In this interview, we speak with the team behind Trade on Chain. With expertise spanning international trade, compliance, blockchain, software development, and AI, the team shares how their solution leverages smart contracts and decentralised identity to reduce costs, increase transparency, and lower barriers to global markets. They discuss the motivation behind Trade on Chain, the benefits it brings to SMEs, and the critical role TrustChain plays in their growth and collaboration within the NGI ecosystem
Can you briefly present your team?
Our team is composed of professionals with expertise in international trade, customs, international payments, blockchain, smart contracts, software development, and artificial intelligence. We are a microenterprise based in Italy and work closely with strategic partners such as the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), ICP, TrustChain Project, and FederItaly, an association representing 25,000 Made in Italy enterprises. Our diverse skill set allows us to approach trade digitalisation from both technical and operational perspectives, ensuring practical solutions for micro and small enterprises.
How did you come up with this project idea and what benefits will it bring to the end users?
The idea for TradeOnChain arose from our direct experience with the inefficiencies and high costs faced by micro and small enterprises when managing international contracts. We noticed that most existing solutions are either too complex or too expensive for these companies. Our platform leverages blockchain, smart contracts, and Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) to simplify the drafting, management, and execution of international trade contracts. End users benefit from increased transparency, reduced processing times, lower costs, and enhanced legal security—empowering SMEs to expand internationally with fewer barriers.
How is TrustChain supporting your growth and what role does it play for the next steps in your development?
TrustChain provides a valuable ecosystem, mentorship, and networking opportunities that accelerate our technical and business development. The programme has helped us validate our solution, receive expert feedback, and connect with other innovators. Looking ahead, TrustChain’s support will be instrumental as we further integrate decentralised identity management and aim for broader adoption of our solution.
Why did you apply to the TrustChain call and has your vision changed since then?
We applied to TrustChain because its mission—embedding human rights, sustainability, and trustworthy digital services into the Next Generation Internet—aligns perfectly with our values. Initially, our focus was primarily on contract management, but thanks to TrustChain, our vision now incorporates broader principles of digital trust, interoperability, and ethical technology. The collaborative environment has expanded our ambitions beyond the Italian manufacturing sector to potentially include other industries and regions.
What is the most valuable takeout from the TrustChain project and why was the topic of the Open Call important to you/your team?
The most valuable takeaway has been the opportunity to validate our solution in a supportive yet challenging environment, enabling us to rapidly iterate and improve. The topic of the Open Call—trustworthy content handling and digital identity—was important to us as it addresses fundamental challenges in international trade: trust, transparency, and compliance. Being part of this community also reinforces our commitment to openness and interoperability.
Did you establish collaboration with any of the TrustChain teams or plan for any kind of synergies? If yes, what is the biggest potential in such collaborations?
We have engaged with several teams within the TrustChain community and are exploring synergies, particularly around digital identity, shared KYC, and cross-border compliance. The greatest potential lies in jointly developing interoperable solutions that could become standards for digital trade, lowering entry barriers for SMEs and improving trust across supply chains.
What are your expectations regarding the TrustChain software ecosystem and its contribution to the NGI priority areas?
We expect the TrustChain software ecosystem to set benchmarks in privacy, decentralised identity, interoperability, and ethical AI. For us, it represents the ideal environment to develop solutions that are future-proof and in line with NGI’s vision. We look forward to contributing to and leveraging open-source modules, especially in SSI, digital identity, and contract execution.
What are the next steps for your team?
Our next steps include completing the pilot phase with selected SMEs, integrating advanced SSI and digital signature functionalities, and expanding partnerships. We plan to gather feedback, refine our monetisation model, and launch the platform in new markets. Continuous collaboration within TrustChain and other relevant communities is also a key priority.
What is the message you would give to new and potential applicants to TrustChain Open Calls?
Be open to learning and collaboration! TrustChain is not just a funding programme; it’s a vibrant ecosystem where you can grow, challenge your assumptions, and find real partners. Focus on openness, interoperability, and ethical technology to make a meaningful impact.