John Ndigirigi
Software engineer specializing in DeFi and decentralized identity platforms. Building end-to-end blockchain solutions with smart contract development at the core.
About Me
Passionate about building the decentralized future through innovative blockchain solutions
I'm a software engineer specializing in DeFi and decentralized identity platforms. I build complete blockchain applications—from smart contracts to backend APIs to frontend interfaces—architecting and implementing secure, scalable solutions that solve real-world problems.
My core expertise is in smart contract development, with hands-on experience building DeFi protocols, self-sovereign identity systems, and zero-knowledge cryptography implementations. I've deployed production applications end-to-end, from writing validators with comprehensive testing frameworks to crafting responsive user interfaces with modern web technologies.
Currently, I'm co-founding Sociale, building a DeFi platform for African savings groups—writing the smart contracts, developing the backend infrastructure, and creating the frontend experience. I translate complex cryptographic concepts into secure, user-friendly applications that drive real adoption.
What I Bring to the Table
Smart Contract Development
Writing production-grade validators and DeFi protocol implementations with Aiken
DeFi Platforms
Building decentralized finance protocols with secure treasury management
Decentralized Identity
Implementing SSI systems with DIDs, VCs, and zero-knowledge proofs
Full-Stack Engineering
Building complete applications—smart contracts, backend APIs, and frontend UI
Security & Testing
Comprehensive testing frameworks and security-first development practices
Technical Leadership
Leading development teams and shipping production systems
Technical Skills
Comprehensive expertise across the full blockchain development stack
Blockchain & Smart Contracts
Self-Sovereign Identity
Full-Stack Development
Backend & Infrastructure
DApp Development
Additional Technologies
Work Experience
Building innovative blockchain solutions and leading technical teams across multiple continents
Co-Founder
Leading the development of a blockchain-based social finance platform that transforms how African communities manage collective savings, send remittances, and build financial identity. Architecting smart contract solutions on Cardano to digitize traditional informal savings groups and provide affordable cross-border remittances.
Maintainer (Opensource)
Maintaining open-source add-on for the Google Marketplace that integrates with the Cardano blockchain to ensure research data integrity. Providing researchers with tools to verify data authenticity, prevent fraud, and create immutable records of research activities.
Aiken Development Tutor
Led comprehensive Aiken smart contract development workshops for DirectEd x CATS Hackathon participants. Created self-paced curriculum combining narrative lessons, runnable validators, and production-grade reference DApps. Guided developers through UTxO fundamentals, spending validators, minting policies, and state-machine contracts with hands-on coding challenges.
Lead Developer
Led development of an innovative Google Marketplace add-on integrating Cardano blockchain for research data integrity. Architected solution bridging Google's ecosystem with Cardano's secure blockchain infrastructure, establishing new standards for trustworthy research methodologies across academic and commercial sectors.
Cardano Tutor
Developed learning materials and delivered physical workshops on Cardano blockchain development across Africa. Provided specialized training in smart contract programming with Aiken, eUTxO architecture, and full-stack dApp creation. Prepared participants for hackathons with technical resources and development examples.
Software Engineer
Developed decentralized identity solutions using C# and .NET framework. Built self-sovereign identity platforms including credential workflow automation, verifiable credentials systems, and DID-based trust networks. Contributed to multiple open-source SSI projects advancing Web3 identity standards.
Software Engineer
Developed self-sovereign identity solutions and Cardano-based DApps for education financing. Built blockchain-enabled talent investment platform connecting investors with education pools through Income Sharing Agreements, featuring smart contract architecture and dual-payment integration.
Software Engineer Intern
Contributed to project development leveraging Next.js, Express, Cardano, and Self-Sovereign Identity technologies. Built web applications, integrated Cardano smart contracts, and developed SSI solutions for educational platforms.
Junior Tutor
Guided and mentored students learning the MERN stack. Provided instruction, hands-on training, and facilitated interactive coding sessions. Developed engaging educational materials to support student understanding of full-stack application development.
Software Developer
Implemented cross-platform mobile applications for educational institutions using React Native. Maintained web-based applications ensuring smooth operation and continuous improvement. Delivered efficient, user-friendly solutions optimizing functionality for schools.
Software Engineering Trainee
Gained hands-on experience with the MERN stack including React.js, Express, Node.js, SQL, and NoSQL databases. Collaborated with teams to develop and implement software solutions, learning and implementing software development methodologies and best practices.
Education & Certifications
Continuous learning and professional development in blockchain and emerging technologies
Cardano Foundation
Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate
Achieved official certification from the Cardano Foundation demonstrating comprehensive understanding of Cardano blockchain architecture, consensus mechanisms, smart contracts, and decentralized application development. Validated expertise in eUTxO model, Plutus scripts, and Cardano's governance framework.
GIMBALABS
Aiken Project-Based Learning
Completed intensive project-based learning program focused on Aiken smart contract development. Gained hands-on experience building production-grade validators, understanding UTxO architecture, and implementing complex on-chain logic. Developed multiple smart contract projects including minting policies, spending validators, and state-machine contracts.
IOG (Input Output)
Atala PRISM Pioneer Program
Completed intensive course on 'Foundations of Self-Sovereign Identity' gaining comprehensive knowledge of decentralized identity principles, technologies, and challenges. Mastered cryptographic techniques, decentralized protocols, and emerging W3C standards for secure and privacy-preserving identity information exchange. Explored DIDs, verifiable credentials, user-centric identity management, and real-world implementations in healthcare and education sectors.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Full Stack Development with React Specialization
Completed comprehensive specialization on full-stack web development through Coursera. Gained deep understanding of React framework for building dynamic user interfaces, server-side development with Node.js and Express, and database integration with MongoDB. Mastered authentication, authorization, RESTful API design, and end-to-end application architecture using the MERN stack.
Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT)
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Completed comprehensive computer science degree covering fundamental and advanced topics including algorithms, data structures, software engineering, database systems, computer networks, and artificial intelligence. Developed strong problem-solving skills and theoretical foundation for building scalable software systems.
Selected Works
Innovative blockchain solutions and decentralized applications that are making an impact
Community & Speaking
Sharing knowledge and building communities through workshops, talks, and educational initiatives
Let's Connect
Have a project in mind or want to collaborate? I'd love to hear from you!
Get in Touch
Interested in working together, collaborating on blockchain projects, discussing decentralized identity solutions, or exploring new opportunities in Web3? Let's connect!