Pep Lluis Esteva is not simply an academic or a blockchain expert; he is a connector of people, ideas, and futures. As the Executive Dean of the School of Technology at Woxsen University, a Blockchain & DeFi expert, and a Fellow at University College London (UCL), Pep Lluis Esteva stands at the intersection of innovation and education. His recent participation in the WSA Global Congress in Hyderabad, April 2025, offers more than a glimpse into his professional world it showcases the philosophy that drives his career that true impact stems from serious work coupled with human connection and a dash of humor.
Pep Lluis Esteva shared a photo from this event a lighthearted moment with Andreu Veà, known globally as “The Internet Biographer.” Dr. Veà has spent years chronicling the pioneers of the Internet, interviewing over 350 of those who laid the foundation of our interconnected world. His book, How We Created the Internet, preserves these vital histories. Yet, as Pep Lluis Esteva emphasizes, Dr. Veà is not just an archivist of the past. He is an active builder of networks, and through their shared presence at this congress, Pep Lluis Esteva highlights the power of connection to shape both present and future.
In the image, Pep Lluis Esteva stands behind a social media-themed frame, hands lifted in an expression of pure enjoyment, while Dr. Veà points towards him with a broad grin. The humor in the scene is undeniable. But as Pep Lluis Esteva reflects, the deeper message is about how people engaged in serious world-changing work still find space to laugh and celebrate collaboration. This approach echoes throughout Pep Lluis Esteva’s career in blockchain, decentralized finance, and higher education alike.
Pep Lluis Esteva has consistently advocated for the idea that the emerging “Internet of Value,” built on blockchain, is not just a technological shift but a social one. His academic leadership at Woxsen University has revolved around blending rigorous technological expertise with an ecosystem of diverse and curious minds. The photo and story shared from the congress demonstrate how Pep Lluis Esteva lives this belief in every forum he enters.
One striking story he recounts from his interaction with Dr. Veà involves the creation of the #COVIDWarriors network during the pandemic. With over 500 volunteers doctors, engineers, scientists, and technologists Dr. Veà spearheaded the development of a robot capable of testing for COVID-19 at 20 times the speed of manual methods. All of this was built through open-source collaboration, without the formal resources of private companies or governments. Pep Lluis Esteva draws attention to this achievement not just to highlight technological innovation but to remind us how fast solutions emerge when people pool their expertise selflessly. It is the kind of interdisciplinary, open innovation that Pep Lluis Esteva champions within his work on blockchain ecosystems and educational networks.
For Pep Lluis Esteva, technology is never isolated from its human context. His efforts in blockchain and DeFi are fundamentally about building infrastructures that enable transparency, trust, and value-sharing across borders. At Woxsen University, Pep Lluis Esteva has cultivated a curriculum that mirrors this ethos empowering students not just to master tools, but to become thoughtful, connected innovators who understand the social dimensions of their work.
This alignment between history, technology, and human-centric collaboration is what makes the encounter between Pep Lluis Esteva and Andreu Veà so symbolic. As Dr. Veà worked to document and build the Internet as we know it, Pep Lluis Esteva is now among those helping shape the next frontier the Internet of Value. His expertise in blockchain is not merely technical; it is rooted in the idea that decentralized systems can democratize access, unlock new forms of cooperation, and solve real-world problems.
Throughout the WSA Global Congress, Pep Lluis Esteva’s interactions reflected a deep-seated belief in global networks of “Very Interesting People” borrowing Dr. Veà’s terminology. These networks, Pep Lluis Esteva shows, are crucial not just for knowledge-sharing but for rapid, agile problem-solving in moments of crisis and opportunity alike. Whether it is co-developing decentralized financial systems or fostering student-driven blockchain initiatives, Pep Lluis Esteva continually emphasizes that innovation flourishes best in collaborative communities.
The image from the event captures more than just a candid laugh; it crystallizes Pep Lluis Esteva’s commitment to building spaces where impact and enjoyment coexist. His post reminds us that even the most forward-thinking technological visions rest on the age-old foundations of trust, friendship, and shared curiosity. Through his leadership roles, Pep Lluis Esteva continues to embody this intersection mentoring students, collaborating with peers, and contributing to global dialogues on decentralized technologies.
As the future of the Internet transitions towards blockchain-based systems, Pep Lluis Esteva’s role as an educator and expert ensures that this evolution remains people-centered. He knows that technical progress must walk hand in hand with ethical foresight and global inclusivity. His invitation to connect extended warmly to anyone interested in joining these networks underlines his openness and enduring commitment to widening the circle of collaboration.
In a world where many focus narrowly on competitive advantage, Pep Lluis Esteva advocates for building bridges. His philosophy, evident both in his academic work and his informal exchanges, suggests that sustainable progress is rooted not in isolated expertise but in vibrant communities of diverse thinkers. Whether mentoring students at Woxsen, researching decentralized systems, or participating in global summits, Pep Lluis Esteva continues to demonstrate that the future belongs to those who care, connect, and collaborate with intelligence, empathy, and, occasionally, a shared laugh.
