Description

The “Blockchain Technical Basics – UTXO Model and Smart Contracts” workshop was held on June 04, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM at the Computer Center, Faculty of Engineering, University of Ruhuna. Organized by the IEEE Student Branch in collaboration with the IEEE Computer Society and IEEE Communications Society, the session brought together students and blockchain enthusiasts to explore foundational concepts in blockchain and delve into the UTXO model and Smart contracts’ technical basics. The event began with a welcome address by the organizers, emphasizing the growing relevance of blockchain technology in transforming digital systems and economies. This was followed by an introduction to the session hosts, CoinCeylon and Intersect Sri Lanka, who brought valuable expertise to guide participants through the technical depths of blockchain fundamentals. The first part of the session focused on introducing the core principles of blockchain, with particular emphasis on the UTXO (Unspent Transaction Output) model. Participants explored how this model forms the basis of transaction handling in blockchains like Bitcoin and Cardano, gaining insight into how digital assets are tracked and validated in a decentralized manner. The discussion then moved to the fundamentals of smart contracts—self-executing programs that enable trustless automation—providing a comprehensive look at their structure, use cases, and execution logic. A key highlight of the workshop was the hands-on activity segment, where participants examined real transaction flows within a UTXO-based system. This interactive portion enabled students to visualize how transactions are built, validated, and chained, and how smart contracts operate within such frameworks. It allowed them to translate theory into practice and solidify their understanding through direct engagement. The session concluded with a recap of major learning outcomes and a discussion on emerging opportunities in the blockchain space. Participants left with a sound understanding of the UTXO model and smart contracts, as well as practical knowledge that serves as a strong foundation for future academic or professional pursuits in the field of blockchain technology.