IBM launches blockchain skills academy with University of Louisville

One of top 200 universities in the US, along with a helping hand from IBM, is getting its students into blockchain with dedicated training.

The University of Louisville announced a partnership with IBM yesterday, which will see the institution establish what it’s calling the “IBM Skills Academy.”

The academy will deliver a curriculum focused on eight emerging and developing technologies including artificial intelligence, Internet-of-Things, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and of course, blockchain.

Students who attend the academy will gain course credits which contribute towards graduation, and will also obtain IBM certification. The academy will also teach staff members about the emerging technologies too.

This is the first academy IBM has created with a higher education institute. Though, according to the announcement, more academies are on their way as IBM is in talks with four other universities.

In the grand scheme of things, it makes sense as IBM is one of the world’s leading blockchain employers, according to a recent report by Hard Fork.

Indeed, while it might be UoL’s and IBM’s first foray into blockchain education together, they are the latest institutions to join a growing group of universities offering a blockchain curriculum.

Last year, a report from Coinbase found that eight out of the world’s top 10 universities offered courses in blockchain. The study also showed most of these are in the US.

The University of Louisville might be making a smart move for its students, though. A recent report from IT Management firm Janco Associates found that firms are still struggling to hire for their blockchain jobs and many roles remain unfilled.

With blockchain jobs becoming one of the fastest growing fields, UoL might be joining the party at the right time. Let’s hope blockchain jobs are still a thing by the time its students graduate.

Did you know? Hard Fork has its own stage at TNW2019, our tech conference in Amsterdam. Check it out.