THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Kerala Blockchain Academy (KBA) has launched Kerala Blockchain Academy Innovation Club (KBAIC) – DECENTRALIZED India Chapter, seeking to give 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. DECENTRALIZED 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 DECENTRALIZED.
Inaugurating KBAIC at a function here at C-DAC Auditorium in Technopark, 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.
In his presidential address, Dr. Saji Gopinath, CEO, KSUM, said it is a humongous step towards realizing the dream of making Kerala the blockchain hub of the country or Asia or may be the world. “This partnership can be of great benefits to students and young entrepreneurs of our state.”
Antonis Polemitis, CEO, University of Nicosia; Prof. Soulla Louca Director, IFF; Alexis Nicolaou, CEO, Block.co, and Director, Grant Thornton Blockchain (Cyprus) Limited delivered online sessions. Dr. Asharaf S, Professor-in-Charge, KBA; R. Midhun Krishna, Country Head, DECENTRALIZED India Chapter; and Adarsh, S, Convener, KBA, were also present.
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.
UNIC houses Institute For the Future (IFF), an interdisciplinary research centre aimed at advancing emerging technologies like blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics etc. IFF’s over the years has become a top global player spearheading interdisciplinary innovation in these dynamic areas.
IFF is also working toward establishing an incubator/accelerator for promising technology entrepreneurs and dynamic start-ups in the above areas. Block.co, a spin-off established to commercialize a technology UNIC had internally developed back in 2014 in relation to Blockchain Credentialing, is practical proof of their industry driven strategy.
KBA also unveiled an ambitious project to set up Kerala Blockchain Academy Innovation Clubs (KBAICs) in academic institutions, jointly with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM).
