What is driving your state’s approach to digital assets and emerging technology right now?

In Maryland, the conversation around digital assets and emerging technology is being driven by a combination of economic competitiveness, workforce development, and strong grassroots leadership.

Maryland has a unique advantage with its concentration of talent, federal agencies, research institutions, and world-class universities. There is growing recognition that blockchain, digital assets, and AI can create new opportunities for entrepreneurship, investment, and job creation across the state.

A major part of that momentum comes from community-led organizations. Groups like the Maryland Digital Asset Foundation and the Maryland Blockchain Association have played an important role in educating the public, connecting stakeholders, and advancing conversations around responsible innovation. Their grassroots efforts, alongside entrepreneurs, educators, students, and industry leaders, have helped build a stronger ecosystem from the ground up.

There is also a growing focus on workforce development. Maryland is investing in preparing students, veterans, and professionals for careers in emerging technologies, ensuring the state can compete for the jobs and industries of the future.

Maryland’s approach is increasingly centered on collaboration between industry, academia, community organizations, and government. The goal is to foster innovation while ensuring consumer protection and creating economic opportunities for residents across the state.

Who are the key stakeholders you’ve had to bring together to move this work forward?

It all starts with the community. They are the driving force behind this movement. The individuals making phone calls, contacting their elected officials, attending town halls, and sharing their concerns are ultimately what move policy conversations forward.

Beyond grassroots advocates, we’ve brought together a broad coalition of stakeholders that includes entrepreneurs, developers, investors, students, veterans, educators, industry leaders, and policymakers. Organizations such as the Maryland Digital Asset Foundation, Maryland Blockchain Association, Stand With Crypto, the Digital State Network, and other ecosystem partners have played a critical role in fostering collaboration, advancing education, and creating meaningful dialogue around innovation and digital asset policy.

The most successful efforts happen when all of these groups are working together. Innovation does not happen in isolation. It requires builders, policymakers, educators, and community members all having a seat at the table and working toward a shared vision for Maryland’s future.

What advice would you give to other states looking to engage in this space?

Start with education and community.

The most successful ecosystems are built from the ground up, not the top down. Bring together entrepreneurs, developers, students, educators, investors, and policymakers early in the process. Create opportunities for people to learn from one another and have honest conversations about both the opportunities and challenges presented by emerging technologies.

Focus on people before policy. Strong communities create informed advocates, and informed advocates help shape better policy outcomes. Invest in workforce development, support local builders, and make sure innovators have a seat at the table when decisions are being made.

Most importantly, don’t try to do it alone. Partner with local organizations, universities, industry associations, and community leaders who are already doing the work. The states that will lead in digital assets and emerging technology are the ones that embrace collaboration and create environments where innovation can thrive.

If you could implement one pilot program tomorrow, what would it be?

The Baltimore Blockchain Center

If I could launch one pilot program tomorrow, it would be the creation of the Baltimore Blockchain Center, a workforce development and innovation hub designed to help Baltimore residents build the skills, businesses, and opportunities needed to thrive in the digital economy.

The center would bring together universities, community colleges, industry organizations, startups, employers, and community leaders to provide education, mentorship, and hands-on experience in blockchain, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure.

Participants would not just study emerging technologies; they would use them to build real products and solutions that address challenges facing Baltimore businesses, nonprofits, neighborhoods, and government agencies.

What makes this initiative different is its focus on Ownership. Too often, communities are consumers of innovation rather than beneficiaries of it. The Baltimore Blockchain Center would empower residents to become builders, founders, and owners. Participants would have the opportunity to launch companies, develop intellectual property, create community-focused solutions, and generate long-term economic value for themselves and their neighborhoods.

About Gilberto Nazario:

Gilberto Nazario is a combat veteran, community builder, and technology advocate originally from Puerto Rico and now based in the DMV. From boots to blockchain, his career has spanned military service, government technology, and the forefront of digital asset innovation.

As Maryland Chapter President for Stand With Crypto and Founder & CEO of Web3DC, Gilberto works at the intersection of emerging technology, digital asset policy, workforce development, and entrepreneurship. He introduced and helped lead the Web3 and Digital Asset Track for DC Startup & Tech Week, helping build five years of programming that has brought together thousands of entrepreneurs, builders, investors, policymakers, and innovators from across the blockchain ecosystem.

Before entering the Web3 industry, Gilberto served with the 82nd Airborne Division, completing deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He later held leadership roles within the Department of Defense, supporting mission-critical technology initiatives from the Pentagon to Army Recruiting Command. His journey from the battlefield to the boardroom, from the Pentagon to the frontlines of crypto, has given him a unique perspective on technology, security, and innovation.

Today, Gilberto works alongside students, veterans, startups, universities, and world-leading organizations to expand access to technology, develop talent pipelines, and create opportunities within the digital economy. He has partnered with several organizations, including the Digital Chamber, as a community partner. He also advises companies on business development, go-to-market strategy, and growth, bringing the integrity that defined his military and public service career to every engagement.

His mission is simple: help people build, connect, and thrive in the industries shaping the future.