IE Impact Xcelerator Signs First Agreement with Cryptocurrency Company Ripple

IE School of Science and Technology announced the first agreement of its Impact Xcelerator (iX) with cryptocurrency company Ripple, which will set up an iX-Virtual Asset Regulation Lab that will address important future challenges in the sector.

Building on its new partnership with UBRI, IE University will host two virtual asset regulation events focused on applied research, entrepreneurship, and corporate transformation. The events will ultimately lead to a new leading research paper, as well as allow students to acquire the necessary skills for entry into the regulation-driven crypto world.

Dean Ikhlaq Sidhu with Ripple’s Director of Partnerships Lauren Weymouth

“We are delighted to partner with Ripple’s University Blockchain Research Initiative to address the future of virtual asset regulation and the technology needed to support it. IE University is proud to drive and prepare our next generation of leaders toward a crypto- and blockchain-enabled economy with the support of UBRI for years to come,” said Ikhlaq Sidhu, Dean of IE School of Science and Technology.

The move forms part of Ripple’s growth in Europe as it strengthens ties with the region’s academic community, adding four new universities to its University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) program. In addition to IE University, Ripple signed agreements with Trinity College Dublin (Ireland), EPITA (France) and University of Trento (Italy).

Eric van Miltenburg, SVP Strategic Initiatives at Ripple said, “As UBRI celebrates its fifth year of supporting global universities to both drive and transform blockchain education and research, four leading universities with budding talent will now benefit from brand new ways to explore, create and grow in the worlds of blockchain and crypto. It’s crucial that we arm the next generation with the knowledge and practical skills needed to build on blockchain technology for real-world utility. By providing more regulatory clarity — which means more opportunities for crypto projects to thrive — Europe is primed to accelerate this mission.”

Since its inception in 2018, UBRI has committed over $11 million to its now 14 partners across Europe. This momentum comes at a time when innovation is moving at a staggering pace throughout the region which has set its sights on becoming a global crypto hub. Europe is ramping up research efforts with its Market in Crypto Assets (MiCA) legislation to foster regulatory clarity for growth and mainstream adoption.