Hong Kong, January 3, 2024 — Polkadot Blockchain Academy (PBA), a classroom-based education program covering the conceptual underpinnings and the hands-on application of blockchain technology, has announced the next two iterations of its multi-week training program will take place in Hong Kong and Singapore in collaboration with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The National University of Singapore, and the Asian Institute of Digital Finance. APAC will remain PBA’s primary focus for 2024 as it looks to advance blockchain developer and innovator growth across the region.
Each program will include two distinct curricula paths designed to educate and support the next generation of blockchain engineers and developers, as well as provide counsel and guidance to aspiring founders and entrepreneurs. The first curriculum path is the program’s original, developer-focused course, which delves into critical areas such as cryptography, game theory, blockchain concepts, and smart contracts. Following a successful beta launch at the UC Berkeley edition of PBA in 2023, the APAC editions of PBA will also feature a second curriculum path with the official launch of the “Founders Track,” geared at training the next generation of blockchain founders and leaders with courses on decentralized governance, regulation, project funding, and growth.
Pauline Cohen Vorms, Head of the Polkadot Blockchain Academy, said:
“Our upcoming programs in Hong Kong and Singapore mark a significant investment in APAC talent. In collaboration with top institutions, we aim to provide a transformative learning experience that goes beyond theory, equipping participants with practical skills for success in the dynamic blockchain industry. We are excited to be a part of shaping the future of blockchain innovation in the APAC region and beyond.”
The inaugural APAC program will commence on January 3, 2024, in Hong Kong, hosted in collaboration with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Boasting the largest cohort in the program’s history with over 90 students, the Hong Kong edition will feature renowned instructors from leading organizations in the Polkadot ecosystem, including Parity, Astar, and Moonbeam, as well as professors from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
The second APAC wave is slated to commence on May 20, 2024, in Singapore, in partnership with The National University of Singapore and the Asian Institute of Digital Finance. Those interested in forming part of the Singapore cohort can register interest now – with the application window officially opening later this month.
Beyond its educational mission, PBA is dedicated to fostering diversity within the blockchain ecosystem. With three successful cohorts launched to-date, the program has successfully convened students from all around the world, with the Cambridge edition featuring participants from 18 different countries and the Buenos Aires edition seeing representation from 26 different countries. In an effort to bridge the skills gap that accompanies rapid technological progress, PBA welcomes students with varying levels of experience, from recent graduates to seasoned Web2 software engineers.
To learn more about PBA and apply, visit https://polkadot.network/development/blockchain-academy.
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About Polkadot Blockchain Academy
The Polkadot Blockchain Academy is a classroom-based educational program covering the conceptual underpinnings and the hands-on application of blockchain technology, using Polkadot and Substrate as its foundations. Founded by Gavin Wood, the Academy is run by leading engineers, researchers, and project founders from the Polkadot ecosystem, Parity Technologies, and the Web3 Foundation.
