In an exciting development for the blockchain and crypto industry, the University of Toronto announced its partnership with Ripple’s University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) on June 12.
As part of this collaboration, the university will launch an independent XRP Ledger (XRPL) validator, reinforcing its commitment to advancing research in blockchain and crypto technology.
The move comes as Ripple aims to bolster its presence in Canada’s flourishing crypto hub, particularly in Toronto. Ripple’s UBRI program, which has already invested over $2 million in Canadian universities and colleges, will now extend its support to the University of Toronto.
The university will establish an XRP Ledger validator and play a vital role in recruiting XRPL campus ambassadors for future cohorts.
Professor Andreas Veneris, an esteemed researcher in computer science at the University of Toronto, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating:
I have been following Ripple for a decade, as they have been an early leader in blockchain technology. Hosting an XRP Ledger validator matches our goals in both promoting education around the XRP Ledger being a decentralized blockchain, but also the public’s trust in scholars for their long-standing ethos to advance social well-being.
The UBRI collaboration will further propel blockchain and crypto technology research in Canada while empowering students to acquire valuable skills for careers in the crypto industry.
Notably, the University of Toronto joins other prominent Canadian UBRI partners, including the University of Waterloo and Toronto Metropolitan University.
The initiative aims to foster innovation and growth in blockchain-based research and education by creating a global academic consortium.
Ripple’s Toronto Office Sees Rapid Expansion & Talent Acquisition
Moreover, Ripple’s expansion in Canada continues unabated, with the company having doubled its initial hiring goals since establishing an engineering hub in Toronto less than a year ago.
The Toronto team, which has grown to over 30 full-time members, is expected to reach over 70 employees within the next two years, with a particular focus on recruiting engineers.
Ripple’s presence in Toronto has also resulted in a robust pipeline of talent, surpassing the target of hiring 10 summer interns. This highlights the growing interest among students in pursuing careers in the crypto and blockchain space.
Last year, two interns from the University of Waterloo secured full-time positions at Ripple after completing their internships.
With Toronto serving as a vibrant hub for crypto and technology talent, Ripple is excited to tap into the city’s brightest minds in engineering.
The company looks forward to welcoming more exceptional talent from across Canada as it continues to drive innovation on the XRP Ledger and spearhead blockchain research and development in academia.
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