In an innovative leap forward for the sports and digital asset industries, Deloitte Tohmatsu Group, under the leadership of Group CEO Kenichi Kimura, has unveiled a significant advancement in the realm of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and blockchain technology. The group has successfully developed a new NFT tool that is fully compatible with the Astar zkEVM blockchain. The groundbreaking collaboration involves key players in the blockchain sector, including Stake Technologies Pte. Ltd., represented by Shun Ishikawa, and Startale Labs Pte. Ltd., led by CEO Sota Watanabe.
The integration of Astar zkEVM, a Layer 2 solution leveraging Ethereum’s zero-knowledge proof (zk Proof) technology, places Deloitte Tohmatsu at the forefront of the Web3 domain. The technological synergy not only boosts transaction efficiency but also heralds a new era in digital asset management and application development within the sports industry and beyond.
Pioneering digital transformation in sports
A shining example of Deloitte Tohmatsu’s innovative approach is the development of a baseball-themed NFT game application. The application is not just a game but a digital ecosystem where players can engage in a virtual baseball batting practice. Through their participation, players can earn NFT ‘Emblems’, which serve as digital tokens of their skill improvement and dedication to the sport. The project, the first of its kind on the Astar zkEVM platform, introduces an engaging and rewarding element to sports training, providing young athletes with a unique and modern way to enhance their batting skills.
Deloitte Tohmatsu’s commitment to the development of blockchain-based services extends beyond gaming. The group offers a variety of blockchain programs as APIs, which were notably integrated into “LIFE LOG BOX,” a creator support platform on Polygon, in June 2023. The strategic move underscores Deloitte Tohmatsu’s dedication to supporting the creative and technological needs of digital creators and developers.
Deloitte Tohmatsu empowering the sports industry through digital innovation
The development of the baseball-themed NFT game app is a key component of the Reiwa 5th fiscal year Sports Industry Growth Promotion Project, titled “Sports × Technology Utilization Promotion Project.” The initiative, led by Deloitte Tohmatsu, aims to bridge the gap between sports and digital technology, offering new opportunities to experience sports through digital transformation (DX). By leveraging sports data, the project seeks to enhance the value of sports and create new revenue streams, specifically targeting students at junior high school baseball academies. A demonstration project is scheduled to run from January to February 2024, showcasing the practical applications and benefits of integrating technology into sports training and engagement.
Hiroki Akahoshi, a partner at Deloitte Tohmatsu, emphasized the significance of Web3 technologies in contributing to domestic economic growth and regional revitalization. “The tokenization of all assets is a future we look forward to,” Akahoshi stated. He highlighted the expansion of Deloitte Tohmatsu’s NFT development tools to Astar zkEVM as a strategic move towards achieving broader and more versatile deployment of these technologies. “Aiming to create world-leading examples, Astar Network aligns with our slogan ‘Lead the way.’ We are committed to supporting the development of Web3 through our diverse expertise in collaboration with domestic companies and local governments,” Akahoshi added.
Conclusion
Deloitte Tohmatsu Group’s collaboration with Astar zkEVM and its ventures into the sports industry represent a significant milestone in the convergence of sports, technology, and digital assets. By developing innovative tools and applications that leverage the power of blockchain technology, Deloitte Tohmatsu is not only enhancing the sports training experience but also paving the way for a new era of digital engagement and economic growth. As these technologies continue to evolve, the potential for further innovation and transformation within the sports industry and beyond remains boundless, with Deloitte Tohmatsu leading the charge towards a more connected and technologically advanced future.
