Ripple (XRP) Strengthens Academic Ties with New Advisory Council and USF Partnership

Peter Zhang

Oct 28, 2025 05:08

Ripple (XRP) expands its University Blockchain Research Initiative by forming a new Advisory Council and partnering with the University of San Francisco, fostering blockchain innovation funded in Ripple USD (RLUSD).

Ripple (XRP) is enhancing its commitment to blockchain research and education through its University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI), according to Ripple. The latest phase involves forming an Advisory Council and initiating a partnership with the University of San Francisco (USF). Moreover, Ripple is allocating over $1.5 million in renewed university partnerships funded through Ripple USD (RLUSD), a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin.

Building the Next Era of Collaboration

Since its inception in 2018, UBRI has been a pivotal component of Ripple’s investment in academic innovation, supporting more than 60 universities worldwide with over $80 million in research funding. The newly established Advisory Council aims to formalize collaboration across Ripple’s global academic network.

The council includes XRP Ledger Co-Creator David Schwartz and renowned cryptographers and computer scientists from UBRI’s partner universities. Among them are Dr. Hitesh Tewari from Trinity College Dublin, Dr. Yebo Feng from Nanyang Technological University, Dr. Hyunok Oh from Hanyang University, and Dr. Radu State from the University of Luxembourg. These experts will focus on areas such as zero-knowledge proofs, blockchain security, and the implications of quantum computing on blockchain systems.

Partnering with the University of San Francisco

The collaboration extends to USF, where legal scholars and technologists will explore blockchain applications in public service. USF’s Center for Law, Tech, and Social Good will investigate state-level blockchain legislation and aim to publish policy recommendations. Additionally, USF’s Department of Computer Science will establish a new XRPL Hub, enhancing the decentralized nature of the XRP Ledger and serving as a practical learning platform for students.

Michele Neitz, Director of the Center for Law, Tech, and Social Good, emphasized the partnership’s role in offering students a comprehensive understanding of blockchain technology from both technical and policy perspectives.

Funding Innovation with Ripple USD (RLUSD)

In 2025, Ripple has distributed over $1.5 million in UBRI grants in RLUSD, transitioning to funding partnerships through its stablecoin. This initiative involves collaboration with Bitso and Engiven to ensure compliant fund distribution to participating universities, providing them with practical experience in handling digital assets.

Renewed partnerships include prestigious institutions such as the University of Michigan, University of Wyoming, UC Berkeley, University of São Paulo, and Duke University, each advancing blockchain and fintech research across various disciplines.

Powering Research That Shapes the Industry

UBRI continues to drive groundbreaking research globally, including studies from Imperial College London on stablecoins and Stanford’s analysis of stablecoin payments. These efforts, alongside the new Advisory Council and RLUSD-backed funding, illustrate Ripple’s commitment to bridging theory and application, fostering a collaborative environment where education and innovation thrive.

For more information, visit Ripple.

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