Trinity’s ADAPT Research Centre is set to partner with cryptocurrency payment network Ripple on blockchain research.
The partnership, which was announced last week, will establish the Ripple Blockchain Collaboratory, an initiative dedicated to advancing blockchain, cryptocurrency, cybersecurity, and FinTech research.
The initiative is supported by $200,000 in funding over two years through Ripple’s University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI).
It will be led by Hitesh Tewari, a professor at Trinity’s School of Computer Science and Statistics.
The initiative, which aims to “foster technical innovation, knowledge sharing, and thought leadership”, will engage with faculty and graduate students to address “the role of emerging technologies in transforming the financial and technology sectors”.
The initiative also plans to build awareness around new crypto technology through seminars, workshops, and conferences.
Commenting on the launch, Professor Tewari said: “We are delighted to be the first university in Ireland to receive support through Ripple’s UBRI programme.”
“The Ripple Blockchain Collaboratory will provide a platform for advancing blockchain research, allowing our students and staff to research and develop solutions that address real-world challenges in FinTech, cybersecurity, and privacy.”
As part of the initiative, Trinity will host and manage a validator for Ripple’s native cryptocurrency XPR.
Lauren Weymouth, Senior Director of University Partnerships at Ripple said: “Ireland has established itself as a leading hub for blockchain and cryptocurrency advancements, and Ripple’s UBRI program is excited to collaborate with Trinity College Dublin and the ADAPT Centre to drive research and innovation in this thriving ecosystem.”
“By hosting an XRPL validator at Trinity, we’re connecting the university to the heart of decentralised technology, enabling groundbreaking work in areas like FinTech, cybersecurity, and next-generation blockchain solutions.”
Last September ADAPT released a report demonstrating a €1.1bn contribution to the Irish economy. In the foreword of the report, ADAPT’s Director John D. Kelleher said that the centre’s work has “positioned Ireland as a global leader in AI-driven digital content technology”.