EBSI is the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure, a permissioned blockchain network designed to enhance trust in digital public services across Europe. Unlike cryptocurrencies, EBSI focuses on enabling secure, decentralized verification of documents and identities.

Howest: Belgium’s First Production Node Operator

Becoming Belgium’s first production node operator is a significant achievement for Howest and the broader blockchain community. This required meeting strict qualifications, including:

• ISO27001 certification to ensure high-security standards.
• Endorsement by Belgium’s European Blockchain Partnership (EBP) representative.
• Compliance with technical and legal requirements, including uptime and security SLAs.

By joining the EBSI network, Howest contributes to the network’s reliability, security, and availability, showcasing our capability to operate at the forefront of Web3 innovation.

Applied Research on EBSI Applications

At Howest, our mission goes beyond technical implementation. We’re actively conducting applied research into the potential of EBSI, particularly in areas like verifiable credentials and self-sovereign identity (SSI). As part of this effort, we contribute to the DC4EU project, a European initiative focused on deploying decentralized identity and verifiable credentials across various sectors.

These research efforts explore how decentralized technologies can simplify real-world challenges, such as cross-border verification, data privacy, and digital identity management. For example, we examine how students can control their academic records and share verified credentials with international employers or universities. Similarly, we explore how public institutions can reduce administrative overhead while maintaining trust and security.

By participating in EBSI and DC4EU, we’re bridging the gap between emerging blockchain technologies and their practical applications, driving innovation that benefits individuals, organizations, and society as a whole.