Currently the IBM is providing enterprise blockchain solutions, but competition is extremely crowded with other major tech companies like Amazon, R3, SAP and Microsoft. However, IBM is taking a step to gain a competitive edge in the future by funding research at the university level. There are several new education programs related to blockchain and cryptocurrencies as well.
They have launched a new research center in partnership with Columbia University. The center is located in the Manhattan campus of Columbia University in New York City. The focus will be to incubate blockchain applications through a combination of academic and technical expertise.
Later this year a dedicated committee comprised of both Columbia faculty members and IBM research scientists will begin reviewing proposals for blockchain “curriculum development, business initiatives and research programs.”
Program Focus
The center will press the importance of regulator issues for startups in the blockchain space and provide internship opportunities to improve technical skills for students and professionals with an interest in the tech. The university expects a significant increase in scholarship applications due to the addition of this field.
“Our students and faculty, working together with IBM, will play an important role in the vibrant exchange of ideas and research surrounding this transformative technology.” – John H. Coatsworth, Columbia University provost
Other Education Programs
UK – Cryptocurrency Certification
London School of Economics now offers a certification covering “practical skills to interact with cryptocurrency exchanges,” and skills to “evaluate the analytics” of ICOs. The LSE has produced 36 world leaders, 18 Nobel Prize winners, and now one of the first prestigious cryptocurrency certifications: “Cryptocurrency Investment and Disruption.”
Australia – Blockchain Courses
The Australian university is researched focused. Their course is more geared toward blockchain: “Developing Blockchain Strategy.” However, the
Malta – Blockchain Degree
University of Malta will take it up several notches in October this year when they introduce an entire blockchain degree.
U.S. – Stanford Blockchain R&D
A group of computer scientists backed by top blockchain projects have launched the Center for Blockchain Research at Stanford University. It will address blockchain’s practical, legal and societal challenges, and develop a curriculum to facilitate implementation. They will also create courses to help students and working professionals develop financial instruments, protect intellectual property and manage vital records.
Global – Ripple’s UBRI
Ripple recently created the University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI). Their initial funding to get the project up and running is $50 Million. The “first wave” of partners are 17 universities across the globe. The goal is to “support and accelerate academic research, technical development and innovation in blockchain, cryptocurrency and digital payments.”
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