Duke University is teaming up with blockchain startup Citizens Reserve on an educational initiative aimed to develop students' interest in blockchain technology.

Citizens Reserve, a firm led by a team of former Deloitte blockchain employees, told CoinDesk Friday that it will jointly create a new incubation lab on Duke campus for students to work on real blockchain projects and host blockchain-focused events.

The company will also support the university in putting together a curriculum on blockchain technology, as well as in connecting students with blockchain experts and helping them find jobs in the sector when they graduate.

“As a Duke MBA alumnus, I am excited to spearhead this program, and help the next generation of blockchain advocates and leaders succeed,” said Yonathan Lapchik, chief innovation officer at Citizens Reserve.

He added:

Citizens Reserve launched a supply chain platform called SUKU in September, leveraging both the ethereum and quorum blockchains. Participating students in the program will be able to work on active incubation lab blockchain projects through the platform, according to the announcement.

“The lab will come equipped with tools, such as mining rigs, that will enable students to explore various blockchain mechanisms,” the firm added.

Campbell Harvey, a finance professor at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, will serve as the faculty advisor to the program.

Harvey said that "it is crucial that academic institutions be willing to collaborate with thought leaders in the blockchain industry, and we look forward to working with Citizens Reserve in this regard. Duke is very proactive in external collaborations and we are excited about the opportunity for our students to get hands on, industry-relevant experience.”

Duke University already offers an “Innovation and Cryptoventures” course, launched by Harvey back in 2014. He also recently helped found the Duke Blockchain Lab, a student-led organization, providing a connection to the professional blockchain community.

Duke University image via Shutterstock