Two Swiss universities have launched the Ticino Blockchain Technologies Association to coordinate blockchain research and support companies operating in the sector. The University of Applied Sciences
Two Swiss universities have launched the Ticino Blockchain Technologies Association to coordinate blockchain research and support companies operating in the sector. The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) and the University of Southern Switzerland (Università della Svizzera Italiana) founded the group to unite and strengthen blockchain initiatives already underway across the region.
The association brings together existing blockchain efforts and encourages new ones in the field. According to the group's explanation: "The association promotes and facilitates innovation and research in the blockchain area, merging public and private sectors, with the sole purpose of spearheading the development of all technologies related to blockchain and decentralised applications."
Both universities regard blockchain as a transformative force, drawing comparisons to how the internet reshaped entire sectors of the global economy. Financial services, supply chain logistics, governance, business operations and notary services all stand to benefit from blockchain technology. Capturing these gains demands sustained research, training a new workforce, significant capital investment, cultural shifts and hands-on experimentation.
The founding membership includes many organizations beyond the two universities. Joining SUPSI and USI are Eligma, Bitcoin.com, Eventboost, Copernicus Holdings, Euronovate, Pangea Blockchain Fund, Poseidon Group, the Quadrans Foundation, the Swiss Blockchain Consortium, Superflat and StrongBlock.io.
The mounting interest in blockchain technology led both academic institutions and private companies to take this step. The founders identified an opportunity to establish a center of excellence for the emerging technology. They also aimed to encourage new blockchain startups and create jobs in the sector.
The association's ambitions extend across borders. The inclusion of international companies among the founding members signals a commitment to fostering blockchain growth not confined to Switzerland alone. By bringing Swiss and international actors together, the association intends to drive innovation across multiple countries and accelerate development of blockchain applications globally.
