Ripple Awards $1.05 Million Grant to Morgan State University’s FinTech Center
In a significant boost to the field of financial technology (FinTech) research and education, Morgan State University has received a 3-year, $1,050,000 grant from Ripple, a leader in enterprise blockchain and crypto solutions. This renewed funding reaffirms the collaborative commitment between Ripple and Morgan State’s National FinTech Center.
The partnership between Morgan State and Ripple’s University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) has been instrumental in advancing blockchain, cryptocurrency, and cybersecurity knowledge within the university and its extended network of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This latest grant builds upon Ripple’s initial investment in Morgan’s FinTech Center, first announced in 2019.
Dr. Ali Emdad, interim dean of the Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management and founding director of the National Center for the Study of Blockchain and FinTech, emphasized the significance of this grant: “This generous $1,050,000 grant is not just an investment; it’s a catalyst that propels our ability to innovate, collaborate, and prepare our students to be at the forefront of the FinTech revolution. The ongoing partnership with Ripple stands as a beacon, illuminating the path toward a transformative educational experience that aligns with the evolving landscape of the global economy.”
For half a decade, Ripple’s UBRI has demonstrated its commitment to creating inclusive opportunities for educational research. By providing funding, research support, and expertise, Ripple empowers universities to explore the potential of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. Lauren Weymouth, Ripple’s senior director of university partnerships, highlighted the importance of these partnerships: “As crypto and blockchain integrate further into our daily lives, these university collaborations become absolutely essential – we’re empowering the next generation with the tools they need to shape our financial future.”
The collaboration ensures the continuation of Morgan State’s National FinTech Center, which focuses on leveraging cutting-edge technologies like blockchain and cryptocurrency to revolutionize finance and technology sectors. The multi-year grant from Ripple will bolster:
Research: Funding for groundbreaking research in blockchain, cybersecurity, and related areas.
Education: Support for faculty and student technical projects, curriculum development, and workshops.
Ecosystem Development: Strengthening partnerships with other universities and industry leaders.
Operational Support: Ensuring the Center’s sustained growth and impact.
As the world embraces digital transformation, Morgan State University and Ripple’s collaboration serves as a beacon of innovation.
Together, they pave the way for a future where blockchain, crypto, and FinTech play pivotal roles in reshaping global finance.
