The University of California, Berkley, has launched a 12 week accelerator program to support blockchain projects that are in their early stages of development. The program aims at taking founders through crucial elements of building a successful technology startup. UC Berkeley will offer its vast expertise through its network of serial entrepreneurs, alumni, faculty, seasoned investors and capable students who will dedicate their time as mentors and advisors for those admitted to the program.
Berkeley Blockchain Xcelerator
Dubbed Berkeley Blockchain Xcelerator, applications are currently being accepted till the 28th of this month for the Spring session. The program is a joint venture between Berkeley Engineering’s Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology, Blockchain at Berkeley, and the Haas School of Business.
Selected teams will be eligible to the following perks.
- Funding up to $200k
- SCET Berkeley Method of Entrepreneurship, Berkeley Haas Entrepreneurship and Blockchain at Berkeley training
- Mentorship with notable blockchain and startup advisors
- Network connections to Silicon Valley venture and funding expertise
Professor Ikhlaq Sidhu, founder and director of the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology, explained how the accelerator will solve real life problems in a conducive environment.
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.
His sentiments were echoed by the President of Blockchain at the institution, Gloria Zhao.
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.
What are your thoughts on the University of California, Berkeley, launching an accelerator program for blockchain startups? Is it the beginning of a new trend from Universities showing their support for the technology and entrepreneurs in the field? Please let us know in the comment section below.
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