The DLT Science Foundation (DSF), a non-profit organisation, has made its public launch with a mission to promote and expand knowledge and adoption of distributed ledger technology (DLT). The foundation’s aim is to remove barriers to fundamental breakthroughs in the field and facilitate the responsible adoption of DLT.
The DSF has an open network of global universities, and initial members include global research institutions including Indian Institute of Technology Madras, London School of Economics, National University of Singapore, University College London and the University of Zurich. Its network will offer grants and fellowships to promote education, research, and innovation in DLT.
The DSF also plans to support the adoption of DLT by offering comprehensive programmes in education, innovation, and research. It will provide support through the network of universities and proprietary tools that offer valuable insight into the crypto market and data for research purposes.
The DLT Science Foundation was initially supported by Hedera, the open-source, leaderless proof-of-stake network, which will also lend valuable DLT expertise to the DSF University Network. The first call for grant proposals opens today, offering funding up to $5million for eligible individuals and organisations.
Global network
Economist Professor Paolo Tasca, who is also the founder of the UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies (CBT), and Nikhil Vadgama, a senior technology executive and deputy director of UCL CBT, founded the DSF.
According to Tasca, the DSF has a unique opportunity to provide unmatched support and empowerment to academics and educators in universities. He suggested it “will unlock the full potential of DLT and create a better future for all”.
Vadgama also added: “We are excited to collaborate with educators and academics to continuously improve and enhance these programs, and to create a platform for unprecedented growth and success in the field of DLT research, education and innovation.”
While Claudio Tessone, head of the University of Zurich Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies Center (UZH BCC), said: “As a large-scale interdisciplinary centre which aims at the creation of high quality research and education through a critical understanding on distributed ledger technologies, the UZH Blockchain Center is proud to join the DSF University Network.
“Entering this initiative allows us to pool our resources with other leading global institutions. UZH BCC specialises in impactful academic production with a worldwide reputation, as highlighted by the last CoinDesk blockchain university ranking. We are confident that DSF resources and tools will allow us to produce outputs of high value to the industry and the advancement of this fascinating space.”
