Merryl Ford

Merryl Ford
Digital Transformation Specialist, Centre for Robotics & Future Production, CSIR 
Facilitator: SA National Blockchain Alliance (SANBA)

Merryl works closely with clients and partners in re-imagining “new ways of doing” in this exciting age of accelerated technology growth, and converting new approaches into reality.

Her interest is in the use of emerging technologies such as blockchain (distributed ledger technologies), big data, AI and the Internet of Things, combined with promising new business models (e.g. the token economy) in stimulating and supporting technology innovation.

Her academic career started with B.Sc in Computer Science, she graduated the Oxford Blockchain Strategy Programme at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford;  and more recently completed the Postgraduate Diploma in Innovation and Design Thinking from Emeritus.

In 2018 she was asked by the Department of Science and Innovation to develop a national blockchain strategy focusing on research, development and innovation. After intensive interactions with the local blockchain community including start-ups, corporates, universities and government departments, she was instrumental in creating the South African National Blockchain Alliance (SANBA).