Last updated 5 months ago

Reef Data: IAGON and Cardano as Data Layers for Data Coop

Problem

Reef Data lets users request, understand, and monetize their data. Monetization requires off-device transfer, risking loss of control and transparency unless decentralized infrastructure is used.

Solution

Reef Data (by Volksbank Hamburg) will validate IAGON’s patented decentralized tech by building a PoC data layer, letting users control, track, and monetize data with sovereignty and auditability.

Total to date

This is the total amount allocated to Reef Data: IAGON and Cardano as Data Layers for Data Coop.

90,000 $ADA
Total funds requested
214
Total votes cast
33.3M
Votes yes
8.04M
Votes abstain

About this idea

Team

Leadership & Founders

Nils Abels - Board Member, Hamburger Volksbank eG

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nils-abels-52301a262/

Nils is an accomplished executive and cooperative banking specialist, currently serving on the board of Hamburger Volksbank. With over two decades of senior leadership experience, he brings deep knowledge of finance, compliance, and digital transformation. Renowned for his analytical focus and values-driven approach, Nils plays a central role in defining rigorous governance, regulatory integrity, and financial strategy for pioneering digital projects in the cooperative sector.

Hans Joachim Conrad - Chairman of the Board, Großmarkt Hamburg

Hans Joachim is a cooperative movement veteran and institutional leader, currently chairing one of Europe’s largest city wholesale markets. He is a change-maker for values-based, member-driven organizations, with a track record that spans sustainable urban infrastructure, logistics, and innovation in the food and agricultural value chain. His network and advisory roles power direct bridges to thousands of German and European cooperatives.

Jürgen Kleeberger - CEO, Disruptive Elements GmbH / CPO Reef Data GmbH

https://www.linkedin.com/in/j%C3%BCrgen-kleeberger-39449511/

Jürgen is a visionary digital strategist and product architect, with over 25 years’ experience translating innovation into practical solutions for leading global enterprises such as Volkswagen, HERE, and Condé Nast. Skilled at building and scaling digital business models, he’s widely respected as a mentor, university lecturer, and event organizer—most recently delivering the Catalyst x UNDP SmartFutures summit, which set a new standard for Cardano community engagement in Europe.

Dr. Hans Knoth - Head of Corporate Development, Hamburger Volksbank

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hansknoth/

Dr. Knoth is an expert in transformation strategy, organizational development, and innovation management within highly regulated banking contexts. With a unique blend of academic rigor and pragmatic leadership, he drives complex change initiatives across digital, cooperative, and financial domains, ensuring resilience and adaptability for the institutions he supports.

Alois Krtil - CEO, Artificial Intelligence Center Hamburg (ARIC) e.V.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alois-krtil-2985471b4/

Alois leads one of Europe’s most influential AI innovation centers. With strong academic and entrepreneurial credentials, he specializes in privacy-centric artificial intelligence, data protocol development, and ethical technology strategy. He is a sought-after advisor for governments, academic boards, and digital transformation projects, dedicated to delivering ground-breaking, responsible AI within the framework of European core values.

Kevin Sturm - Manager, Digital Transformation, Hamburger Volksbank

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-sturm-7b2771284/

Kevin bridges technical strategy and operational execution, ensuring new digital products deliver both innovation and measurable value for cooperative members. With a background in program management for financial services, he supports the seamless integration of advanced digital solutions into traditional banking environments, always with a focus on impact and user benefit.

Development & Blockchain Integration

Robin Hellmann - Product Owner and Blockchain Lead, Reef Data GmbH

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-hellmann-2927b529b/

Robin holds a Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering with a focus on innovation from RWTH Aachen. As a consultant and project manager, he has led blockchain initiatives for organizations such as WWF (NFT marketplace), delivered major events with UNDP, and organized Cardano Masterclasses. TÜV-certified for the EU AI Act, Robin brings the strategic and practical expertise needed to steer blockchain integration and partnerships in this project.

Development Team

Our core developers have built robust, secure products for global organizations (VW, Condé Nast, HERE, UNDP, and more), ensuring both technical reliability and real-world scalability.

Ecosystem and Advisory Network

By virtue of our founders’ leadership roles, the team enjoys direct, credible access to all of Germany’s 7,300+ registered cooperatives and their 22+ million members, with institutional backing from major players like Volksbank Hamburg and connections to umbrella organizations such as DGRV.

We are further supported by robust technical partnerships with Atruvia (cooperative banking IT backbone), IAGON, the Cardano Foundation, and Emurgo. This strategic network not only guarantees direct piloting and adoption potential, but also the practical, high-trust structures needed for scalable innovation.