Columbia University in New York City has partnered with IBM to debut two new accelerator programs for blockchain startups.
The accelerators are programs of the Columbia-IBM Center for Blockchain and Data Transparency, a research and education center the organizations opened in July. The center works to support emerging applications for blockchain technology, a permanent ledger of online transactions, which — unlike a traditional database — is shared among a network of users rather than being maintained by one central party.
Each accelerator will accept 10 startups working with blockchain and will focus on helping founders develop networks of users to ensure the sustainability of their business.
One of the two accelerators, dubbed the Columbia Blockchain Launch Accelerator, is designed for pre-seed, idea-stage companies affiliated with New York City-based universities. During the eight-week program, founders will receive training on how to build a blockchain startup at the Columbia-IBM Center for Blockchain and Data Transparency in New York City.
The second accelerator, the IBM Blockchain Accelerator, is designed for later-stage growth companies from across the globe. The eight-week program will use a combination of in-person training in New York City and San Francisco, along with virtual programming, to teach founders how to scale their business network and client base.
To learn more about nominating a startup for the IBM Blockchain Accelerator, click here. The Columbia Blockchain Launch Accelerator will open applications in January 2019.