Switzerland based WISeKey has announced the opening of its Geneva Blockchain Centre of Excellence. This new centre is part of the partnership with the independent global think-tank, Blockchain Research Institute (BRI) in order to create a number of interconnected BRIs around the world.
The cybersecurity firm, based in Geneva, concentrates on secure authentication and identification in both physical and digital environments for the Internet of Things, or IoT, Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence by using their own, cryptographic Root of Trust (ROT). ROT serves as a common trust anchor, recognised by the operating systems and applications to ensure the authenticity, confidentiality and integrity of online transactions.
According to a press release, the business model of the Geneva venture is “to assist blockchain startups and research to promote their technologies internationally, facilitate the rapid adaptation and on-boarding of blockchain-based solutions, foster stronger collaboration between the public, private and academic sectors and cooperate to ensure that the latest technological standards are made available in a safe and trusted manner”.
More Blockchain Centres To Open In Near Future
The Blockchain Research Institute are aiming to open more centres in the United States, Latin America, China, India and Africa, and the goal of the Global Blockchain Centres is to coordinate across different fields in order to share best practices and resources. Each geographical area will develop its own line of expertise, Geneva will focus on fintech, particularly digital private banking and commodity trading applications, while Argentina’s Buenos Aires will focus on anti-counterfeiting platforms, illicit trade and corruption.
WISeKey have been busy. An announcement last week heralded the opening of its Global Blockchain Centre in Malaysia as part of a partnership with a subsidiary of Malaysian tech investment holding, Censof. Another recent announcement was of a blockchain-based identity partnership with the non-profit Race for Water Foundation, which aims to reduce ocean pollution using blockchain technology.
The Blockchain Research Institute’s research into the strategic implications of blockchain technology is funded by its members, which include major corporations and governments from around the world.
