where the real future was quietly, yet emphatically, being built. Held in the heart of Seattle, this event wasn't just another networking mixer; it was a powerful gathering of builders, operators, and founders serious about fusing AI and digital ownership.

The energy was palpable from the moment the doors opened. An incredible turnout proved that the curiosity around this powerful intersection has moved past the hype cycle and into a phase of real, focused momentum.

Connections & Community: The Heart of Innovation

Beyond the technical deep dives, the atmosphere was genuinely collaborative and fun. The room was loud with laughter and thoughtful debate, proving that great ideas often spark over a drink.

• Vibrant Networking: Attendees from diverse backgrounds, from enterprise AI leaders to Web3 DeFi founders, mingled freely. The true magic was watching those connections happen: quick introductions turning into deep, enthusiastic discussions about decentralized data economies and the future of AI agents.

• Strengthening the Ecosystem: This was a night for strengthening the local community. It wasn't about competitive silos; it was about the community leading with curiosity and collaboration, sharing ideas, and celebrating the pioneering spirit that defines Seattle tech.

• Energy and Fun: The buzz was infectious! The casual setting allowed for candid conversations that are impossible in formal conference halls. We saw whiteboards being covered in architectural diagrams, but also plenty of celebratory toasts to the future, the perfect blend of hard work and happy hour payoff.

Panel Spotlight: Jesse Adams (UpRock) & Jonathan G. Blanco (Niftmint)

A highlight of the evening was a dynamic, quick panel featuring Jesse Adams, CoFounder & CEO of UpRock, and Jonathan G. Blanco, Founder & CEO of Niftmint. Their discussion drilled down into the practical infrastructure needed to merge AI and Web3.

The key points they underscored were:

• The Transactional AI Agent: Jesse Adams emphasized that AI agents need more than just information access; they require economic agency. He discussed how decentralized infrastructure, like UpRock's, is essential for enabling AI to securely and verifiably transact, turning data from a static asset into a dynamic, tradable resource.

• Identity as the Anchor: Jonathan G. Blanco focused on the role of digital identity and ownership. He argued that for AI to operate ethically and for data to be truly portable, a Web3 framework is necessary to anchor the identity of both the user and the data itself, ensuring clear, indisputable ownership for every digital interaction.

• Verifiable and Portable Data: Both leaders agreed that the current state of siloed data stifles AI innovation. They highlighted the shared vision where verifiable credentials and NFT standards unlock a future where data is not just used by AI, but is owned, portable, and paid for fairly by the AI agents that consume it. This shift unlocks "new economies" built on trust and transparency.

Building Momentum: Seattle’s Quiet Power

The event confirmed that the conversations are moving beyond theory and into execution. With such a strong foundation of real builders and operators present, the consensus was clear: fueled by a unique mix of enterprise AI expertise and a strong Web3 builder scene, Seattle is quietly becoming a powerhouse for applied AI and Web3 innovation.

A massive thank you to everyone who came out to connect, share ideas, and strengthen the local ecosystem.

We also want to give a special shout-out to Kaylen So at Zolar Studio for taking great photos and video throughout the event, perfectly capturing the energy, focus, and fun of the evening.

Did you attend the event? What was your favorite connection or conversation of the night?

Upcoming Events

Web3 Holiday Mixer

📍 Location: Niftmint Offices (Belltown)

📅 Date: December 9, 2025

⏰ Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm

🍸 Format: Mixer + Quick Founder Panel

Register

Commerce Holiday Mixer

📍 Location: Niftmint Offices (Belltown)

📅 Date: December 9, 2025

⏰ Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm

🍸 Format: Mixer + Quick Founder Panel

Register

Niftmint at NRF Europe: Powering Digital Product Passports and Digital Twins for the Future of Commerce

September 26, 2025 The future of commerce is being shaped at the intersection of physical products and digital experiences. As brands prepare for new regulations, evolving customer expectations, and rapid technological change, the need for trusted product authentication and connected digital infrastructure has never been greater.

At NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show Europe, Niftmint joined global leaders in retail and technology to showcase how digital twins and Digital Product Passports (DPP) are redefining how brands build trust, deliver value, and create seamless experiences across every customer touchpoint. From authenticating physical products and preventing counterfeits to powering compliance and engagement, Niftmint’s platform is helping brands unlock new opportunities in an increasingly connected world.

