Key Takeaways
- $5M Expansion in Asia-Pacific: Ripple is investing $5 million to expand its University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) across six Asia-Pacific countries, targeting a region known for fintech innovation and a high concentration of neobanks.
- Renewed and New Academic Partnerships: The initiative includes renewed collaborations in South Korea, Japan, and Singapore, and new partnerships in Taiwan and Australia, funding over $3 million in these regions to support blockchain education and research.
- Innovative Blockchain Research: Funded projects span cutting-edge areas like AI-agent networks on the Ripple XRP Ledger, asset tokenization, blockchain sharding, Layer 2 integration, and NFT privacy.
- Support for Student and Institutional Engagement: Ripple’s funding supports student-led clubs, validator operations, and curriculum development, such as XRPL Student Builders Clubs and university-based Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs), helping to build hands-on blockchain experience.
- UBRI’s Regional and Global Growth: With 60 global partners and $11 million invested in Asia-Pacific (APAC) alone, UBRI has evolved into a major force in advancing blockchain education and workforce development in the global financial system.
A Substantial Grant to Fortify Blockchain Academia
Ripple has announced a $5 million expansion of its University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) across six Asia-Pacific countries, deepening its commitment to blockchain education and research in one of the world’s most active fintech regions.
The expanded initiative includes renewed academic partnerships in South Korea, Japan, and Singapore, and newly formed collaborations in Taiwan and Australia. Ripple’s investment aims to support leading institutions in fostering blockchain innovation, particularly in a region recognized for its dense concentration of neobanks and vibrant financial technology markets.
Since its launch seven years ago, UBRI has evolved from a seed investment into a comprehensive regional program supporting student initiatives, academic research, and practical blockchain experimentation.
Renewed Collaborations Strengthen Existing Ties
Ripple extended its partnership with Korea University through a new six-year, $1.1 million agreement, supplementing existing collaboration with Yonsei University. In Japan, over $1.5 million was directed toward Kyoto University and the University of Tokyo to continue ongoing research efforts.
Singapore institutions also received substantial funding. Grants were awarded to Nanyang Technological University (NTU), and support for the National University of Singapore (NUS) was renewed. Combined, Ripple’s investment in Singapore exceeds $3 million.
Professor Yang Liu of NTU’s College of Computing & Data Science confirmed the university will use the grant to develop a blockchain-powered autonomous AI agent network. “We are building a transparent, modular, and collaborative AI platform using the XRP Ledger,” Liu said.
NUS has previously led successful initiatives under UBRI, including launching Asia’s first university-based Decentralized Autonomous Organization and tripling its FinTech program graduates in 2021. These efforts earned NUS the top spot in a 2021 global ranking of blockchain universities.
New Partnerships Mark Regional Expansion
Taiwan’s National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST) became UBRI’s 60th global partner. Ripple awarded a six-figure grant to support NKUST’s exploration of real-world asset tokenization and the establishment of an XRPL Student Builders Club. NKUST will also run its own XRP Ledger validator to promote grassroots blockchain participation, in line with Taiwan’s national asset tokenization agenda.
In Australia, Ripple committed $1.3 million through an extended partnership with the Australian National University (ANU) and a new agreement with Victoria University. ANU will continue legal blockchain research, while Victoria University will focus on curriculum development and applied blockchain studies.
Research Objectives to Drive Blockchain Literacy
UBRI currently funds research into various blockchain applications. At Korea University, Professors IK Rae Jong and Dong Hoon Lee are leading studies on blockchain sharding, Layer 2 integrations, and NFT privacy, using technologies such as Zero-Knowledge Proofs and zk-SNARKs.
To date, Ripple has allocated $11 million in UBRI funding across APAC, aiming to drive blockchain literacy and innovation in the fintech and cryptocurrency sectors.
“Asia-Pacific has long been a hub of fintech and blockchain innovation,” said Eric van Miltenburg, Ripple’s Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. “Seven years into UBRI, we’ve seen the real-world impact of sustained collaboration with top universities.”
With this latest expansion, Ripple reinforces its role in shaping the next generation of blockchain professionals and advancing digital finance infrastructure across Asia-Pacific.
