The state-run Kerala Blockchain Academy (KBA) has launched Kerala Blockchain Academy Innovation Club (KBAIC) — 'Decentralised' India Chapter, seeking to provide global exposure to student members from across campuses joining the initiative.
A state government initiative under the Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management Kerala (IIITM-K), KBA has partnered with the University of Nicosia (UNIC) and Block.co, a blockchain-based startup from Cyprus, to launch KBAIC.
'Decentralised' is a global blockchain student network supported by UNIC, spanning multiple countries around the world. The collaboration will help student members of KBAIC to get global exposure by seizing opportunities to work closely with the members of the Decentralised, an official statement said here.
Inaugurating KBAIC at a function at IT hub Technopark here on Saturday, Dr Chandrasekaran Pandurangan, Professor, IIT Madras, said blockchain has triggered great enthusiasm in technology sector due to its immense possibilities. "We must be able to tap its potential to give a new dimension to the industry. It's laudable that KBA in partnering with University of Nicosia has taken the right steps for achieving its primary goal of becoming the blockchain hub of the country," he said.
Saji Gopinath, CEO, Kerala Startup Mission,said it is a humongous step towards realising the dream of making Kerala the blockchain hub of the country or Asia or maybe the world. "This partnership can be of great benefit to students and young entrepreneurs of our state," he added.
Antonis Polemitis, CEO, the University of Nicosia and Alexis Nicolaou, CEO, Block.co, and Director, Grant Thornton Blockchain (Cyprus) Limited were among those who delivered online sessions. The collaboration with UNIC, the prestigious global university in blockchain technology, will impart further momentum to KBA's initiatives to position Kerala as the blockchain hub of Asia, so as to leverage the huge potential of this disruptive technology, the release said.
KBA also unveiled an ambitious project to set up Kerala Blockchain Academy Innovation Clubs (KBAICs) in academic institutions, jointly with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM), it added.