Consortium establishes framework for blockchain project in Lugano

A trio of educational institutions in the canton of Ticino, namely Università della Svizzera italiana (USI: University of Italian Switzerland), the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI) and Franklin University Switzerland, have, together with the city of Lugano, defined the parameters for a collaborative project by the name of Lugano Plan B. To this end, the partners have now signed a corresponding framework agreement, further details of which can be found in a press release.  

Lugano Plan B is a joint initiative between the city of Lugano and Tether Inc. It aims to transform Lugano into a Bitcoin and blockchain hub. Tether is providing an investment pool of at least 100 million Swiss francs to help start-ups establish their business here. The plan also envisages accelerating the adoption of these technologies and using them as the basis for revolutionizing the city’s financial infrastructure. In this way, blockchain and Bitcoin are to become a common aspect of daily life throughout the city.

For companies that are keen to integrate Bitcoin, Tether und LVGA in their payment systems, a further 3 million Swiss francs will be on offer. Moreover, up to 500 scholarships will be awarded and professorships will be financed with the aim of promoting the necessary skills among students.

The framework agreement provides for the three universities and the city of Lugano to jointly develop and coordinate current and future activities relating to blockchain technologies. It was agreed that a permanent round table will be set up with the aim of promoting educational opportunities. Each university will focus on topics that they are already researching, which serves to underline the scientific autonomy and academic independence of the respective universities.