Original Article: https://polkadot.com/blog/interview-with-daniel-cukier-jam-implementer/

Author: Abigail Carlson

Translated by: OneBlock+

If you're following the Polkadot ecosystem, you've undoubtedly heard of the JAM upgrade (Join-Accumulate Machine). This next-generation protocol architecture, proposed by Polkadot founder Gavin Wood in April 2024, aims to replace the existing architecture with a modular, universal system structure, allowing different types of services to run natively and independently at the protocol layer.

JAM is not just a technological iteration; it's a profound architectural revolution. Supporting this transformation is a group of builders working tirelessly, many of whom are incentivized by the JAM Implementer Grant.

🔍Learn about the JAM Implementer Prize: 10 million DOT rewards! JAM Prize invites you to build Polkadot's next-generation infrastructure!

Daniel Cukier is one of the key developers of this upgrade. He possesses both a deep technical background and a rare artistic sensibility. He is driving Polkadot's next chapter while also injecting inspiration and passion into the technology.

In an interview with Abigail Carlson, Daniel shared his vision for how JAM is reshaping blockchain infrastructure and noted that the key to truly driving adoption may lie in captivating developers.

From Fintech to the Frontier of Innovation

Daniel is a member of Jamixir, the core development team for JAM. Currently, 39 teams are competing to implement the JAM upgrade along three distinct technical paths, each with its own prize pool.

Although each team must develop independently and cannot share code during the competition, because they all build upon the same JAM formal specification, their results are inherently interoperable—a reflection of Polkadot's modular design philosophy.

Daniel isn't a traditional blockchain "OG." Before joining Web3, he was the CTO of a Brazilian fintech company, enjoying a stable and enviable career. But Web3's cutting-edge technology and social ideals captivated him. "I've always been eager to explore the latest technologies and hope they can truly solve real-world problems."

What truly captivated him was Web3's potential to address social inequality. With this belief, Daniel founded a local crypto community in Brazil. In just a few months, the community grew from 0 to 7,000 members.

Encountering Polkadot and Awakening Creativity

Community has always played a crucial role in Daniel's career, and Polkadot happens to be a fertile ground for such a vibrant community. From the Polkadot Blockchain Academy (PBA) to organizations like Women of Polkadot and WebZero, countless projects centered around education, inclusion, and newcomer-friendliness are gathered here.

Daniel joined the PBA in January 2024, and it was then that he became deeply involved in Polkadot. What truly impressed him was not just the community itself, but the philosophy behind it—particularly Gavin Wood's approach to infrastructure design.

"Gavin is an artist. I used to study jazz, and his writing resonated deeply with me."

In Daniel's eyes, the JAM gray paper is more than just a technical document; it's more like a work of art. He believes this kind of artistic expression can subtly engage developers, rather than through direct preaching.

He also mentioned that he once attempted to use a more explicit artistic form in his doctoral thesis, but was ultimately rejected by the reviewers. This made him realize that to impress developers, art must be subtle and unobtrusive.

"You can't force art on developers. They enjoy art, but that enjoyment has to come naturally."

Realizing the Significance of JAM

For Daniel and many JAM builders, JAM isn't just an upgrade project; it's a space for unleashing creativity and artistic expression.

In an industry vying for developer attention, connecting with them in unexpected, even artistic, ways is no longer optional; it's a necessary strategy.

While JAM's specific applications will only become apparent as the protocol is implemented, it has already demonstrated the potential to reshape the blockchain innovation landscape. Daniel even believes that JAM could be as profound to Polkadot as Ethereum is to Bitcoin.

We can't yet say for sure what kind of transformation JAM will bring. But what is certain is that it has already ignited the passion of a new generation of builders, thinkers, and artists. Developers like Daniel Cukier are making this vision a reality.