Ripple’s UBRI Investment Boosts APAC’s Role in Global Crypto Talent Pipeline

San Francisco, June 10, 2025— Ripple’s latest $5 million UBRI investment is fueling blockchain education and research at universities in six APAC countries, including new partnerships in Taiwan and Australia. In South Korea, Yonsei University has received $1.1 million over six years to develop blockchain-focused curricula, training students in decentralized finance (DeFi) and smart contract development.

In Japan, Kyoto University and the University of Tokyo, backed by $1.5 million, are creating specialized programs to equip students with skills in blockchain architecture and cryptography. “This funding empowers us to bridge the gap between academic research and industry needs,” said Professor Hiroshi Fujiwara of Kyoto University.

With global demand for blockchain professionals projected to grow by 30% annually through 2030, according to a 2025 fintech report, APAC is poised to become a leading supplier of crypto talent.

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Expanding Opportunities in Taiwan and Australia

In Taiwan, Ripple’s partnership with the National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology (NKUST) is introducing blockchain training programs focused on real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, preparing students for careers in tokenized finance. “Our collaboration with Ripple is shaping a curriculum that aligns with the evolving needs of the crypto industry,” said Professor Echo Huang of NKUST.

In Australia, the Australian National University (ANU) and Victoria University, with a combined $1.3 million in funding, are launching blockchain bootcamps and internships in collaboration with fintech firms like Evernode and Swyftx. These initiatives are designed to produce graduates skilled in developing secure, scalable blockchain solutions, positioning APAC as a critical hub in the global crypto talent pipeline.

Did you know?
Ripple’s UBRI program has trained over 5,000 students globally since 2018, with APAC universities contributing nearly 40% of the program’s graduates in 2024 alone.

Fostering Industry-Academia Collaboration

Ripple’s UBRI program is not only funding academic programs but also fostering direct collaboration between universities and the blockchain industry. In Singapore, Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and the National University of Singapore (NUS), with over $3 million in UBRI funding, have established joint research labs with local fintech startups to develop practical blockchain applications.

These partnerships provide students with hands-on experience, including hackathons and industry mentorship programs. “The synergy between academia and industry is critical for creating job-ready graduates,” said Dr. Tan Wei, a blockchain researcher at NUS. This model is being replicated across APAC, ensuring that graduates are equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills demanded by global employers.

Addressing the Global Skills Gap

The global blockchain industry faces a significant skills shortage, with a 2025 report estimating a need for 2 million additional blockchain professionals by 2030. Ripple’s UBRI investment in APAC is strategically addressing this gap by expanding access to blockchain education. For instance, Victoria University in Australia has introduced online certification courses in blockchain development, accessible to students across the region, while NKUST in Taiwan is offering scholarships to underrepresented groups to diversify the talent pool.

These efforts align with APAC’s growing role as a fintech hub, with countries like Singapore and Japan leading in blockchain patent filings, according to a 2025 World Intellectual Property Organization report.