Academy experiences — why passion and excitement are what really fuels web3

Approaching its one year anniversary, the Interchain Developer Academy has already helped 400+ developers learn to work with Cosmos SDK, IBC, and CosmJS, boosting their ability to seek careers in the Interchain. With the fourth cohort starting soon, we reached out to invite some of our graduates to introduce themselves and talk about their experiences on the course and in web3 generally.

Stefano Magini was already working in the ecosystem when he joined the Interchain Developer Academy — he wanted more

Web3 is an environment hungry for talent. The Interchain Developer Academy is designed to satisfy the needs of devs with no experience of blockchain, and also those of devs already in the field. However, it cannot provide the motivation individuals need in order to succeed.

In our second interview with Academy alumni, we’re talking to Stefano Magini, who had more than enough enthusiasm for blockchain and the Interchain ecosystem to do just that.

• Please introduce yourself!

Hi there! I’m Stefano, a backend and blockchain developer from Italy. My passion for technology and finance began back in 2007 when I started exploring hacking and gaming on retroserver forums. Over the years, I’ve worked with various companies as a backend developer, continually growing my skill set and embracing the exciting challenges the software development world offers.

• How did you get started in software development?

I convinced my dad to buy me a domain name and a shared hosting plan because I wanted to create my first website! We faced some early challenges, like realizing that Windows Server wouldn’t run PHP code, prompting us to invest in a managed server migration. My interest grew, and I explored other aspects of computing. I transitioned to Unix-like systems after a family friend introduced me to Puppy Linux, and I became captivated by its power and flexibility. I remember receiving a free official Ubuntu Linux disk in the mail when the Ubuntu Foundation was doing so.

• Tell us about your shift into web3.

My interest in blockchain technology sparked in 2011 when I first learned about Bitcoin at a political demonstration in front of the Rome Parliament. A fervent individual was promoting this groundbreaking economic and financial system which piqued my curiosity, but back then my IT knowledge wasn’t sufficient to fully grasp the implications of digital scarcity. My real transition began during the 2016–17 crypto bull run, around the time of Ethereum’s emergence and the rise of CryptoKitties-like applications. It wasn’t until the DAO Hack and the ETH fork in 2016 that I immersed myself in web3 development.

These events highlighted to me the potential of the technology to make a positive impact, and I became passionate about creating decentralized applications. I spent a year observing the evolution of various protocols before venturing into freelancing and eventually joining a company. Since then, I’ve been actively engaged in the web3 space, seeking opportunities to contribute to its growth and development. I’m fortunate to be part of an industry that I genuinely love.

• Have you experimented independently running a blockchain-based app, or collaborating with other devs on interesting projects?

Currently, I’m working as a GoLang developer in the Interchain ecosystem, specifically with Quasar Finance, a Layer 1 Blockchain that aims to reduce onboarding friction and create decentralized vault strategies leveraging IBC Protocol and CosmWasm contracts. I’m thrilled to be part of this innovative community, collaborating on groundbreaking technologies that can revolutionize industries and generate new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike. My experience with Quasar Finance has allowed me to explore cutting-edge concepts and work alongside talented developers to build a more accessible and decentralized future.

• How was your experience with the Interchain Developer Academy? And how do you see it affecting you moving forward?

My time at the Academy was truly rewarding. Although I had prior experience with the Cosmos SDK and EVM development, the program deepened my understanding of the Ecosystem and the potential of the IBC protocol. As a GoLang developer, the knowledge and motivation I gained have been invaluable. It has strengthened the importance of an “internet of blockchains” approach, which encourages scalable, interconnected solutions that foster true decentralization, as opposed to ad-hoc, semi-centralized alternatives like Bridges.

• What are some of the most important skills needed to succeed in the web3 space?

Understanding the potential of blockchain technology is fundamental for driving its evolution. You also need a solid grasp of programming languages, cryptography, and networking and a deep understanding of distributed systems and consensus algorithms. Acquiring this knowledge can be challenging but indispensable for success in the field.

Beyond technical skills, a strong sense of social responsibility is essential. Blockchain technology can help educate the masses on technology usage while promoting transparency, accountability, and fairness. In a time when human rights, privacy, and data ownership seem to have been overlooked, blockchain enables the creation of applications that empower individuals. Being part of a movement addressing today’s pressing issues is inspiring.

• So, what plans do you have for your next steps?

My immediate plans involve continuing my work in DeFi within the Cosmos ecosystem with Quasar Finance. The financial sector faces numerous challenges, such as addressing the unbanked population and building a more secure, prosperous system for all. I’m enthusiastic about being part of a movement that tackles these issues and strives for a more equitable and transparent financial landscape. By leveraging groundbreaking technologies like blockchain, I aim to contribute to a world where everyone can access the financial services they need to flourish.

Thanks to Stefano for talking to us! If you want to make contact with him directly, you can find him as “magiodev” on Twitter, LinkedIn, and GitHub.

The Interchain Developer Academy is designed for web2 devs with three or more years of experience who want to transition into web3, and for web3 devs interested in working within the Interchain Ecosystem. Applications to join the new cohort are open until May 8th. There’s still enough time left to register and take the screening test!

About B9Lab

B9Lab have trained over 17,000 people in more than 160 countries about multiple blockchain protocols, and have been tasked by the Interchain Foundation to run the Interchain Developer Academy. They are passionate about technology adoption, getting new developers into web3, and helping blockchain ecosystems to thrive.