UC Berkeley Kickstart an Accelerator Program for Blockchain Startups
According to a recent report, in its bid to support blockchain projects that are in their primary stages of development, the University of California, Berkley has started an accelerator program which is expected to last for about 12 weeks.
Berkeley Blockchain Xcelerator
The aim of this program is to teach founders the important factors which they require to build a successful technology company
The university will offer its vast expertise using its network of serial entrepreneurs, faculty, capable students, alumni, and seasoned investors who will be dedicating their time as mentors and advisors for those who gain admission into the program.
The program was reportedly tagged Berkeley Blockchain Xcelerator and applications for the spring session are currently being accepted until the 28th of February, 2019. It is a joint venture between the Haas School of Business, Berkeley Engineering’s Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology, and Blockchain at Berkeley.
The following opportunities will be made available for teams that get selected:
*.Funding up to $200k
*.SCET Berkeley Method of Entrepreneurship, Berkeley Haas Entrepreneurship
*.Mentorship with notable blockchain and startup advisors
*.Network connection to Silicon Valley venture and funding expertise
The aim of the Program
The founder and director of the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology, Professor Ikhlaq Sidhu explained how the program will help fund solutions to real-life issues in a conducive environment.
He said: “UC Berkeley, Silicon Valley, and the Bay Area have become the worldwide hub for the development of blockchain technology. Currently, there is a lot of hype in the space, but we believe that this new accelerator will give innovators the tools they need to separate hype from reality and pursue ideas that solve pressing business problems and create valuable new ventures.”
The President of Blockchain at the institution, Gloria Zhao seems to be on the same terms as Sidhu.
She said: “With such a nascent technology as blockchain, we see that a lot of subject matter experts and people making an impact in the blockchain space are students. Blockchain at Berkeley strives to foster the entrepreneurial spirit in our students, so we are excited to help lead this initiative and assist the next generation of blockchain innovators.”
