As 2026 begins, one question dominates global tech conversation: who is actually shaping the next era of innovation?
On January 28, 2026, from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM PST, that question will be explored live at The Future of Tech: Stanford Forum 2026, an exclusive evening forum hosted at Stanford University. This curated gathering brings together founders, developers, builders, policymakers, and technologists who are actively redefining Web3, AI, and emerging technologies.
Curated by The Future of Tech, led by Orbis86, OffChain Global and BrandPR, the forum is intentionally designed not as a traditional conference, but as a high-signal experience, where ideas connect with capital, and communities converge around real progress.
From insight-driven discussions to meaningful connections, every element of the evening is built to move conversations forward.
Be where innovation happens. Secure your spot, connect with industry leaders, and experience an unforgettable evening at Stanford Forum 2026 – Register here!
An Evening Focused on What Comes Next
The tech industry is entering a new phase—one defined less by hype cycles and more by real-world deployment, regulation, and scale. As AI systems mature and Web3 infrastructure moves beyond speculation, the need for cross-disciplinary dialogue has never been more critical.
This is exactly where the Stanford Forum sets itself apart.
Rather than focusing on isolated technologies, the event explores the convergence of AI, crypto, Web3, DeFi, Real-World Assets (RWA), and emerging tech—and, more importantly, what this convergence means for builders, businesses, and society at large.
Featured Speaker
We are bringing together experienced builders and ecosystem leaders to share practical insights into where DeFi and RWA are headed next.
- Kenneth Hurley – CEO & Co-Founder, Genius Ventures
An entrepreneur focused on DeFi, tokenized ecosystems, and scalable on-chain innovation, working closely with emerging blockchain projects driving real utility. - Eric Xu – North American CEO, LBank
An executive leading North American expansion for one of the world’s largest crypto exchanges, with deep experience in exchange operations, global market strategy, and institutional adoption of digital assets. - Ken Nim – Co-Founder, OffChain Global
A global Web3 community builder helping scale one of the world’s largest decentralized networks, enabling collaboration, education, and ecosystem growth across founders and builders worldwide. - Scott Foo – Founder, Orbital Beam
A founder and strategist focused on infrastructure-led innovation, exploring how decentralized technologies, capital coordination, and emerging protocols can support scalable, long-term Web3 ecosystems. - Lucas Bean – Growth & Strategy Consultant – Fractional CMO, BuildnScale
A 20+ year growth, data, and product leader specializing in user acquisition, retention, and community-driven scale across fintech, gaming, and Web3 ecosystems.
The forum will also feature speakers from StokFi and DOGAU:
- StockFi – A Web3-native financial platform bridging traditional finance and decentralized markets through tokenized financial models and improved liquidity.
- DOGAU – A community-driven initiative exploring culture, engagement, and utility-led blockchain ecosystems.
Additional speakers from across Web3, DeFi, and emerging technologies will join the forum, with names to be announced.
What to Expect at The Stanford Forum
This curated experience goes beyond a typical conference—it’s where insights are sharpened; partnerships take shape, and communities align around what’s next in technology and finance.
Insight-Driven Panels & Keynotes (DeFi & RWA)
Gain direct perspectives from founders and ecosystem leaders like Kenneth Hurley, Ken Nim, Scott Foo, Lucas Bean, Eric Xu and other industry leaders, as they unpack how decentralized finance and real-world asset tokenization will be evolving in 2026. Discussions will cover practical adoption, regulatory considerations, liquidity, infrastructure maturity, and what it takes to build sustainable on-chain financial systems.
These sessions are designed for builders, investors, and operators looking for grounded insights—not speculation.
Sponsor Showcase
Get hands-on with the projects shaping the future. From blockchain infrastructure to AI-powered decentralized systems, meet the teams pushing boundaries—and see how innovation is moving from vision to reality.
Networking Mixer – Where Innovators and Leaders Connect
As the discussions conclude, the forum transitions into a curated networking mixer designed for genuine, high-quality conversations. Enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments while connecting with founders, developers, investors, and ecosystem leaders in a relaxed yet intentional setting.
This is where conversations deepen; ideas are exchanged freely, and early-stage collaborations begin.
Supporting this vision are the event’s sponsors and partners, whose leadership and innovation help bring Stanford Forum 2026 to life.
Our Sponsors and Partners
Title Sponsor: MiniDoge
MiniDoge: MiniDoge Global is a vibrant Web3 meme coin community fusing DeFi, DePIN, and AI-driven blockchain tech to revolutionize the crypto landscape.
Sponsors:
GNUS.AI: GNUS.AI was formed as a corporation that invests in ideas from geniuses. The first venture is in the cryptocurrency space with the launch ofthe GNUS A.I. Processing Crypto Token. Genius (GNUS) tokens are at the heart of a unique and patented blockchain and software system. The primary GNUS tokenis a multi-chain asset that can be used for decentralized GPU utilization. Also known as DePIN (Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks).
StockFi: is a Web3-native financial platform bridging traditional finance and decentralized markets, with a focus on tokenized financial models, improved liquidity, and accessible on-chain participation.
DOGAU: is a community-driven Web3 project exploring the intersection of culture, engagement, and utility-led blockchain ecosystems, representing the growing role of community-first innovation in Web3.
About Hosts
Orbis86: Orbis86 is revolutionizing emerging tech innovation through its Engage – Educate – Elevate approach, engaging users with personalized experiences, educating them on emerging technologies, and elevating their journey with seamless cross-chain integration. Throughout the year, we host global events that bring communities together to explore Web3 and AI, enabling meaningful discussions and collaboration.
OffChain Global: is a global community with 70+ chapters worldwide, bringing together Web3 professionals, tech enthusiasts, and entrepreneurs. Through regular meetups and talks, OffChain creates spaces to connect, collaborate, and grow local and global ecosystems.
BrandPR: is a leading PR and marketing agency partnering with Orbis86 to support Web3 brands globally. Since 2022, BrandPR has helped crypto and Web3 projects gain top-tier media exposure and build strong communities through tailored, high-impact PR strategies designed for long-term growth.
Langrenus Fund is an early-stage investment and incubation fund founded by professionals from Google, Uber, and OKX. Focused on Web3 and AI, the fund supports founders from idea to launch through capital, incubation, and hands-on value creation, with a global footprint and 20+ successful showcases.
Our Co-host
OnePiece Labs is a leading Web3 incubator founded by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, supporting startups with mentorship, resources, and strategic networks to drive real outcomes. OnePiece Ventures is an early-stage crypto fund providing first-check capital and hands-on support to top founders across North America.
Our Event Partner
Stand With Crypto – Stand With Crypto is a grassroot, nonpartisan movement uniting 2.5M+ advocates to support the future of crypto and blockchain innovation. Through education, policy engagement, and community-driven events, it empowers builders and supporters to shape fair digital asset legislation and the future of Web3.
Media Partners
Helping amplify conversations at the intersection of AI, Web3, and emerging tech, our media partners include:
Bitcoin World | CoinPedia | CoinSpeaker | Voice of Crypto | Crypto News Bulls (CNB) | Blockzeit | Bitcoin Insider | Coin Zebro | Crypto Papers | Lucky Coiner | Trade Base | BD Ventures | Traders Brawl | DGroup
Register now to secure your spot at Stanford Forum 2026 and join the conversations shaping the future of tech.
