Paul Xu is the co-founder and CEO of Tars Protocol, a decentralized infrastructure platform aimed at improving blockchain interoperability and scalability. He is also the co-founder of AILayer. With a background in computer science and distributed systems, Xu has contributed to the development of open-source technologies and decentralized governance models within the blockchain industry. ^{[1] [2] [3]}

Education

Xu holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of California, Berkeley. During his studies, he focused on distributed computing and cryptography, engaging in academic projects related to consensus algorithms and peer-to-peer networks. These areas of study laid the groundwork for his later involvement in blockchain technology. ^{[3] [2]}

Career

Before co-founding Tars Protocol, Xu worked in software engineering and systems architecture roles at various technology companies. His responsibilities included optimizing backend infrastructure for applications requiring high scalability and security. These experiences influenced his approach to designing decentralized applications and systems.

In 2022, Xu co-founded Tars Protocol, a platform designed to facilitate cross-chain communication and improve interoperability among decentralized applications (dApps). As Chief Technology Officer, he oversaw the development of the protocol’s architecture, which incorporates modular components for consensus mechanisms, data sharding, and smart contract execution. The protocol addresses challenges such as transaction latency and throughput, aiming to enhance the efficiency of blockchain networks.

Xu has also played a role in building Tars Protocol’s developer community, encouraging open-source contributions and decentralized governance. The platform’s design allows it to adapt to emerging blockchain ecosystems while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.

In addition to his work with Tars Protocol, Xu has served as an advisor for several Web3 projects, including Cornell Blockchain and Dojo Protocol, which focuses on autonomous smart contract execution. His expertise in decentralized systems has contributed to discussions on blockchain standardization and cross-chain frameworks. ^{[1] [2] [3] [5] [6] [7]}

Interviews

PinoyWeb3TV Interview #01

During an interview with PinoyWeb3TV, Paul Xu discussed his work on a Bitcoin Layer 2 solution compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), developed under his initiative at Cornell Blockchain. He emphasized the project’s focus on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) applications with blockchain technology, distinguishing it from other Bitcoin Layer 2 frameworks by prioritizing AI developer support and ecosystem incentives.

Xu outlined the project’s objective to create infrastructure enabling AI tools to interact with blockchain networks, particularly Bitcoin, through EVM compatibility. He noted collaborations with AI companies and launchpads to foster partnerships aimed at advancing practical use cases.

Addressing the future of financial systems, Xu suggested a hybrid model where centralized and decentralized frameworks coexist, adapting to evolving societal needs. He also referenced the Cornell Blockchain Conference, held April 26, 2024, in New York City, as a platform for showcasing interdisciplinary innovations in blockchain and AI.

The interview highlighted Xu’s perspective on balancing technical scalability with community-driven development, underscoring his belief in economic models that incentivize AI adoption within decentralized ecosystems. ^[4]