Blockchain, AI, and Forensics: FH JOANNEUM Showcases Digital Competency Fields of the Future

The talk centred on a key question in the digital financial world: how anonymous are blockchain transactions really? Using accessible examples, Florian Temel demonstrated that Bitcoin transactions are pseudonymous, but by no means invisible. Anyone who understands how data is stored on the blockchain can derive valuable information about transaction patterns and connections.

The talk explained how transactions on the blockchain can be read and analysed. It became clear which information is publicly accessible and how it can be used for forensic evaluation. The presentation illustrated how on-chain intelligence helps trace money flows and systematically identify anomalies.

A further focus was on how cybercriminals attempt to cover their tracks, and what analytical approaches law enforcement agencies use to make suspicious activities visible nonetheless. The talk thus offered a well-grounded insight into a highly relevant field at the intersection of IT security, data analysis, and digital investigative work.

Particularly practice-oriented was the look at technical implementation: Florian Temel showed how to set up your own environment for forensic blockchain analysis. Participants came away not only with theoretical knowledge, but also with concrete impulses for hands-on engagement with blockchain data and digital evidence.

The talk took place on 8 May 2026 at Neufeldersee as part of Austria’s largest Bitcoin-only day conference. With 220 participants, the session attracted considerable interest. Florian Temel’s contribution underscored the importance of current developments and emerging future fields for teaching and research at FH JOANNEUM.