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- Ripple launches the next era of its University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI).
- The company introduces an Advisory Council of top global cryptographers and academics.
- Ripple funds over $1.5 million in research grants using its USD-backed stablecoin, RLUSD.
According to the announcement, Ripple is advancing its University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) with new academic collaborations, leadership structures, and funding methods. The company aims to strengthen blockchain research and innovation by linking global universities with Ripple’s technology and expertise.
The next chapter of Ripple includes the establishment of an Advisory Board, a collaboration with the University of San Francisco (USF), as well as renewed research funds of over $1.5 million via Ripple USD (RLUSD), which is a stablecoin from Ripple.
UBRI has been an integral component of Ripple’s investment in the educational and innovation sectors since 2018. The program supports over 60 universities and has contributed more than $80 million to research-related projects around the world. The revised framework increases its global outreach in academics and fits perfectly with the overall technological vision of Ripple.
Ripple Strengthens Academic Ties Through New UBRI Council
The formation of the new Advisory Council represents a milestone within UBRI. The council pairs Ripple’s CTO David Schwartz with academics from top partner universities.
The list of members includes Dr. Hitesh Tewari from Trinity College Dublin, Dr. Yebo Feng from Nanyang Technical University, Dr. Hyunok Oh from Hanyang University, and Dr. Radu State from the University of Luxembourg. The overall goal of the council is to improve research on blockchain by having the developers from Ripple working alongside academic researchers.
Together, they plan to investigate topics such as zero-knowledge proofs, DeFi integration, and the role of quantum computers on blockchain. Both investigations illustrate applied uses of blockchain. The two partners hope that their work will help shape the future of the XRP Ledger blockchain.
Driving Real-World Change Through Research and Funding
Ripple’s new academic partner, the University of San Francisco, looks at the adoption of blockchain within the public sector. The Center for Law, Tech, and Social Good at USF examines the role of state-level blockchain bills as catalysts for good.
The university will also introduce the XRPL Hub that will oversee the decentralization process and offer practical training for students. In a new development, Ripple is now using Ripple USD RLUSD to finance the new university collaborations.
Over $1.5 million has been dispersed to top institutions such as UC Berkeley, the University of Michigan, the University of Wyoming, Duke University, and the University of São Paulo. Ripple partnered with Bitso and Engiven to ensure transparent and compliable transfers that enabled the universities to get exposure to practical crypto usages.
These initiatives reflect the commitment of Ripple to integrate research and technology. Through UBRI, the company is fostering a foundation that starts from the classroom to develop blockchain solutions that can influence the future of the industry.
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