Rapid digitisation in all sectors has created an urgency to legally certify the digital assets of companies and individuals, from documents to photos, videos or audios. And Mario Scalabrino (Rome, 1973), founder and CEO of Certifydoc, has chosen blockchain as his main ally to address this need. With a degree in Electronic Engineering and a master’s degree in Mediation and Conflict Resolution, Mario worked as a former international software sales manager and served in the Italian Armed Forces as a forensic scientific researcher. Until, a decade ago, he decided to unite his passions and develop them from Barcelona.

“I am enthusiastic about science, nature, dancing, partying and people, but not necessarily in that order. I also love people who show tolerance, equality and respect for others”.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

MS: We are currently focused on our most ambitious and disruptive project to date. INRB is a SaaS cloud solution for data interoperability [the ability of systems to exchange data securely and automatically] with legal notarisation and blockchain traceability for multimodal transport operators. The ongoing digital transformation is going from paper to PDF. We will take it to the second level: from PDF to interoperable public data.

TB: What is the current state of the project and where do you see it in two years’ time?

MS: INRB is already available as a minimum viable product. In the next two years, we will enable all institutions and multimodal transport platforms in Europe to benefit from the solution and comply with the European directive on sustainability and decarbonisation.

TB: A good idea you have had.

MS: Surround myself with tolerant people with common values.

TB: What is the biggest challenge you have faced?

MS: In general, personal challenges. To persist and not give up, especially when something is unfair and you cannot change it.

TB: The best advice you’ve ever been given.

MS: Accept what you cannot change. You will live better.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

MS: My partner and friend Riccardo Di Mambro, an entrepreneur of high moral values, competent and efficient. Always restless, never overbearing.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

MS: Blockchain infrastructure (not cryptocurrencies).

TB: In-person or remote?

MS: 50/50. Both have their advantages. In my opinion, the hybrid method is ideal.

TB: A startup or company.

MS: Reclamador.es. It helps citizens and is cost-effective. A fantastic project that I hope will continue to be successful and can be expanded throughout Europe.

TB: What do you do to disconnect?

MS: I dance salsa, play music with my flamenco fusion group and go to science conferences with my partner.

TB: A book to recommend.

MS: “Foundation series”, by Isaac Asimov.

TB: A series, film or song that defines your moment in life.

MS: The Big Bang Theory. Funny, scientific and self-ironic.

TB: A recipe, a restaurant.

MS: “Parmigiana di melanzane siciliana”. Not from a restaurant, but cooked by a Sicilian grandmother at home. They are unrivalled.

TB: A place in the world.

MS: A silent lake in the mountains.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

MS: In addition to our project, in European companies specialised in the refining of rare metals and minerals.

TB: If you were not an entrepreneur…

MS: He would be a philosopher of ethics in technology.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

MS: A key player in the development of technology in Spain and southern Europe. A place of excellence where you can connect with first-class people, and which marks a path of success for everyone.