University Blockchain Research Initiative
Championing blockchain research and development in academia
Ripple’s University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) supports a diverse portfolio of blockchain research, technical development, and innovation at universities around the world.
Fueling Innovation
Academic research is crucial for blockchain technology innovation
UBRI helps prepare the next generation of the global fintech workforce, including engineers, entrepreneurs, and other global changemakers. This propels blockchain and crypto as a force for inclusive economic growth, and positive social and environmental impact for decades to come.
60+
Universities across 27 countries
800+
New or expanded fintech courses
1,500
Academic blockchain research projects
Supporting Global Research
Critical blockchain research and development around the globe
From providing strategic guidance and technical resources to giving financial support, Ripple works with UBRI partners to help drive research that increases global crypto adoption and interoperability. UBRI project highlights include:
The University of Zurich’s Fintech Innovation Lab launched The Center for Sustainable Digital Finance—the world’s first interdisciplinary Research Center in this field.
The University of Texas at Austin researched innovative ways that blockchain can be applied to help the current COVID-19 crisis.
University College London is designing a new approach to digital currency that could help mitigate future geopolitical crises.
Accelerating blockchain innovation across academia and industry
University Digital Asset Xcelerator (UDAX)
Ripple launched the University Digital Asset Xcelerator (UDAX) in 2025, partnering with premier academic entrepreneurship programs around the world to scale blockchain startups and ventures. In partnership with leading institutions like UC Berkeley, Fundação Getulio Vargas, and University of Oxford, UDAX supports founders developing on the XRP Ledger with hands-on technical and fundraising coaching, mentorship tailored to each startup’s needs, and access to Ripple’s global network and the XRPL ecosystem.
Through intensive, cohort-based programs hosted by partner universities, founders advance from early-stage concepts to market-ready solutions.
Project Spotlight
Critical blockchain research and development around the globe
National FinTech Center at Morgan
The National FinTech Center at Morgan is the hub of the HBCU Blockchain and FinTech Network, engaging faculty and students at all HBCUs for research, curriculum, and education in blockchain and fintech.
Lab for Inclusive Fintech (LIFT)
UC Berkeley’s LIFT initiative focuses on identifying impactful digital financial technologies for the underserved through research, innovation and training.
Tune In
All About Blockchain podcast
All About Blockchain features leading global scholars and start-up founders to discuss adaptive blockchain research and applications being leveraged in healthcare, energy, agriculture, and more.
Listen on your favorite streaming platform
