University of Waterloo joins researchers to advance blockchain and cryptocurrency

As the only Canadian participant in Ripple’s University Blockchain Research Initiative, Waterloo will help contribute to the research capacity in cryptocurrency and blockchain.

The program will support the Ripple Chair, named to Answar Hasan (a professor of computer engineering who is an expert in cryptography), graduate studies scholarships designed to attract new talent, and a new research fund.

Waterloo’s contribution to the initiative will be supported through a multi-million dollar contribution from Ripple, a San Francisco-based technology company that specializes in digital payments and blockchain.

“We know from recent world events and the experiences of many of our partners that blockchain technologies will increasingly disrupt the way the world does business,” said Pearl Sullivan, dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Waterloo. “By increasing our ability to attract talent to Waterloo and work in conjunction with some of the world’s leading institutions, we will make a significant contribution to Canada and the world’s ability to address the challenges and opportunities that blockchain and cryptography technologies present.”

Each university in the initiative will determine its own research topics and areas of focus. In addition to financial resources, Ripple will provide strategic guidance and technical resources as needed.