The Gathering of Bright Minds
On October 3 and 4, an intellectual rendezvous took place at the University of California, Berkeley. Ripple orchestrated its first annual University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) conference, affectionately dubbed UBRI Connect 2019, where 200 developers, researchers, and students congregated to swap ideas, insights, and maybe even a few jokes about blockchain.
A Global Affair
UBRI Connect wasn’t just a local flavor; it attracted attendees from over 40 universities across 14 countries. Participants dived into discussions ranging from the serious (like the implications of crypto law) to the absurd (theories on whether Bitcoin could one day rule the world). It was a buffet of knowledge in business, law, and engineering, all served hot and fresh!
What’s Cooking in the UBRI Kitchen?
Ken Weber, the UBRI lead and head of social impact at Ripple, explained that this initiative currently collaborates with 29 universities worldwide. Many of these institutions have previously dabbled in blockchain and fintech research. Instead of handing out cash with strings attached, UBRI offers unrestricted funding, empowering academics to pursue the topics they find most interesting. As Weber put it, “We haven’t gone to our UBRI university partners telling them what products and technical issues we need solutions for.” Talk about a buffet with no dietary restrictions!
Dollars at Work: Engineering Innovation
Of the approximately $50 million allocated for university funding through UBRI, a whopping half has been channeled toward engineering schools. These funds have sparked collaborations that led to innovative breakthroughs in cryptography, essential for expanding the blockchain landscape. Collaborating closely with Stanford University, UBRI has fueled advances that help Ripple optimize and secure its technology. Remember folks, it’s not just about Ripple’s growth; it’s about shaping the entire crypto ecosystem for a dazzling future!
Ripple’s Expansive Vision: The Internet of Value
During UBRI Connect, Ripple’s CTO David Schwartz discussed the “Internet of Value” and explained how RippleNet and Xpring differ. “Ripple is building a global payments network for financial institutions powered by XRP, whereas Xpring is building a network for developers,” Schwartz articulated. Senior VP Ethan Beard highlighted how building the Internet of Value is as ambitious as creating the internet itself. To sprinkle a bit of humor into the mix, it seems like building the Internet of Value is just as messy, with a lot of room for dropped packets—though hopefully less legacy software!
The Balancing Act
As much as UBRI has flourished, Weber candidly acknowledged the struggles of keeping up with student demand. This ambitious project continues to expand, and Ripple wants to engage with all interested parties, including grad students, faculty members, and even enthusiastic interns. “Ripple is still a small company,” he said, “but our commitment to academic collaboration is big!” The challenge lies in creating meaningful connections while juggling all the moving targets. It’s like herding cats—but significantly more impressive!
