Recapping sub0 reset: Polkadot's Developer Conference
Bangkok, Thailand – From November 9-11, 2024, sub0 reset took the spotlight as one of the most dynamic developer events in Southeast Asia, showcasing the Polkadot ecosystem. Held in a repurposed five-story factory at Na Ranong Road, this conference brought together top developers, builders, and Web3 enthusiasts for three days of education, networking, and technological exploration.
Organized by WebZero, sub0 reset offered a highly interactive experience featuring workshops, panels, challenges, and side events. Attendees had the chance to engage with blockchain pioneers like Gavin Wood and Rob Habermeier (Polkadot co-founders), Branimir Rakic (Founder, OriginTrail), Pauline Vorms (Co-Founder, Polkadot Blockchain Academy), and John Linden (CEO, Mythical Games). The event also featured exciting elements like a 24-hour hackerspace, a rooftop tropical oasis, and even disco tuk-tuks.
Event Highlights
Day One: Education Day
The first day kicked off with workshops and talks designed to equip participants with the fundamentals and advanced techniques for building on Polkadot.
- Rob Habermeier (Polkadot) presented “Scaling Blockchains with a High-Throughput State Database,” diving into efficient blockchain frameworks.
- Will Scott (Protocol Labs) explored decentralized network fabrics with a session titled “Can We Do Better?”
- Branimir Rakic (Trace Labs) shared insights into the OriginTrail’s Decentralized Knowledge Graph (DKG) during “A Verifiable Internet for AI.”
- Workshops on storage optimization in DAO contracts and a BarCamp on Developer Relations were among the interactive sessions held that day which encouraged hands-on learning and collaboration.
Attendees also enjoyed the vibrant rooftop tuk-tuk disco and art installations that blended Bangkok’s culture with tech innovation.
Day Two: Modularity Day
The second day was all about modular building within the Polkadot ecosystem. Key sessions included:
- John Linden (Mythical Games) discussed the future of Web3 gaming with a panel on “Building Bespoke Web3 Gaming Experiences.”
- Ryan Lee (Substrate Connect) conducted a workshop on creating light client dApps, enabling decentralized app development with reduced reliance on centralized RPCs.
- A panel on Decentralized Cloud Rebellion addressed how blockchain can disrupt traditional cloud computing for more secure and efficient solutions.
- Sessions by Viet Nguyen (Celestia), Hannah Howard (Filecoin), and others focused on data accessibility and the importance of DePIN in Web3 infrastructure.
The day showcased the endless possibilities of modular design and its potential to reshape decentralized networks.
Day Three: JAM Day
The final day highlighted Gavin Wood’s ambitious JAM project, poised to redefine Web3 architecture.
- Gavin Wood (Polkadot) opened with a session on “Demystifying JAM,” explaining how Polkadot 2.0 evolves into JAM.
- Bryan Chen (Acala Network) presented “JAM with Frictionless UX,” showcasing how JAM will unify liquidity and simplify user experiences.
- A closing discussion on JAM’s impact on the future of Web3 featured insights from Gavin Wood (Polkadot).
The day ended with a lively closing party, celebrating three days of developer innovation.
24/7 Hackerspace and Challenges
The event also featured a 24-hour hackerspace as a hub for hands-on experimentation. Challenges, workshops, and bounties allowed participants to apply their skills and earn exciting prizes like Flipper Zeros, Gameboys, and cash rewards.
- Beginner-friendly EVM to Substrate tasks provided a smooth entry into the Polkadot ecosystem.
- Advanced ink! dApp challenges encouraged participants to design DAO contracts and multi-chain solutions.
- Extra rewards like USDT and USDC were offered for completing specialized challenges, such as using subxt or building parachains.
Side Events
sub0 reset also featured numerous side events that added fun and networking opportunities to the experience:
- The Blockspace: 24hr Co-working & Hackerspace
- DevRel Brunch
- OOO Web3 Marketing Hackathon with Giga
- Cypher Breakfast
- dApp Day at The Blockspace
- Intern Ping-Pong Tournament
- Polkadot Ambassador Fellowship: Culture Club
- Peer-to-Peer Cocktails at the Rooftop Oasis
- Mobility Workshop with Mensana x Crypto Girls Club
- Rooftop Oasis presented by Crypto Girls Club
- Scalability & Infra Day at The Blockspace
- CryptoMondays Bangkok (DevCon)
- Sub0 After Party with OpenGuild
- CypheRave
Web3 isn’t something that will grow in a bubble. Events like sub0 reset bring the best of the best together to contribute both to Polkadot and the entire web3 space.