3181: Connecting 175 Million Devices: The Innovation Behind PeerPoint by Vodafone

At the intersection of Web3, IoT, and AI, we're witnessing a technological shift that promises to redefine business, connectivity, and the metaverse itself.  In today’s episode, I’m joined by David Palmer, Chief Product Officer of PeerPoint by Vodafone, to explore the convergence of these technologies and what it means for the future of enterprise and digital interactions. David brings a wealth of experience in emerging technologies, and his new book, The Business of Metaverse, provides a roadmap for organizations looking to navigate and capitalize on the opportunities within this evolving digital landscape. He shares insights into how Web3 and AI are revolutionizing industries, enabling device-to-device transactions, and fueling new AI-driven business models. One of the most intriguing developments is Vodafone’s PeerPoint platform, the world’s first Web3 IoT platform, designed to give digital identities to IoT devices, allowing them to transact autonomously. Imagine in-car payments that don’t require additional hardware, smart contracts securing enterprise AI interactions, and an IoT ecosystem that is no longer siloed by technical barriers. With an estimated 26 billion connected devices by 2025, the ability to securely exchange data and conduct business at scale will be a game-changer. We also discuss the three stages of metaverse evolution—from embedded experiences to full interoperability and convergence. AI is accelerating this transition, with generative AI and intelligent agents opening new possibilities for businesses. But while the opportunities are immense, many organizations are still grappling with how to translate these concepts into real business value.  David shares practical examples of how industries like finance, education, and real estate are already leveraging these technologies to remove geographic barriers and unlock new economic models. As we look ahead, who will be the winners in this new digital era? How will businesses need to adapt to harness Web3, AI, and IoT effectively? And what role will AI-powered digital agents play in shaping the metaverse’s next phase? Join us as we explore how the future of business is being rewritten in real-time—and what leaders need to do to stay ahead.