LONDON, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lei Zhang, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Envision, has been named the recipient of the Energy Institute's 2026 President's Award. In bestowing Zhang with its highest honour, the Institute highlighted Envision's role in shaping the global energy transition to drive economic growth and long-term prosperity while accelerating decarbonisation.
In recognising Zhang, the Energy Institute pointed to his standing as a thought leader who has consistently framed the energy transition as a systems challenge — and an economic opportunity — rather than a constraint. His work was cited for advancing industry standards, supporting skills and education, and promoting long-term thinking about how energy systems can better serve societies and economies.
The award also marks a notable moment for the private sector. Zhang is the first entrepreneur and business leader to receive the President's Award, following previous recipients largely drawn from government, diplomacy and international organisations.
Energy Institute President Andy Brown commented:
"The President's Award is the Energy Institute's highest honour, presented to individuals whose achievements have had a transformative impact on global energy. Lei's vision and leadership have made him one of the foremost global energy leaders. Through Envision, he is shaping the AI energy system providing a foundation that is infinite, intelligent and affordable for all."
The Institute said the award reflects a growing recognition that achieving net zero will depend not only on policy, but on businesses capable of building and operating the infrastructure and digital systems that make the transition investable and durable despite the challenges that exist.
Upon accepting the award, Zhang said the world is at a pivotal moment, as technology has driven renewable energy costs down to the point where it can be both affordable and abundant. While skepticism remains, he drew a historical parallel to the 13th century, when paper was dismissed as an inferior alternative to parchment—until its affordability broke the monopoly on knowledge and opened access to the masses.
Zhang expressed optimism for humanity's future, stating "The age of fossil fuels will pass. What rises next is not just new energy system – but a new horizon for humanity. When energy becomes abundant and accessible, like paper once was for knowledge, it will unlock intelligence, it will restore dignity, it will reshape cooperation. That is how we will create a new prosperity for civilization."
Zhang is an influential voice in the international energy and climate spheres. He co-founded the Global School of Sustainability with the London School of Economics and was named among TIME's "100 Most Influential Climate Leaders of 2025.
Professor Nicholas Stern, Chair of the Global School of Sustainability said:
"Sustainable development is the only route to strong and secure growth. Sustainability is the new prosperity. Lei's commitment to harnessing technology for humanity's shared energy challenges, together with his extraordinary creativity and drive, provide a powerful example of the kind of leadership we need as we accelerate the pace of change across the world."
Founded in 2007, Envision has built its strategy around the idea that clean energy is not only an environmental imperative, but a foundation for new economic opportunity. It recently announced the global launch of Dubhe, a groundbreaking energy foundation model that will enable energy systems to scale in step with AI, shaping the AI energy system.
The Energy Institute (EI) is the chartered professional membership body for people working across the world of energy. Their purpose is to create a better energy future by accelerating a just global transition to net zero. International Energy Week, organised by the EI, brings together policymakers, industry leader and experts in London annually.
Below is the full text of the speech:
Creating a New Prosperity for Civilization
I am deeply honored to receive this award. It is not only a recognition of my team and myself, but also an affirmation of our shared vision — the vision of creating a new prosperity for civilization.
We are at a pivotal moment in the development of civilization. Artificial intelligence is taking humanity into a new era of energy demand. Over the next 50 years, global power demand may increase ten times. Just as no one could predict a hundred times rise of energy before the invention of the steam engine.
At the same time, the climate crisis intensifies. With finite fossil fuel reserves, we must confront a fundamental question:
How can we sustain the long-term prosperity of civilization?
This urgency is driving us to build a new energy foundation— a system with three key pillars : Infinite, Intelligent, and Inexpensive.
Encouragingly, this vision is becoming reality. Once expensive renewable energy, has now surpassed fossil fuels in cost competition. Through large-scale innovation, China has helped drive down the global costs of wind, solar, and energy storage by around 90%, making renewables affordable energy.
Yet alongside progress come doubts. Some mistake "abundance" for "overcapacity." Others view "affordability" with suspicion.
This reminds me of a misunderstanding from a thousand years ago. In the 13th century, when papermaking technology from China reached Europe, paper was dismissed as a "cheap and fragile" substitute for parchment. Emperor Frederick II even declared documents written on paper invalid. To the elites of the time, inexpensive paper lacked the dignity of costly parchment.
And yet, it was precisely this accessibility — this very "cheapness" — that broke the monopoly of knowledge. It allowed ordinary people to access the knowledge and ultimately helped ignite the Renaissance.
History teaches us that civilization advances through abundance and accessibility. Today, this abundance is laying the foundation for a new energy system.
It will unleash the full potential of AI, expanding the upper limits of civilization. A tenfold increase in power demand is not a burden — it is the nourishment for computational evolution. Without abundant and intelligent energy, the flower of AI cannot fully bloom.