Exploring Paris Ahead of NRF Europe

Ahead of NRF Europe 2025, our team spent time exploring Paris to observe how the world’s most innovative brands express themselves in real-world retail environments. A walk down the iconic Champs-Élysées revealed a masterclass in brand storytelling and customer experience.

From Nike’s bold athletic energy to the timeless luxury of Louis Vuitton and Dior, and from Moncler’s fusion of style and performance to Hugo Boss, Lacoste, and Tiffany & Co., each flagship store showcased a unique approach to identity and engagement.

Window displays were more than visual decoration. They served as strategic storytelling tools, condensing brand positioning and customer experience into a few square feet of glass. These moments on the street level demonstrate how leading brands shape culture, connect with customers, and set expectations long before a product is ever touched.

This is the essence of modern commerce: innovation that reaches customers at every touchpoint, blending physical presence with digital opportunity.

Showcasing Niftmint’s Vision on the Global Stage: Powering Digital Product Passports and Digital Twins

A key highlight of NRF Europe was the opportunity to showcase Niftmint’s platform and vision for the future of commerce. Our work with digital twins, such as authenticating physical products, preventing counterfeits, and enabling deeper engagement, is directly aligned with one of the most pressing priorities facing European brands today: the EU’s Digital Product Passport (DPP) mandate.

Niftmint’s solution was not built solely for compliance. It is designed to help brands go beyond the baseline and unlock new capabilities: ✅ Authentication of physical products ✅ Digital twins that enhance loyalty and engagement ✅ Digital Product Passports that create richer customer experiences

The response at NRF confirmed the growing demand for this type of technology. Throughout the event, leading European luxury brands and major grocery retailers visited the Niftmint booth seeking solutions that integrate seamlessly with their existing infrastructure while meeting DPP requirements. These conversations highlighted a shared understanding across the industry: compliance is only the starting point. The true opportunity lies in how authenticated products and connected digital twins can redefine customer relationships and drive long-term value, powering Digital Product Passports and Digital Twins.

NRF Europe marked Niftmint’s first major step into the European market, and the event proved to be an ideal launchpad for expanding our network and building momentum across new regions and verticals.

Always Building for What Brands Need Next

Niftmint is in active build mode, focused on delivering the tools and infrastructure brands need most: ✅ Digital Product Passports ✅ Authentication for physical items ✅ Digital twins that power compliance and customer experiences

Our mission is to provide solutions that brands can implement immediately, empowering them to meet regulatory requirements while also transforming how they connect with their customers. “Always be building” is more than a mindset for us. It is how we approach every stage of product development and deployment.

Niftmint demoed our Digital Product Passport solution for Brand and Retailers at the show.

Looking Ahead: Connecting the Physical and Digital Worlds

The conversations and insights from NRF Europe reinforced a clear truth: the future of commerce will belong to brands that seamlessly connect the physical and digital worlds.

The storefront of tomorrow will not stop at the glass. It will extend into how products are authenticated, how customers engage with them long after purchase, and how brands build trust and loyalty at every point of interaction.

Innovation is no longer limited to what happens inside the store. It is about how a brand shows up everywhere, physical, digital, and everything in between.

For brands preparing for the Digital Product Passport, exploring digital twins, or seeking new ways to build trust and engagement with customers, Niftmint is here to help. Our solutions make it possible to bridge compliance and customer experience, creating the foundation for the future of commerce.

Brand & Retail Innovation Day Recap: Seattle Tech Week 2025

Brand & Retail Innovation Day

Brand & Retail Innovation Day by Niftmint was a highlight of Seattle Tech Week and a powerful showcase of how innovation is shaping the future of commerce, brands, and retail.

Over the course of the day, more than 50 founders, investors, and innovators came together to connect, share ideas, and dig into what is next for the industry. The energy in the room was electric with conversations between people building category-defining companies, investing in bold ideas, and rethinking how brands engage with customers in a rapidly changing market.

We recorded every one of our panel discussions and you can watch them in full below, but here is a look at what made the day so impactful.

How AI and Emerging Tech Are Reshaping Commerce

Kicking off the day, Michael A. Agustin of Curie and John Shao of Pipe17 shared how new technology is transforming both the way customers shop and the logistics systems that power retail.

