The Danish Ice Hockey Union (DIU) has partnered with blockchain project Concordium to roll out a digital identity pilot during the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Switzerland. The initiative is designed to test on-chain identity verification and AI-driven systems in a real-world sports environment, with a strong focus on privacy and secure user interactions.
Zero-knowledge identity verification for fans
A central part of the collaboration is the Verified Fan Program, which will use zero-knowledge proof technology to improve privacy in identity checks. The goal is to allow identity verification while limiting unnecessary exposure of personal data, an approach that could be especially relevant in large international events where digital access and user authentication matter at scale.
By testing the system during a major global championship, DIU and Concordium appear to be using a high-visibility setting to evaluate how blockchain-based identity tools perform under real audience engagement conditions.
AI agents and digital commerce also included
The partnership also includes an Agentic Commerce pilot. Under this concept, AI agents will be able to interact autonomously with fans and digital commerce systems, expanding the scope of the project beyond identity into automated fan engagement and digital transaction flows. The original announcement did not provide deeper operational details, but it clearly positions AI as a parallel pillar of the trial.
Brand visibility and CCD-based settlement
Concordium, which serves as the official AI partner of the Danish national ice hockey team, will receive branding exposure on the team’s helmets and jerseys. The collaboration fee is being settled in CCD tokens and includes a 12-month lock-up period.
With the IIHF championship drawing viewers across multiple markets, the partnership is also a branding opportunity for Concordium. Beyond the pilot itself, the company is using the event to showcase its technology stack around privacy, on-chain identity, and AI-enabled interaction to a wider international audience.