It will also uphold the dignity of humanity and protect the foundation of civilization. In Africa, off-grid systems are lighting remote villages for the first time. In Pakistan, solar panels have become one of the most treasured wedding gifts. In the Middle East, affordable electricity enables desalination that turns desert into farmland. In Southeast Asia remote mountain, wind-powered base stations connect children to global knowledge.
Humanity will move from competing over limited resources to jointly developing the infinite flows of nature — building a new civilization rooted in cooperation.
The age of fossil fuels will pass. What rises next is not just a new energy system —but a new horizon for humanity. When energy becomes abundant and accessible — like paper once was for knowledge
It will unlock intelligence.
It will restore dignity.
It will reshape cooperation.
That is how we will create a new prosperity for civilization.
- end -
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Lei Zhang Becomes First Private-Sector Leader to Receive Energy Institute President's Award
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HONG KONG, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Consensus Hong Kong 2026, held from February 10–12 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, wrapped its second edition after three days of high-impact programming that attracted 11,000 registered attendees representing over 122 countries and regions.
The conference opened with remarks by The Honourable John KC Lee, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, who said in his opening address, "The world of Web3 and digital assets carries with it vast potential. They help to realise more efficient financial transactions, at a lower cost and with more inclusive options. The Hong Kong Government is committed to establishing Hong Kong as a global hub for innovation in digital assets. That's why over the past few years, Hong Kong has been actively building the regulatory framework to promote the steady, and sustainable, development of our Web3 ecosystem."
The event is estimated to have generated close to HK$300 million in economic impact for the local economy and featured a globally diverse audience, with a near 50/50 split between participants from Asia and the rest of the world. Top attending geographies included Hong Kong, the U.S., China, India, the UAE, Singapore, the UK and South Korea. Senior leadership comprised 62% of the total attendance, reflecting the event's role as a central gathering point for high-level industry decision-makers.
The Financial Secretary of Hong Kong, the Honourable Paul Chan Mo-po also addressed the conference as a keynote speaker, highlighting, "As the convergence of AI and blockchain continues to accelerate, the government and our regulators will work with the industry to foster concrete, high-impact use cases, while ensuring that emerging risks are properly identified, monitored and managed."
Featuring more than 350 speakers, the 2026 agenda highlighted the maturation of the digital asset sector, covering everything from institutional adoption and stablecoins to the architecture of new 'Internet Capital Markets.' This year also spotlighted the 'Machine Economy,' and the harmonization of AI agents, robotics, and on-chain execution. Speakers included Lily Liu, president of the Solana Foundation; Richard Teng, co-CEO of Binance; Justin Sun, founder of TRON; Anthony Scaramucci, founder and managing partner of SkyBridge Capital; Ella Zhang, head of YZi Labs; Joe Ngai, chairman of McKinsey & Co. Greater China; and Charles Hoskinson, Co-Founder and CEO of Input Output.
In addition to regulators and industry leaders, more than 1000 developers and 240 startups took part in the EasyA Consensus Hackathon and CoinDesk PitchFest, respectively. Alex Scheer of zkMe Technology Limited - which lets users and businesses verify user credentials without disclosing any personal information using zero-knowledge cryptography - claimed the PitchFest title, while Hackathon winners included FoundrAI, an autonomous AI agent designed to launch startups/projects, deploy tokens, and hire humans to build the products they launch; SentinelFi, which provides real-time safety scores for crypto traders with six-category on-chain analysis; and PumpStop, a non-custodial trading layer that helps users to manage risk through integrated stop-loss functionality.
In addition, the Solana Foundation debuted Solana Accelerate APAC at Consensus at the show on February 11, bringing thousands more builders, policymakers, and executives to discuss payments, institutional finance, DeFi, tokenization, AI infrastructure, and more specific to the Solana ecosystem.
Consensus Hong Kong 2026 built its agenda to turn the city into a week-long hub for industry and lifestyle experiences. In parallel with the main conference, over 400 side events took place over the course of the week. The past three days also saw raucous official Consensus parties at The Trilogy and Pier 1929, as well as a return to the Happy Valley Racecourse with The Consensus Cup.
With the support from 124 sponsors and 240 community and marketing partners, this year's event expanded beyond the venue and reinforced Hong Kong's role as a global hub for digital assets.
"Consensus was the perfect occasion to showcase the progress we've seen, not just in digital assets, but across AI, robotics, and internet capital markets," said Michael Lau, Chairman of Consensus. "Hong Kong continues to prove its role as a gateway to Asia, showcasing how forward-thinking policy and innovation have helped accelerate progress in one of the fastest-growing markets for digital asset adoption. I'm excited to bring that momentum to Miami, convening global leaders to advance the conversation across the Americas."