Their conversation explored the intersection of AI-powered 3D product visualization, advanced order management, and emerging sales channels, giving attendees a firsthand look at what the future of commerce could look like. From captivating product experiences to frictionless fulfillment, this session offered a roadmap for brands navigating rapid change.

Key insights included:

• How ultra-realistic 3D product models are driving higher sales conversion

• Scaling from a small brand into a multi-channel retail powerhouse

• The growing impact of TikTok Shop, influencer-driven sales, and conversational commerce

• Why the "language model" internet may be the next major platform shift

• The role of authenticity and personalization in building brand loyalty

• Leveraging AI agents and automation to streamline operations

• Strategies for staying relevant as commerce ecosystems evolve

For founders, retail tech builders, and e-commerce strategists, this session underscored the importance of blending cutting-edge tech with customer-centered experiences.

Brand IP Protection in the Age of Generative Content

In one of the most thought-provoking sessions of the day, Adam Philipp, founder of AEON Law, unpacked the rapidly evolving world of intellectual property in an era where AI and digital replication are rewriting the rules.

From AI training data rights to counterfeit goods, Adam walked through real-world examples like Anthropic’s book scanning controversy, the MetaBirkins NFT dispute, and the Jack Daniel’s “Bad Spaniels” trademark battle. Each case illustrated how copyright, trademarks, and brand protection strategies are shifting and how quickly brands must adapt.

Key takeaways included:

• How AI models use (and sometimes misuse) copyrighted material

• The difference between owning a product and owning its IP rights

• The concept of trademark dilution and how it can damage brand value

• Modern anti-counterfeit tactics, including Schedule A litigation

• How RFID, NFC, and digital twins can prove product authenticity in both physical and digital environments

Whether you are a brand owner, entrepreneur, or simply fascinated by the future of IP, this conversation delivered expert guidance and bold predictions on where law and technology are headed next.

AI-Driven Customer Experience in Commerce

In another standout session, Evan Smith of Ecosphere and Danesh Badlani of Drip shared how AI is transforming both in-store retail operations and e-commerce marketing.

From the sales floor to the inbox, their discussion explored tools that empower store managers with real-time insights, streamline personalized campaign creation, and help brands respond to customer needs with greater speed and precision. The conversation bridged the gap between physical and digital touchpoints, offering practical ways to drive growth in today’s retail environment.

Key insights included:

• Why 85% of retail revenue still comes from physical stores, and how to better leverage that channel

• Giving “superpowers” to store managers through AI-powered coaching and performance data

• Cutting email design time from three hours to twenty minutes using AI-generated drafts

• Overcoming brand trust challenges when adopting new retail and marketing technology

• Balancing employee feedback with privacy and workplace culture

• Navigating generational shifts in expectations for real-time performance metrics

• Avoiding "shiny object" AI tools that do not solve core business problems

• Moving from reactive to proactive customer engagement strategies

For brand leaders, retail tech builders, and e-commerce strategists alike, this session delivered both vision and actionable tactics for elevating customer engagement while improving operational efficiency.

The Energy in the Room

Beyond the panels, the biggest win of the day was the connections being made. Conversations kept going long after the sessions ended, with attendees trading ideas, forming partnerships, and sharing resources. Seeing so many people passionate about the future of commerce and meeting others in the same vertical was inspiring.

What’s Next

We are keeping the momentum going. Niftmint is now hosting monthly events through our Showroom event series, dedicated entirely to the commerce vertical. Whether you are a founder, investor, or operator, Showroom is your space to connect, share, and explore what is next in brand and retail innovation.

If Brand & Retail Innovation Day was any indication, the future of commerce is not just coming. It is being built right now, in rooms just like this one.

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About Niftmint

Niftmint helps brands protect and authenticate their products through secure digital twins, enabling proof of ownership, lifecycle tracking, and enhanced customer engagement. Our technology bridges the gap between the physical and digital worlds, giving brands the tools to safeguard their IP, incentivize product use, and build deeper customer relationships.

If your brand is looking to future-proof its products, fight counterfeits, and unlock new ways to connect with customers, we’d love to talk. Connect with us to explore how we can work together.