DeFi Education Takes Center Stage in Washington

Introduction

Groundwork forum is a one-day event co-hosted by 1inch and the Blockchain Association to discuss DeFi policy and education. The event is part of DC Fintech Week and will bring together students, policymakers, professors, and industry experts to explore the future of decentralized finance.

What's on the Agenda

The forum will feature seven panels and six roundtables, including student-moderated sessions. Topics will include how DeFi has evolved, smart contract security, and career paths in the sector. Representatives from Uniswap, Circle, and Robinhood Crypto will also be present.

Background

Groundwork extends 1inch Forward, an initiative launched earlier in 2026 to push US business and law schools to teach digital assets and blockchain. The initiative was signed by over 20 DeFi projects and advocacy organizations, urging law and business schools to update their curricula to reflect digital assets and on-chain finance.

Why Washington?

The event is being held in Washington, DC, during a fintech week that draws policy crowds. The organizers aim to connect younger participants with current policymakers and regulatory debates over digital assets and DeFi are becoming more relevant.

Conclusion

The Groundwork forum is an important step towards shaping the future of DeFi policy and education. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, it is crucial to have open and inclusive discussions about the role of policymakers and regulatory bodies in shaping the future of decentralized finance.

Image Prompt

Editorial photo journalism shot of a conference room with a diverse group of individuals, including students, policymakers, professors, and industry experts, gathered around a table, engaged in a heated discussion about the future of DeFi, with a cityscape of Washington, DC in the background, emphasizing the importance of regulatory bodies in shaping the industry's future.