Trinity College Dublin is to team up with crypto company Ripple on a new blockchain research initiative aimed at improving cyber security in the fintech sector.
The project will be supported by $200,000 (€194,531) in funding over a period of two years and operate out of the Adapt Research Ireland Centre at the university.
Ripple, who offer digital asset infrastructure for financial institutions, is funding the project as part of their University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI).
The company said the initiative reflects the growing demand for advanced blockchain solutions as industries explore ways to enhance security, transparency, and innovation in sectors like finance, healthcare, and public services.
The Ripple Blockchain Collaboratory will be led by Trinity’s School of Computer Science and Statistics Professor Hitesh Tewari.
“We are delighted to be the first university in Ireland to receive support through Ripple’s UBRI programme,” said Professor Tewari.
“The Ripple Blockchain Collaboratory will provide a platform for advancing blockchain research, allowing our students and staff to research and develop solutions that address real-world challenges in fintech, cyber security, and privacy.”
The partnership will see faculty and graduate students at the research centre trying to understand the role of emerging technologies in the future of the financial and technology sectors.
It will also focus on the research and development of new projects such as a decentralised social media network – a platform that can operate without a central authority offering users more privacy and control.
Working on the UBRI programme also means that Trinity will manage an XPR Ledger (XPRL) validator.
XRP is Ripple’s cryptocurrency and the validator would function as a decentralised blockchain ledger that helps the university communicate with Ripple’s larger network.
Hosting an XRPL validator will allow Trinity researchers to contribute directly to the global infrastructure of blockchains.
“By hosting an XRPL validator at Trinity, we’re connecting the university to the heart of decentralised technology, enabling groundbreaking work in areas like fintech, cyber security, and next generation blockchain solutions,” said Lauren Weymouth, senior director of university partnerships at Ripple.
“Ireland has established itself as a leading hub for blockchain and cryptocurrency advancements, and Ripple’s UBRI program is excited to collaborate with Trinity College to drive more innovation in this thriving ecosystem."
The programme will also focus on building engagement within the blockchain and fintech communities locally through seminars, conferences, and workshops.
It also hopes to help create increased public understanding of the potential of cryptocurrencies and blockchain systems.
