Blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) are two of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century. As Web3 reshapes how we interact with digital systems, and AI redefines automation and data intelligence, their convergence is unlocking new frontiers in innovation. In this edition of the OKX Campus Interview series, we sit down with Dr. Xiao Zhen, a leading researcher and educator at Peking University, to explore the evolving landscape of blockchain technology, the rise of AI integration, and what it means for students entering the Web3 job market.
From Distributed Systems to Blockchain Innovation
Dr. Xiao Zhen earned his Ph.D. from Cornell University and conducted research at prestigious institutions like AT&T Labs (formerly Bell Labs) and IBM T.J. Watson Research Center, where he received the "Research Excellence Award." Returning to China in 2008 under the "Hundred Talents Program," he became a professor and doctoral supervisor at Peking University. His widely acclaimed course Blockchain Technology and Applications has surpassed 1.4 million views on Bilibili, making complex topics accessible to a new generation of learners.
His research group specializes in distributed systems, with a strong focus on network optimization and consensus protocols. Over the past decade, they’ve transitioned into blockchain innovation, witnessing firsthand the evolution of Web3—from early experiments with Ethereum to the rise of Layer 2 scaling solutions.
👉 Discover how emerging technologies are shaping the future of decentralized systems.
Technical Evolution: Layer 2, PoS, and Performance Breakthroughs
One of the most significant technical shifts has been the advancement of Layer 2 solutions such as Optimistic Rollups and ZK Rollups. These innovations move transaction processing off-chain while maintaining security and decentralization on the mainnet, dramatically improving throughput.
Ethereum’s transition from Proof-of-Work (PoW) to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) marked another milestone. Not only did it reduce energy consumption by over 99%, aligning with global sustainability goals, but it also laid the foundation for more scalable and secure smart contract platforms.
“The move to PoS wasn’t just a technical upgrade—it reflected a broader shift toward environmentally responsible computing,” says Dr. Xiao.
Despite progress, debates around decentralization persist, especially in some Layer 2 implementations where control is concentrated among a few sequencers.
The Expanding Web3 Ecosystem: DeFi, NFTs, and Metaverse
Beyond infrastructure, the Web3 ecosystem has exploded in diversity. Decentralized Finance (DeFi), Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), and the Metaverse have emerged as major application domains.
At Peking University, Dr. Xiao serves as deputy director of the newly established Metaverse Technology Institute, where his team explores the intersection of AI and blockchain. Projects like Theta Network, a decentralized video streaming platform, exemplify this synergy. Unlike centralized platforms such as YouTube or Twitch, Theta leverages users’ idle bandwidth and computing power to distribute content efficiently—reducing reliance on costly Content Delivery Networks (CDNs).
This model not only cuts costs but also enhances resilience and user participation through token-based incentives—a core principle of crypto-economics (tokenomics).
Bridging Disciplines: How Students Are Engaging with Web3
Dr. Xiao teaches courses like Blockchain Technology and Applications and Introduction to Metaverse Technology, attracting students from both technical and non-technical backgrounds.
Engineering students dive into hands-on projects—implementing cryptographic functions in Go, building consensus algorithms, or writing smart contracts in Solidity. Meanwhile, humanities students explore broader implications: decentralized governance, digital sovereignty, privacy rights, and ethical AI.
“I always include a module on crypto scams,” Dr. Xiao notes. “Understanding risks is just as important as mastering technology.”
Recently, he’s integrated AI topics such as chatbots and AIGC (AI-Generated Content) into his curriculum, reflecting growing student interest in the convergence of these fields.
While AI and machine learning still attract larger enrollments, blockchain remains a niche yet passionate domain—especially among those drawn to its potential for social transformation.
Career Opportunities in Web3: Global vs. Domestic Realities
For students considering careers in blockchain or Web3, opportunities vary significantly between domestic (China) and international markets.
In China, due to regulatory restrictions on cryptocurrency trading and ICOs, the focus is primarily on permissioned blockchains—also known as consortium chains. Major projects include ChainMaker (Chang’an Chain), SparkLink, and AntChain. Dr. Xiao’s lab collaborates with these platforms, developing novel data distribution frameworks like Predis and Multizone, which optimize bandwidth usage and reduce latency across network layers.
Their work with AntChain led to measurable improvements in transaction throughput and was recognized as an “Outstanding Applied Project” by the CCF-Ant Research Fund.
Abroad, public blockchains offer richer development ecosystems. Experience with projects like Ethereum or Theta provides students with transferable skills for global roles. However, success requires more than coding ability—it demands an understanding of tokenomics, user experience design, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
👉 Explore career paths at the intersection of blockchain and emerging tech.
AI Meets Blockchain: The Future of Decentralized Intelligence
The fusion of AI and blockchain holds immense promise:
- Decentralized AI Markets: Developers can deploy trained models on blockchain networks via smart contracts, enabling transparent usage tracking and fair compensation.
- Privacy-Preserving AI: With decentralized storage (e.g., IPFS + Filecoin), users retain control over their data while allowing AI models to train securely—addressing one of AI’s biggest ethical challenges.
- AI-Optimized Blockchains: Dr. Xiao’s team has published research using deep reinforcement learning to improve blockchain sharding efficiency, reducing cross-shard transactions and boosting performance.
They’ve also developed AIGC demos like Sketch-to-3D, transforming hand-drawn sketches into 3D models within seconds—applications relevant to gaming, film, and industrial design.
“Web3 gives users ownership; AI gives them intelligence. Together, they empower truly user-centric digital experiences.”
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: Can Chinese students pursue Web3 careers abroad?
A: Yes. Many find opportunities in regions with clear regulatory frameworks like Singapore or Switzerland. Solid technical skills in Solidity, Go, or Rust are highly valued.
Q: Is it safe for students to get involved in crypto projects?
A: Focus on open-source development, academic research, or building tools—not speculative trading. Always comply with local laws.
Q: Do I need to know AI to work in Web3?
A: Not necessarily—but understanding AI basics will become increasingly advantageous as both fields converge.
Q: What programming languages should I learn?
A: For blockchain: Solidity (Ethereum), Go (Cosmos), Rust (Solana). For AI integration: Python, TensorFlow/PyTorch.
Q: Are there jobs in Web3 outside of coding?
A: Absolutely. Roles in product management, community building, legal compliance, UX design, and economics modeling are critical.
Q: How can universities better prepare students for Web3?
A: By offering interdisciplinary courses that combine computer science, economics, law, and ethics—just like Dr. Xiao’s approach at Peking University.
Final Thoughts: Build with Purpose
Dr. Xiao emphasizes that long-term impact comes not from chasing short-term gains but from solving real-world problems through responsible innovation.
“Don’t get caught up in speculation. Focus on building meaningful applications that serve communities—not just investors.”
Whether you're a developer, designer, or policymaker, the future of Web3 lies at the intersection of technology, ethics, and human needs.
👉 Start building your future in decentralized technology today.
Core Keywords: blockchain technology, Web3 career, AI and blockchain convergence, decentralized systems, tokenomics, Layer 2 solutions, smart contract development