Ripple started working with the University of Kyoto and University of Tokyo. Establishment of this new partnership has been announced in a press release released at the end of July.
An unexpected relationship
The partnership is a part of UBRI, a University Blockchain Research Initiative, which aims to associate 33 universities together. The University of Tokyo will provide grants to students who engage in research focused around blockchain technology. The University’s Economy Department plans on organizing public seminars and debates related to blockchain. On top of all that, the University Professors studying the ever evolving financial systems, as well as regulations and cryptographic assets, or blockchain technology itself can expect financial aid too.
The University of Kyoto graduates research blockchain in fields such as money transfers for travelling clients, cyber identity management for refugees and chain of supply.
Japan is a booming blockchain market
On the topic of blockchain in Japan, Emi Yoshikawa, the director of international affairs for Ripple, had this to say:
“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 […] 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.”
Industry growth will push demand
Ripple believes that the demand for tech solutions grows in correlation to the growth of globalisation and hopes that, thanks to its partnership with universities, the company can help introduce a new generation of engineers, business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals, who have blockchain in their blood. Eric van Miltenburg, vice-president of international affairs at Ripple, said:
“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.”
We’d like to mention that Ripple currently holds third place among biggest platforms within the market capitalisation ranking.