Two visionary Filipino-American graduates from Harvard and MIT are setting new benchmarks in data ownership and blockchain technology. Art Abal and Anna Kazlauskas, co-founders of VANA, are spearheading a movement aimed at empowering individuals to take control of their digital data, reshaping how technology interacts with society.
As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly reliant on vast amounts of data, access to this data has become a key issue, largely controlled by a few tech giants. Abal and Kazlauskas aim to challenge this dynamic with their decentralized platform, VANA, built on blockchain technology, ensuring that data remains a tool for empowerment and not corporate exploitation.
The Vision Behind VANA
“Data is the lifeblood of artificial intelligence,” the founders emphasize. With AI’s rapid growth, accessing fresh and high-quality data has become a challenge. Through VANA, Abal and Kazlauskas offer a solution where no single entity controls the data, promoting a decentralized approach to data management.
Art Abal, born in Iligan to Cebuano parents, has a diverse career that spans from corporate law to global technology ventures. His journey took him from high-rise law offices to Colombian coffee farms, where he explored the intersection of technology, human impact, and governance. With a law background, Abal developed a profound understanding of how data and society intertwine, especially in the age of AI.
“Mr. Abal was born in Iligan to native Cebuano parents, and his journey spans from the high-rise offices of a global law firm to the vibrant coffee farms of Colombia,” the report highlights. As the COO of VANA, Abal’s focus is on creating a future where people—not corporations—control their digital identities.
Anna Kazlauskas, whose mother hails from Pampanga, has an equally impressive resume. A graduate of MIT with a background in Computer Science and Economics, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of blockchain and AI technologies. Her innovative work spans from blockchain solutions at Celo to financial modeling at the World Bank.
Creating a More Inclusive Digital Space
“Ms. Kazlauskas has always viewed the world through data since childhood,” the report states, noting her early programming ventures, including one that turned US inflation data into a song. Her experiences working with Ethereum crypto mining and various international organizations have positioned her as a pioneer in connecting technology with financial policy.
The duo’s collaboration began at MIT’s Media Lab, where they worked on TOCA, a project aimed at involving communities in low-income areas to label data through their phones. TOCA’s success in Cebu and Manila showed the potential for the Philippines to bridge the AI divide. After completing their studies, Abal and Kazlauskas refined their vision and launched VANA, a groundbreaking platform focused on decentralizing data ownership.
VANA, derived from the word ‘Nirvana,’ seeks to create a digital space free from the control of Big Tech, where users own their data and can carry it across applications. The platform’s ethical data sourcing practices, built on blockchain, ensure user consent and privacy while empowering individuals to benefit from their data contributions.
Filipino Roots, Global Impact
Rooted in their Filipino heritage, the co-founders are committed to ensuring that their technology benefits Filipinos. VANA’s platform allows AI systems to better understand local languages and cultures, making technologies more inclusive and representative of diverse communities.
“This is one direct way in which Filipinos can really participate in this emerging data economy,” said Mr. Abal.
Their efforts have garnered attention from major players in the crypto world. VANA’s bold vision attracted investments from leading venture capital firms like Paradigm and Polychain, providing the resources necessary to scale the platform globally. Recent initiatives, such as the Reddit Data DAO, drew over 140,000 participants in just one week, demonstrating the demand for platforms that offer individuals control over their data.
A Bold Future for AI and Blockchain
As AI development faces challenges due to limited access to high-quality data, VANA offers a novel solution that empowers individuals. By decentralizing data ownership, Abal and Kazlauskas are ensuring that the future of AI is one where individuals, not corporations, hold power over their digital identities.
VANA is more than a tech company—it’s a movement to reclaim control over personal data, and Abal and Kazlauskas are leading the charge. Through their groundbreaking platform, they are setting the stage for a new era in digital empowerment, with Filipino values of community and integrity at its core.
