Ripple has advanced its University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) to a more coordinated stage. The company established an academic advisory board, added the University of San Francisco (USF) to its network, and renewed more than $1.5 million in grants funded by Ripple USD (RLUSD).
The next era of UBRI is here.
The University Blockchain Research Initiative is expanding its academic efforts with three powerful initiatives: https://t.co/GVwaRQeBzZ
→ Advisory Council Launch: Featuring @JoelKatz and leading cryptographers from partner universities…
— Ripple (@Ripple) October 27, 2025
How the Council focuses on research
The advisory committee provides UBRI with a single table of research priorities. David Schwartz joins academics already working on XRPL-related topics.
Named members include Dr. Hitesh Tewari (Zero Knowledge Proofs), Dr. Yebo Feng (Security and AI Integrated Systems), Dr. Hyok Oh (zk-SNARKs and Privacy Encryption), and Dr. Radu State (Smart Contracts, Cybersecurity, and Network Management).
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This group will coordinate work on ZK virtual machines, quantum risks to blockchain, and DeFi mechanisms. A common agenda reduces duplication and speeds up feedback between labs and core engineers.
USF reviews blockchain policy and implements XRPL validator
As part of its expanded academic efforts, Ripple has entered into a two-year collaboration with USF's Center for Law, Technology, and Social Good. The project will examine how state-level blockchain laws affect technology development and will make policy research available to the public.
USF's School of Computer Science will also deploy an XRPL hub. This hub operates validators that support participation in the network and gives students hands-on experience with blockchain infrastructure. Center Director Michele Knights said the collaboration provides students with both policy and technology insights and reflects the center's focus on technology, law and society.
RLUSD becomes the standard vehicle for UBRI grants
The 2025 UBRI renewal will be paid for in RLUSD, resulting in a transition to stablecoin-based funding. Award winners include Duke University, University of Michigan, University of Wyoming, University of Sao Paulo, University of California, Berkeley, and more.
To manage transfers, Ripple worked with Bitso and Engiven to maintain compliance and facilitate institution onboarding. This process enabled the university to interact directly with digital asset systems, including on-ramp and off-ramp tools.
Background to the scale of UBRI
UBRI was launched in 2018 and currently covers more than 60 universities in each region. Ripple's new council structure provides a central pillar to its extensive network. USF adds policy lenses and validation labs in one location. Funded by RLUSD, the grant program operates in the same way as the systems students and staff study.
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