The UK Centre for Blockchain Technologies (UK CBT) is ready to officially launch with three prestigious institutions, the University of Oxford, the University of Birmingham and University College London (UCL) joining its university network.

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The inaugural event, scheduled for the 26th of February, will gather academics, industry leaders, and policymakers to unveil UK CBT’s vision for 2025 and beyond. The centre aims to strengthen collaboration to promote blockchain adoption in business and society through the below activities:

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• Support academic members in research, education and community-building initiatives with funding and in-kind contributions.
• Drive the national agenda by actively engaging with UK government bodies, regulators (e.g. FCA, BoE) and their stakeholders.
• Build strategic partnerships to secure public and private grants (e.g. UKRI, Gates Foundation).
• Leverage blockchain research, innovation, and education to help establish and promote the UK as a global hub in the field.

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Rooted in values of innovation, collaboration, transparency, and societal impact, UK CBT seeks to fund promising research, create opportunities for students, and strengthen the blockchain talent ecosystem through events and job days with leading Web3 firms.

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Uniting Academia, Industry, and Government

The inclusion of three prominent Russell group institutions reflects the UK CBT’s commitment to academic excellence and interdisciplinary innovation:

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• University of Oxford ranks among the top institutions globally for financial education, driving thought leadership at the nexus of blockchain, governance, and digital ethics.
• University of Birmingham excels in fintech research and sustainable financial innovation, leveraging its proximity to the UK’s largest financial services hub outside London and offering interdisciplinary expertise in digital assets.
• UCL is ranked 7th globally in the Coindesk Blockchain University Rankings and hosts one of the largest blockchain research groups, leading innovation in distributed ledger technologies and decentralized finance.

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Together, these institutions empower UK CBT to drive scientific research and practical innovation, reinforcing the UK’s leadership in blockchain development.

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Leadership Team

UK CBT is led by a team of academics with deep expertise of blockchain systems:

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Prof. Paolo Tasca, Chairman

Internationally recognised blockchain scholar, co-founder of several high profile initiatives to advance distributed systems such as Exponential Science foundation, advisor to global organisations including the UN, European Parliament, and Fortune 500 companies.

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Prof. Nikhil Vadgama, Director

Web3 and emerging technologies expert specialising in AI and blockchain, co-founder and director of the DLT Science Foundation and deputy director of the UCL Centre for Blockchain Technologies.

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Dr. Francesco Pierangeli, Deputy Director

Leading blockchain educator, co-director of the MSc FinTech at the University of Birmingham, previously served as head of the Scientific Community at the DLT Science Foundation.

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Their combined expertise positions UK CBT to advance the UK’s blockchain agenda, fostering transformative collaboration across sectors.

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Driving Meaningful Blockchain Adoption in the UK

The UK CBT initiative opens an exciting new chapter for blockchain development in the UK. The upcoming launch event will showcase the centre’s vision, including key topics like the blockchain’s role in tackling societal challenges, fostering innovation, and shaping industry standards. Attendees will hear from representatives of the founding academic institutions and gain insight into blockchain’s transformative potential. 

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Stay at the forefront of blockchain innovation. Visit the UK CBT initiatives page for updates and join the waitlist for the February launch event.