Ripple, a key player in the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry, has unveiled its expansion of the University Blockchain and Research Initiative (UBRI) in Europe. This renowned initiative, globally acknowledged for its contributions to academic research in blockchain and crypto, is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders in this dynamic field.
The UBRI program has welcomed four new European universities into its fold, including Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, EPITA in France, IE University in Spain, and the University of Trento in Italy. These esteemed institutions are set to strengthen blockchain education and research across Europe.
Since its inception in 2018, UBRI has allocated over $11 million to support its 14 European partner universities. This initiative aligns seamlessly with Europe’s ambition to establish itself as a leading global hub for cryptocurrencies, particularly in light of the Market in Crypto Assets (MiCA) legislation, designed to provide regulatory clarity and foster growth within the sector.
Eric van Miltenburg, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Ripple, underscored the significance of equipping the next generation with the necessary knowledge and skills to harness the real-world potential of blockchain technology. He also highlighted Europe’s potential to accelerate this mission, owing to its regulatory clarity.
IE University, one of UBRI’s newly incorporated partners, is taking a proactive approach by organizing a three-day virtual asset regulation workshop. This event will center around applied research, entrepreneurship, and corporate transformation, effectively preparing students for the intricacies of the regulation-focused crypto landscape. Ikhlaq Sidhu, Dean at IE University, expressed his enthusiasm about this collaboration and stressed UBRI’s vital role in shaping the future of virtual asset regulation.
In a strategic move, Ripple has strengthened its collaboration with the Centre for Blockchain Technologies (CBT), an educational initiative initially launched at University College London (UCL) with UBRI’s support. Renamed as UK CBT, this program is extending its reach to include Birmingham and Edinburgh, thereby expanding its resource network. Dr. Paolo Tasca, Founder and Director of UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies, emphasized the shared vision of positioning the UK as a global leader in blockchain technology.
UK CBT will further its engagement in XRPL-related projects, offering XRPL workshops, accelerator programs, and supporting conferences such as UBRI Connect. These initiatives aim to amplify the innovative potential of blockchain on an international scale.
Ripple recently hosted its third annual Apex XRPL Developer Summit in Amsterdam. Prior to the summit, an XRPL Hackathon, named Apex 2023, was organized, with a particular focus on engaging European partners. A collaborative team comprising members from UCL and the University of Trento secured the first prize of $7,000 for their XRPL Charity project during this hackathon.
In summary, Ripple’s expansion of the University Blockchain and Research Initiative across Europe underscores its commitment to advancing blockchain education, research, and the development of future leaders in this evolving industry. The collaborative efforts between Ripple, educational institutions, and the broader blockchain community demonstrate the potential for blockchain to make a substantial impact on a global scale.
