Top 50 Women Shaping the Future of Web3 and AI: Our Selection Process

At first glance, combining Web3 and AI might seem like an attempt to capitalize on trendy buzzwords. However, CoinDesk has been tracking the gradual integration of public blockchain data and artificial intelligence for over a decade. Our inaugural list of Top Women in Web3 & AI was created with the help of a panel of esteemed women judges, resulting in a powerful compilation that captures the essence of the current moment. We are witnessing two simultaneous technological revolutions: blockchain's decentralized promise and AI's transformative leap. Although these fields may appear distinct, they share a crucial aspect - they are both redefining the fundamental infrastructure of our digital future. The convergence of these technologies is not coincidental, as AI's increasing demand for computational power and data access intersects with blockchain's pursuit of new use cases beyond cryptocurrency. This intersection is evident in areas such as data verification, distributed computing, and digital identity. Major AI companies are exploring blockchain-based solutions for data provenance, while crypto projects are integrating AI for various applications, including fraud detection and trading. A new field, decentralized artificial intelligence (deAI), is emerging, leveraging the immense power used to audit blockchains to train AI models that can compete with centralized solutions. The technology industry's gender gap is well-documented, particularly in emerging fields like blockchain and AI. However, the 50 remarkable women on our list are not mere footnotes in the story of emerging technology - they are its authors. They are building protocols, leading billion-dollar startups, and shaping global governance frameworks, all while navigating systems that were not designed with them in mind. Our list was made possible through a collaboration between CoinDesk and Proof of Talk, hosted by XVentures. To ensure an unbiased selection process, we sought diverse perspectives. An initial public outreach resulted in over 300 nominations, which were then narrowed down to 100 semifinalists by CoinDesk's editorial board. A panel of five judges reviewed the semifinalists, looking for innovation, relevance, and influence. The judges provided crucial feedback for the final selection process, which was made by the CoinDesk editorial board. Rather than focusing solely on technical innovation, our list recognizes the importance of multiple types of expertise, from product development and business strategy to regulatory compliance and ethical frameworks, as both Web3 and AI transition from experimental phases to broader adoption.