Polkadot, the next-generation blockchain network powering the movement for a better web, announces the launch of the third iteration of the Polkadot Blockchain Academy (PBA) from July 10th until August 10th, 2023, offered in Berkeley, through its collaboration membership with Berkeley Center for Responsible, Decentralized Intelligence. Applications for the academy are officially open.
Following the success of its first two programs, PBA will educate and support the next generation of blockchain engineers and developers. The curriculum is led by Dr Gavin Wood, the globally renowned founder of Polkadot and Ethereum, with support from leading engineers and researchers from the Polkadot ecosystem, Parity Technologies, and the Web3 Foundation.
Pauline Cohen Vorms, Head of the Polkadot Blockchain Academy, said: “In order to make the Web3 vision a reality, we need talented developers who are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to build cutting-edge technology and viable use cases. PBA enables us to support the blockchain ecosystem by providing the next generation of blockchain developers with the tools they need to succeed while fostering a sense of community among them—the nucleus of what Web3 is all about.”
PBA serves Polkadot’s mission of creating a fairer internet, by equipping engineers with the educational resources and foundation to actively build on and contribute to the Web3 ecosystem. The curriculum will cover topics including economics, governance, game theory, cryptography, peer-based and distributed network systems, systems and API design, and includes a hands-on component for developers to practice what they learn in the classroom.
Beyond its month-long blockchain course, PBA organizes ancillary events to cultivate strong relationships between like-minded individuals. These events provide networking opportunities to encourage interaction among other like-minded students.
Graeme Fox, past PBA Cambridge student, and current Co-Founder & CEO at Societal, said: “Learning from Gavin Wood and lead engineers from Parity and the Web3 Foundation tremendously enhanced my knowledge in cryptography, blockchain and Polkadot. The entire Polkadot ecosystem is very keen on helping developers and projects grow and succeed. It was a privilege to be guided by such an accomplished and supportive group of people. At the Academy, there were participants from all over the world, with different backgrounds and experiences, eager to expand their knowledge of Web3.”
In addition to its commitment to education, PBA strives to promote diversity in the blockchain ecosystem by welcoming engineers of all ages from around the world. The first edition in Cambridge convened students from 18 different countries and the second iteration in Buenos Aires saw representation from 26 different countries. In an effort to address the skills gap that accompanies rapid technological progress, PBA welcomes students with varying levels of experience: from 19-year-old graduates to highly experienced Web2 software engineers, all are encouraged to apply.
To learn more about PBA and apply, visit https://polkadot.network/development/academy/
About Polkadot
Polkadot provides the technical advances necessary to make blockchain technology practical, accessible, scalable, interoperable, and future-proof, removing limitations and barriers to entry, and thereby fueling innovation, growing the decentralized technology space, and bringing the Web3 vision to life.
About Berkeley Center for Responsible, Decentralized Intelligence (RDI)
Berkeley RDI is a multi-disciplinary, campus-wide initiative, focusing on advancing the science, technology and education of decentraliz