Today, Ripple is announcing the University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) has expanded its global presence to Japan, bringing on new partners including Kyoto University and the University of Tokyo. This global initiative now supports 33 university partners to further accelerate academic research, technical development and innovation in blockchain, crypto assets and digital payments.
Ripple has already seen cross-departmental collaboration and academic activity among faculty, post-doctoral, graduate and undergraduate students from its new partners. For example, Kyoto University’s Graduate School of Advanced Integrated Studies in Human Survivability is hosting workshops and funding research projects based on interdisciplinary approach — including engineering, business and public policy — in order to address global issues. Currently, several graduate students are researching the application of blockchain technology to remittance by migrant workers, digital identity management for refugees and supply chain management for Kyoto’s traditional industry. The University of Tokyo’s Department of Economics is arranging open seminars related to blockchain and settlement for the public. In addition, professors within the department are conducting research projects on related topics such as the evolving financial system and frameworks on regulation and supervision of the financial industry’s utilization of crypto assets and blockchains. As part of its commitment to nurturing the future generation of innovators, the University of Tokyo will also award scholarships to students involved in the research.
“University partners will continue to increase positive awareness of the transformative impact that blockchain technology will have across various industries. As the industry matures, the academic community plays a pivotal role in paving the road for innovative companies and entrepreneurs leveraging blockchain technologies and digital assets,” said Eric van Miltenburg, SVP of Global Operations at Ripple. “Expanding the UBRI network across the globe to a wide range of university partners will only continue to promote and accelerate the development of blockchain technology and use cases.”
These programs, driven by the university partners, are poised to prepare the next generation of engineers, business leaders, entrepreneurs and other professionals to apply these technologies in practice. As globalization increases, so does the demand for technological solutions and talent to solve the world’s hardest financial problems, especially in core focus regions like Japan.
“Japan is quickly becoming a leading force in crypto assets and blockchain. The region has always been forward thinking and exploring ways to improve the current financial system,” said Emi Yoshikawa, Senior Director of Global Operations at Ripple. “We have seen high levels of interest from the academic community on topics around blockchain and crypto. Ripple is committed to engaging and inspiring students to become part of the workforce of the future, across areas such as blockchain, distributed computing, banking and fintech.”
UBRI has partnered with the world’s top universities to support on research, curricula development, conferences and events, and scholarships. Each university partner determines its own research topics and areas of focus. In addition to providing financial resources, Ripple is committed to collaborating with universities by providing subject matter expertise and technical resources as needed.
For more information about Ripple’s University Blockchain Research Initiative and its partners, visit https://ubri.ripple.com.