Ahmet Ozcan
Ahmet Ozcan is the co-Founder and CEO of Semiotic Labs and Odos, companies focused on AI-driven blockchain applications. He has a background in physics and experience in AI research, contributing to decentralized computing infrastructures and automation systems. [1] [2]
Education
Ahmet Ozcan earned a Bachelor's degree in Physics from Boğaziçi University in
- He later obtained a Ph.D. in Physics from Boston University in 2003, where his research on semiconductor surface studies resulted in discoveries related to thin film textures, including a publication in Nature. [1] [4]
Career
After completing his doctoral studies, Ozcan joined IBM as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and later took on leadership roles within the company. Over nearly 14 years, he contributed to AI research and technology development. As a Senior Scientist at IBM Almaden Research Center, he managed AI-driven projects and worked on machine learning applications. He later became the Principal Investigator at IBM Research Frontiers Institute, overseeing initiatives in machine intelligence. As a Manager of Machine Intelligence, he led teams focused on neural networks, reinforcement learning, and AI applications. His experience in AI research and computing infrastructure provided a foundation for his later involvement in blockchain technology.
During his tenure at IBM, Ozcan was named an IBM Master Inventor and filed over 100 patents. He also authored more than 50 peer-reviewed research papers related to AI, cryptographic computing, and neuromorphic systems.
In 2020, Ozcan co-founded Semiotic Labs, a research and development company specializing in AI, cryptography, and verifiable computing for blockchain applications. The company became a core developer for The Graph, a decentralized indexing and query protocol for blockchain data. Semiotic Labs applies AI-driven optimization and cryptographic techniques to improve blockchain scalability and security.
Semiotic Labs has been involved in various blockchain infrastructure projects, utilizing machine learning to enhance data integrity and transaction efficiency. It has also incubated other projects, including Odos and Cambrian Network.
In 2022, Ozcan founded Odos.xyz, a DeFi order-routing platform designed to optimize decentralized trading. Odos operates as a decentralized exchange (DEX) aggregator, using multi-hop routing to enhance trading efficiency. By 2024, the platform had processed over $50 billion in trading volume and facilitated transactions for millions of users. The platform introduced features such as gasless transactions, MEV protection, and intent-based execution across multiple blockchain networks.
Under Ozcan’s leadership, Odos expanded its reach to 15 EVM-compatible chains and introduced a tokenized loyalty program (ODOS). The platform plans to integrate cross-chain functionality and extend support to non-EVM-compatible networks.
Between 2021 and 2023, Ozcan was an Entrepreneurial Research Fellow at Cyclotron Road through the Activate program, which supports scientists and engineers in bringing research to commercialization. During this period, he worked on AI and blockchain applications, leading to the incubation of Cambrian Network in
- Cambrian Network, a spin-off from Semiotic Labs, focuses on verifiable data protocols for decentralized ecosystems.
As an IBM Master Inventor, he contributed to intellectual property development and cryptographic computing. His research has been published in academic journals and presented at conferences.
His contributions include advancements in neural networks, memory-augmented AI systems, and decentralized computing infrastructures. His work continues to explore AI applications in blockchain and Web3 technologies.
Ahmet Ozcan’s career has involved bridging research with practical applications. Through Semiotic Labs and Odos, he has contributed to blockchain development and decentralized ecosystems. His work in AI-driven financial systems, cryptographic verification, and blockchain automation is part of ongoing efforts to expand the capabilities of decentralized technologies. [1] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]
Interviews
Perspectives on Web3 and Blockchain Innovation #01
Ahmet Ozcan participated in an interview on the GRTiQ Podcast, where he discussed his perspectives on The Graph Protocol, Web3 developments, and the role of Semiotic Labs in automation and AI integration.
In the discussion, Ozcan highlighted the flexibility of The Graph Protocol and its potential to support new applications, describing it as a foundational component of Web3, similar to how search engines transformed internet accessibility. He also addressed the increasing adoption of tokenization in countries like Turkey, emphasizing how blockchain technology can facilitate financial inclusion and local economic empowerment.
Another focus of the interview was automation within The Graph Protocol, particularly in query pricing, which enhances indexer efficiency by reducing manual workload. He also spoke about advancements in cryptographic techniques, specifically efficient zero-knowledge succinct arguments of knowledge (snarks), which are crucial for enabling micropayments and secure verifiable queries.
Ozcan further elaborated on the evolving role of The Graph Protocol beyond data indexing, envisioning its expansion into broader blockchain applications. Additionally, he shared personal insights on books, films, and habits that have influenced his professional approach, underscoring the importance of continuous learning in the rapidly evolving technology sector. [9]
