The NEAR Foundation is thrilled to announce its major presence at Consensus 2023, Coindesk’s flagship crypto event taking place from April 26 to 28. As one of the most anticipated gatherings in the blockchain space, Consensus brings together developers, investors, founders, and innovators shaping the future of Web3. This year, NEAR isn’t just attending — it’s redefining how people interact with decentralized technology through the Blockchain Operating System (BOS).
NEAR’s ambitious vision goes far beyond being a Layer 1 blockchain. With the BOS, NEAR introduces an entirely new category: a unified, user-friendly platform that functions as a common layer for browsing, discovering, and building open web experiences across any blockchain. At Consensus, NEAR will showcase how this revolutionary infrastructure is lowering barriers for both developers and everyday users entering the world of Web3.
👉 Discover how the Blockchain Operating System is transforming Web3 development and user experience.
What Is the Blockchain Operating System?
The Blockchain Operating System (BOS) represents a groundbreaking leap in decentralized computing. Announced earlier this year at ETHDenver, the BOS is not just another protocol — it's a full-stack environment designed to simplify and accelerate Web3 adoption.
Unlike traditional blockchains where frontends are often centralized or siloed, BOS features decentralized frontends and forkable components, enabling developers to build modular, composable applications that can be easily shared, customized, and scaled. This means any developer can take an existing widget — such as a wallet interface or NFT gallery — modify it, and deploy it instantly without rebuilding from scratch.
For end users, the BOS transforms app discovery into a seamless, social experience. Instead of hunting through fragmented dApps on different chains, users can explore a unified ecosystem of open web experiences, all accessible through a single interface. Whether you're new to crypto or a seasoned builder, the BOS lowers the entry barrier and empowers participation in Web3 — regardless of which blockchain you're using.
This innovation positions NEAR at the forefront of the next wave of internet evolution: an open, interoperable, and user-centric web.
Experience NEAR at the Consensus Booth
As the largest annual gathering in the crypto industry, Consensus offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with the future of blockchain technology. NEAR’s booth will serve as a dynamic hub for education, exploration, and collaboration over three days of panels, demos, networking events, and live interactions.
Designed to cater to diverse audiences — from curious newcomers to experienced builders — the NEAR booth will feature four key interactive zones:
BOS for Developers
Calling all builders! The BOS for Devs zone is your gateway into the next generation of decentralized application development. Here, NEAR engineers and BOS experts will guide you through hands-on sessions on creating widgets, forking components, and deploying real-time experiences on the Blockchain Operating System.
Whether you're exploring smart contracts or designing interactive UIs, this space offers personalized support to help you get started quickly. Learn how BOS streamlines development workflows with reusable code modules and decentralized hosting — all while maintaining full control over your data and logic.
BOS for End Users
Web3 shouldn’t feel complicated. In the BOS for End Users area, attendees can experience firsthand how the Blockchain Operating System simplifies access to dApps, games, DeFi tools, and social platforms.
Set up a NEAR account on-site and gain instant access to live applications built on the ecosystem. From digital identity management to cross-chain asset exploration, guided demos will show how BOS makes discovery intuitive and engaging. Friendly ecosystem representatives will walk you through each step, ensuring a smooth onboarding journey into Web3.
NEAR Ecosystem Showcase
The Ecosystem Showcase highlights the most innovative projects currently being built on NEAR. Attendees will discover cutting-edge applications in gaming, finance, media, and identity solutions — all leveraging the speed, scalability, and usability of the NEAR protocol.
From real-time multiplayer blockchain games to privacy-preserving identity tools, this zone demonstrates how NEAR supports high-performance use cases that scale to billions of users. It’s also an excellent opportunity to connect with founders and teams driving these innovations forward.
NEAR Horizon Accelerator
Looking to launch your own Web3 project? The NEAR Horizon Accelerator zone connects aspiring builders with resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities. Horizon is NEAR’s newest ecosystem accelerator program designed to help early-stage startups turn ideas into production-ready applications.
Meet members of the Horizon team onsite to discuss grant eligibility, technical support, go-to-market strategies, and integration with the BOS. Whether you’re a solo developer or part of a founding team, this is your chance to kickstart your journey in decentralized technology.
Featured NEAR Speakers at Consensus
Thought leadership takes center stage at Consensus, and NEAR will be well-represented across multiple high-impact sessions. Industry leaders from across the NEAR ecosystem will share insights on building during market downturns, scaling Web3 infrastructure, and unlocking mass adoption.
Here are some confirmed speaking appearances:
- April 28 | 12:45 PM – 1:30 PM | Main Stage
Panel: "Devs Doing Something: BUIDLing in a Bear Market"
Featuring Illia Polosukhin, CEO of Pagoda and Co-Founder of NEAR, alongside Sergey Nazarov (Chainlink) and Emin Gün Sirer (Ava Labs). This session explores how developers continue innovating despite market challenges. - April 28 | 3:00 PM – 3:20 PM | Protocol Village Stage
Presentation: "Latest Insights on the Blockchain Operating System"
Led by Illia Polosukhin and Alex Chiocchi, Chief Product Officer of Pagoda. Dive deep into technical advancements and real-world implementations of BOS. - April 28 | 3:20 PM – 3:35 PM | Protocol Village Stage
Talk by Marieke Flament, CEO of Near Foundation, with a special guest from the venture capital community. Discussion focuses on ecosystem growth and investment trends in Web3. - April 28 | 3:35 PM – 3:45 PM | Protocol Village Stage
Presentation by Alex Shevchenko, CEO and Co-Founder of Aurora, on Web3 Cloud Containers — a new paradigm for scalable decentralized computing. - April 28 | 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM | Protocol Village Stage
Web3 Media Tech Panel with special guests (to be announced). Explore how media is evolving in the decentralized era — from content creation to distribution.
Additional sessions and speakers will be announced leading up to the event. For updates, visit near.org/consensus (link removed per guidelines).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the Blockchain Operating System (BOS)?
A: The BOS is a decentralized platform that enables developers to build modular applications using reusable components. For users, it provides a unified interface for discovering and interacting with Web3 apps across multiple blockchains.
Q: Do I need prior blockchain knowledge to use BOS?
A: No. The BOS is designed for accessibility. End users can explore dApps easily without needing technical expertise, while developers benefit from simplified tools and templates.
Q: Can I build on BOS if I’m not using NEAR?
A: Yes. One of BOS’s core innovations is cross-chain compatibility. While built on NEAR’s infrastructure, it supports integration with other blockchains.
Q: Is there funding available for developers building on NEAR?
A: Yes. Through the NEAR Horizon Accelerator and ecosystem grants, developers can access financial support, mentorship, and technical resources.
Q: How does BOS improve app discovery in Web3?
A: By offering a social, searchable interface similar to an app store, BOS eliminates the need to manually locate dApps across isolated networks.
Q: Where can I try BOS before Consensus?
A: You can begin exploring BOS today through test environments and developer portals available online.