ICON is a blockchain technology and network framework designed to allow independent blockchains to interact with each other. ICON is supported through a cryptocurrency token, called ICX. ICON is a South Korean-based company that developed a blockchain technology and accompanying cryptocurrency token called ICX. The company bills itself as an interconnected blockchain network, allowing participants in a decentralized system to “converge” at a central point. This is done by connecting a community to other communities through ICON Republic and Citizen Nodes. While blockchains are most commonly associated with cryptocurrencies, enthusiasts point out other areas where the technology can be applied. Any exchange of information can technically be added to a blockchain, though adding some types may not be cost-effective. Transactions involving securities, currencies, business contracts, deeds and loans, intellectual property, and personal identification could be “tokenized. ICON’s blockchain is more like the Plasma or Ontology blockchain in that its purpose is to act as an intermediary between other blockchains and networks. This interconnectability makes the ICON project worth keeping an eye on over the next decade. ICON sports its very own decentralized exchange. This DEX sets currency reserves for each blockchain community so that ICON communities can exchange value in real time through the ICON Republic. In this way, DEX complements C-Rep portals by establishing another gateway for ICON Communities to connect to the ICON Republic.
Insolar is a global technology company building public and private blockchain solutions on the Insolar Blockchain Platform, which is a reportedly secure, flexible, and scalable blockchain for business. Insolar Blockchain Platform is a solution which streamlines interactions between companies. The platform’s key features, as described by the team, are unlimited scalability, security, simplified development, interoperability, user protection, and regulatory compliance. The Insolar team consists of 70 people (of which 45 are engineers and researchers) in 5 countries, including the US and Switzerland. The team utilizes the knowledge of engineers and industry veterans to help organizations explore blockchain use cases and tackle technological, operational, and strategic risks.