Following its success in Hong Kong, Consensus will be heading to Miami, May 5-7, 2026, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Serving as the definitive gathering for the west, the Miami edition will continue the conversations started in Hong Kong, bringing together high-level investors, builders and policymakers to define the digital asset agenda for the year ahead.
Tickets for Consensus Miami 2026 are available here.
About Consensus
Consensus by CoinDesk is the world's longest-running and most influential gathering for the crypto, blockchain and AI industries. Bringing together industry leaders, policymakers and innovators, it helps people understand the future of digital assets with discussions on key topics such as DeFi, Web3, AI, the evolving regulatory landscape and more. With a mix of panels, keynotes and networking opportunities, Consensus provides a platform to explore the latest trends shaping the digital economy. For more information about Consensus, please visit https://events.coindesk.com/
About CoinDesk
CoinDesk is the most trusted media, events, indices and data company for the global crypto economy. Since 2013, CoinDesk Media has led the story of the future of money and investing, illuminating the transformation in society and culture that comes with it. Part of Bullish Group (NYSE: BLSH), CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. Bullish may do business with organizations or foundations that attend or are sponsors of Consensus events, or which are otherwise featured in our editorial content. Our award-winning team of journalists delivers news and unparalleled insights that bring transparency, comprehension and context. CoinDesk Indices and CoinDesk Data provide institutional-grade benchmarks and analytics for the digital asset ecosystem. CoinDesk gathers the global crypto, blockchain and Web3 communities at annual events such as Consensus, the world's largest and longest-running crypto festival. For more information, please visit CoinDesk.com.
Use of Websites to Distribute Material Company Information
We use the Bullish Investor Relations website (investors.bullish.com) and our X account (x.com/bullish) to publicize information relevant to investors, including information that may be deemed material, in addition to filings we make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and press releases. We encourage investors to regularly review the information posted on our website and X account in addition to our SEC filings and press releases to be informed of the latest developments.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Sentences containing words such as "believe," "intend," "plan," "may," "expect," "should," "could," "anticipate," "estimate," "predict," "project," or their negatives, or other similar expressions of a future or forward-looking nature generally should be considered forward-looking statements and include, without limitation, statements relating to future events or Bullish's future financial or operating performance, business strategy, and potential market opportunity. Such forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Bullish, are inherently uncertain and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause results to differ from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited, to our ability to grow our business and operations, including in new geographic locations, the costs or expenditures associated therewith, competition in our industry, and the evolving rules and regulations applicable to digital assets and our industry. You should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made, and Bullish undertakes no duty to update these forward-looking statements.
HONG KONG, Feb. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Consensus Hong Kong 2026, held from February 10–12 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, wrapped its second edition after three days of high-impact programming that attracted 11,000 registered attendees representing over 122 countries and regions.
The conference opened with remarks by The Honourable John KC Lee, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR, who said in his opening address, "The world of Web3 and digital assets carries with it vast potential. They help to realise more efficient financial transactions, at a lower cost and with more inclusive options. The Hong Kong Government is committed to establishing Hong Kong as a global hub for innovation in digital assets. That's why over the past few years, Hong Kong has been actively building the regulatory framework to promote the steady, and sustainable, development of our Web3 ecosystem."
The event is estimated to have generated close to HK$300 million in economic impact for the local economy and featured a globally diverse audience, with a near 50/50 split between participants from Asia and the rest of the world. Top attending geographies included Hong Kong, the U.S., China, India, the UAE, Singapore, the UK and South Korea. Senior leadership comprised 62% of the total attendance, reflecting the event's role as a central gathering point for high-level industry decision-makers.
The Financial Secretary of Hong Kong, the Honourable Paul Chan Mo-po also addressed the conference as a keynote speaker, highlighting, "As the convergence of AI and blockchain continues to accelerate, the government and our regulators will work with the industry to foster concrete, high-impact use cases, while ensuring that emerging risks are properly identified, monitored and managed."
Featuring more than 350 speakers, the 2026 agenda highlighted the maturation of the digital asset sector, covering everything from institutional adoption and stablecoins to the architecture of new 'Internet Capital Markets.' This year also spotlighted the 'Machine Economy,' and the harmonization of AI agents, robotics, and on-chain execution. Speakers included Lily Liu, president of the Solana Foundation; Richard Teng, co-CEO of Binance; Justin Sun, founder of TRON; Anthony Scaramucci, founder and managing partner of SkyBridge Capital; Ella Zhang, head of YZi Labs; Joe Ngai, chairman of McKinsey & Co. Greater China; and Charles Hoskinson, Co-Founder and CEO of Input Output.
