  We review and present a few new results of the program of emergent matter as
braid excitations of quantum geometry that is represented by braided ribbon
networks. These networks are a generalisation of the spin networks proposed by
Penrose and those in models of background independent quantum gravity theories,
such as Loop Quantum Gravity and Spin Foam models. This program has been
developed in two parallel but complimentary schemes, namely the trivalent and
tetravalent schemes. The former studies the braids on trivalent braided ribbon
networks, while the latter investigates the braids on tetravalent braided
ribbon networks. Both schemes have been fruitful. The trivalent scheme has been
quite successful at establishing a correspondence between braids and Standard
Model particles, whereas the tetravalent scheme has naturally substantiated a
rich, dynamical theory of interactions and propagation of braids, which is
ruled by topological conservation laws. Some recent advances in the program
indicate that the two schemes may converge to yield a fundamental theory of
matter in quantum spacetime.
