Developing Blockchain Expertise for FinTech Industry Success
Revan Somshekhar Chonnad, MS’26, information systems, is gaining blockchain technology experience through rigorous coursework, a leadership role in a student-led blockchain group, and award-winning participation in industry hackathons. Next up: A co-op that will lead to a career in fintech.
Revan Somshekhar Chonnad, MS’26, information systems, earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from KLS Gogte Institute of Technology in India where he developed a strong interest in blockchain technology and Web 3.0.
Recognizing that he would need to develop a strong technical foundation and real-world experience to succeed in these emerging fields, Chonnad selected Northeastern’s MS in information systems program because it featured integrated blockchain and smart contract engineering in the curriculum.
Chonnad is actively building strong skills in both full-stack development and blockchain technologies. Several courses have shaped his growth as a developer and blockchain enthusiast. The Cryptocurrency and Smart Contract Engineering course provided hands-on experience with smart contracts, Solidity development, and a deeper understanding of how decentralized systems are built. This course inspired him to create ZepPay, a platform aimed at solving financial accessibility challenges.
ZepPay is a blockchain-based remittance platform focused on addressing financial issues faced by families in underserved communities, particularly in Latin America. Traditional remittance systems in these regions face multiple challenges. As examples, beneficiaries often rely on cash withdrawals, which expose them to risks like theft and fraud and sponsors lack control over how funds are spent, leading to potential misuse. Additionally, merchants struggle with outdated or complex payment systems, making it difficult to accept digital transactions.
ZepPay addresses these problems by leveraging blockchain and USDC (a stablecoin) to enable secure, instant, and purpose-driven remittances. Sponsors can send money with built-in spending restrictions, ensuring funds go toward essential needs such as food, healthcare, or education. Beneficiaries can access their funds through simple SMS-based verifications and internet access or technical knowledge is not required.
ZepPay was recognized at ETHDenver 2025, the world’s largest Web 3.0 hackathon, where it won first place for Best Use of Coinbase Onramp & Stablecoins and second place for the CDP Regen Prize for Financial Inclusion.
Chonnad says he has been inspired by Suhabe Bugrara, associate teaching professor, whose expertise in blockchain engineering, smart contract security, and decentralized finance influenced Chonnad’s approach to decentralized application development. Bugrara’s courses have helped him build a deep understanding of advanced concepts such as cryptocurrency design, tokenomics, decentralized exchanges (DEXs) such as Uniswap, and broader blockchain systems.
Beyond the classroom, Chonnad serves as the tech lead of the student-led Northeastern University Blockchain Organization. He works with a community of blockchain enthusiasts, organizes hands-on workshops, and serves as a mentor to students exploring decentralized finance technologies.
His passion for real-world impact also drove him to participate in Web 3.0 hackathons. Notably, he earned second place at the Avalanche Beantown Showdown Hackathon 2025, hosted by the Boston Blockchain Association. In this competition, he built AidDrop, a blockchain-based platform that enables bulk aid disbursement using stablecoins, which streamlines financial assistance with enhanced speed, security, and transparency when compared to conventional systems.
The inspiration behind projects like ZepPay and AidDrop came from Chonnad’s drive to address real-world gaps in financial access and aid distribution. He aims to create decentralized solutions that not only enhance security and transparency but also ensure financial tools are purposeful and accessible to those who need them most.
Chonnad plans to deepen his expertise in decentralized finance protocols and blockchain infrastructure and eventually launch his own platform focused on practical blockchain adoption.
He is currently pursuing co-op opportunities focused on blockchain and full-stack technology.