In addition to regulators and industry leaders, more than 1000 developers and 240 startups took part in the EasyA Consensus Hackathon and CoinDesk PitchFest, respectively. Alex Scheer of zkMe Technology Limited - which lets users and businesses verify user credentials without disclosing any personal information using zero-knowledge cryptography - claimed the PitchFest title, while Hackathon winners included FoundrAI, an autonomous AI agent designed to launch startups/projects, deploy tokens, and hire humans to build the products they launch; SentinelFi, which provides real-time safety scores for crypto traders with six-category on-chain analysis; and PumpStop, a non-custodial trading layer that helps users to manage risk through integrated stop-loss functionality.
In addition, the Solana Foundation debuted Solana Accelerate APAC at Consensus at the show on February 11, bringing thousands more builders, policymakers, and executives to discuss payments, institutional finance, DeFi, tokenization, AI infrastructure, and more specific to the Solana ecosystem.
Consensus Hong Kong 2026 built its agenda to turn the city into a week-long hub for industry and lifestyle experiences. In parallel with the main conference, over 400 side events took place over the course of the week. The past three days also saw raucous official Consensus parties at The Trilogy and Pier 1929, as well as a return to the Happy Valley Racecourse with The Consensus Cup.
With the support from 124 sponsors and 240 community and marketing partners, this year's event expanded beyond the venue and reinforced Hong Kong's role as a global hub for digital assets.
"Consensus was the perfect occasion to showcase the progress we've seen, not just in digital assets, but across AI, robotics, and internet capital markets," said Michael Lau, Chairman of Consensus. "Hong Kong continues to prove its role as a gateway to Asia, showcasing how forward-thinking policy and innovation have helped accelerate progress in one of the fastest-growing markets for digital asset adoption. I'm excited to bring that momentum to Miami, convening global leaders to advance the conversation across the Americas."
Following its success in Hong Kong, Consensus will be heading to Miami, May 5-7, 2026, at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Serving as the definitive gathering for the west, the Miami edition will continue the conversations started in Hong Kong, bringing together high-level investors, builders and policymakers to define the digital asset agenda for the year ahead.
Tickets for Consensus Miami 2026 are available here.
About Consensus
Consensus by CoinDesk is the world's longest-running and most influential gathering for the crypto, blockchain and AI industries. Bringing together industry leaders, policymakers and innovators, it helps people understand the future of digital assets with discussions on key topics such as DeFi, Web3, AI, the evolving regulatory landscape and more. With a mix of panels, keynotes and networking opportunities, Consensus provides a platform to explore the latest trends shaping the digital economy. For more information about Consensus, please visit https://events.coindesk.com/
About CoinDesk
CoinDesk is the most trusted media, events, indices and data company for the global crypto economy. Since 2013, CoinDesk Media has led the story of the future of money and investing, illuminating the transformation in society and culture that comes with it. Part of Bullish Group (NYSE: BLSH), CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary and abides by a strict set of editorial policies. Bullish may do business with organizations or foundations that attend or are sponsors of Consensus events, or which are otherwise featured in our editorial content. Our award-winning team of journalists delivers news and unparalleled insights that bring transparency, comprehension and context. CoinDesk Indices and CoinDesk Data provide institutional-grade benchmarks and analytics for the digital asset ecosystem. CoinDesk gathers the global crypto, blockchain and Web3 communities at annual events such as Consensus, the world's largest and longest-running crypto festival. For more information, please visit CoinDesk.com.
Use of Websites to Distribute Material Company Information
We use the Bullish Investor Relations website (investors.bullish.com) and our X account (x.com/bullish) to publicize information relevant to investors, including information that may be deemed material, in addition to filings we make with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and press releases. We encourage investors to regularly review the information posted on our website and X account in addition to our SEC filings and press releases to be informed of the latest developments.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Sentences containing words such as "believe," "intend," "plan," "may," "expect," "should," "could," "anticipate," "estimate," "predict," "project," or their negatives, or other similar expressions of a future or forward-looking nature generally should be considered forward-looking statements and include, without limitation, statements relating to future events or Bullish's future financial or operating performance, business strategy, and potential market opportunity. Such forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Bullish, are inherently uncertain and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause results to differ from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited, to our ability to grow our business and operations, including in new geographic locations, the costs or expenditures associated therewith, competition in our industry, and the evolving rules and regulations applicable to digital assets and our industry. You should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made, and Bullish undertakes no duty to update these forward-looking statements.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Consensus Hong Kong 2026 Concludes with 11,000 Attendees, Driving the Global Dialogue on Finance and Digital Assets
Consensus Hong Kong 2026 Concludes with 11,000 Attendees, Driving the Global Dialogue on Finance and Digital Assets
Consensus Hong Kong 2026 Concludes with 11,000 Attendees, Driving the Global Dialogue on Finance and Digital Assets
Consensus Hong Kong 2026 Concludes with 11,000 Attendees, Driving the Global Dialogue on Finance and Digital Assets
