Ripple’s UBRI initiative makes new strides with the University of Austin at Texas

Ripple’s University Blockchain Research Initiative [UBRI] has been on a roll with the active partnership of universities like the University of Texas at Austin, who have been trying to push blockchain technology and the concept of cryptocurrencies into the mainstream fore.

Recently, Professor Cesare Fracassi who leads the UBRI presence at University of Texas at Austin spoke about how Ripple’s initiative is targeted to draw the attention of academia to the world of blockchain technology.

Fracassi and UBRI’s tie-up touches upon three main topics within the university paradigm: Machine learning and Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and blockchain technology as a whole. Ripple, the parent company of XRP, stated that:

“Fracassi believes the primary UBRI program outcomes at UT Austin should be to advance blockchain beyond this initial phase by helping students learn about the underlying technology and its potential applications in the real world — so they can better separate the hype from the reality. He says that as academics, they do not have businesses at stake and so can cast a more critical eye on the space.”

Ripple has also said that the funds provided by the initiative will allow for more resources aimed at a “fintech-focused track” that will provide support for research, support for teaching and to create awareness among the community.

Ripple first confirmed the partnership when the company had donated $2 million to the University of Texas. In the initial circular put forth by Ripple, the company had listed out a set of directives that encapsulated Ripple’s aim to start UBRI. It said that UBRI wanted to: