NEWSROOM

Introducing the research function at Input | Output

Move fast and break things. That’s been the mentality of the blockchain community since the beginning. Because what’s innovative today is outdated by tomorrow. But in this fast-evolving reality, how do we architect secure systems built with integrity to ensure that our digital infrastructure is designed for the future? At Input | Output (IO), we believe that one of the most critical drivers of progress is rigorous, evidence-based engineering, backed by peer-reviewed research. As a research and engineering firm, research is not only central to our mission, it is the cornerstone of our success in building secure and scalable systems. Our process isn’t linear, the collaborative effort across researchers, engineers, and developers is continuous, ultimately ensuring that the technologies we initially develop—from Midnight, Ouroboros, Mithril, Hydra, Marlowe, and beyond—are backed by our formal methods.

At IO, research isn’t just a supporting function - it’s foundational. Across the globe, our research network consists of about 10 in-house research fellows and over 35 closely aligned embedded researchers from partner institutions like the University of Edinburgh, the Institute of Science Tokyo, the Athens University of Economics and Business, the University of Connecticut, Stanford, the University of Wyoming, and beyond. Our in-house scientists and partner organizations specialize in cryptography, distributed ledgers, cybersecurity, formal methods, economics, and game theory. We work hand in hand with institutions that share our passion for advancing decentralized technologies, fueling the next generation of development. 

Pioneering research for blockchain evolution 

Together, we’ve been able to unlock a new era of blockchain, one that embraces privacy. Through research and further development of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs), our industry is now able to go beyond safeguarding personal information by putting control of users’ data back in their own hands. ZKPs are vital in transforming industries like supply chains, healthcare, finance, and others where the security of private information is essential. That’s the power of our research. We are able to meet global regulatory requirements when dealing with sensitive information, while still maintaining the core principles of blockchain. And more importantly, we’re now in a position to truly hold antiquated systems accountable and offer a viable solution to our failing digital infrastructure. This interdisciplinary approach is what allows IO to lead the charge in pushing the boundaries of what decentralized systems can achieve. 

Midnight: A testament to research-driven innovation 

The launch of Midnight, a new data protection blockchain, is a perfect example of how our research function directly contributes to the development of groundbreaking products. With Midnight, we have created a solution that integrates privacy with the functionality of incorporating business policies to meet regulatory requirements. The privacy layer we’re building with Midnight utilizes ZKPs to ensure that personal data remains protected while enabling secure and transparent transactions. 

Midnight represents a major outcome of our research-focused approach. It’s the product of years of academic collaboration, hands-on experimentation, and peer-reviewed research papers - all of which form the foundation of IO’s commitment to evidence-based engineering and rigorous testing. 

Research: The key to scaling blockchain technology 

As demand rises, our industry’s challenge surrounding scalability, security, and regulatory compliance become increasingly complex. For blockchain to transition from a niche technology to a mainstream infrastructure solution, it must meet the demands of regulators, financial institutions, and everyday users.

At IO, we believe that research is the driving force behind advancing the industry forward. We are committed to building systems that not only meet the technical challenges, but also comply with real-world standards. Our research-driven approach allows us to continuously improve blockchain’s capabilities and prove its viability as a sustainable and trusted technology. 

The future of blockchain starts with research

As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, we remain focused on our commitment to research as the catalyst for driving mainstream adoption of emergent technologies.

The launch of Midnight is only the beginning. With research as the backbone of our operations, we’re paving the way for a future where privacy, security, and scalability are not just aspirations - they are standard features of every decentralized application. 

The work we do today will empower the blockchain ecosystem of tomorrow. 

Want to learn more? Explore the work our research team is focused on. And see Midnight in action at Paris Blockchain Week; you’ll be able to meet with the team and discover what lies ahead at dawn.