University of Waterloo

11/29/2024 | Press release | Archived content

Waterloo partners with The Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi to expand innovation globally

Velocity, the entrepreneurship center of the University of Waterloo - the number one school in Canada for entrepreneurs - has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with The Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi.

The Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi is a global hub for blockchain and Web3 innovation. The collaboration with the University and Velocity will empower Waterloo students, alumni and entrepreneurs with a global network of industry experts and capital to accelerate innovative applications of blockchain in healthcare, government, finance, energy and e-commerce.

Mickey Areibi (GBDA '18), Vivek Goel and Abdulla Al Dhaheri

The Blockchain Center was founded by Waterloo alum and serial entrepreneur Mickey Areibi (GBDA '18) and expert Abdulla Al Dhaheri. The center focuses on training, events and entrepreneurship to drive blockchain adoption. It aims to empower businesses, governments and individuals for sustainable growth. As digital transformation accelerates, blockchain technology offers transparency, security and efficiency.

"As a proud Waterloo native, I'm thrilled to partner with the University of Waterloo, a global leader in entrepreneurship and talent. Together, we're bringing an ecosystem of blockchain support to Waterloo, fostering the next generation of blockchain entrepreneurs and innovators to drive startup growth and creating transformative co-op opportunities. This partnership not only strengthens the connection between two thriving ecosystems but also builds a world-class hub for blockchain solutions - rooted in the talent and spirit of where it all began for me, at Waterloo," says Areibi.

The agreement will unlock a global network for Waterloo students and founders, fostering the growth of blockchain startups out of Waterloo and North America.

"We're excited to partner with the Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi to create unique opportunities for our students and entrepreneurs in blockchain commercialization, education and innovation," says Vivek Goel, President and Vice-Chancellor at the University of Waterloo.

"As we advance UWaterloo's vision for a better future for humanity and our planet, we look forward to working together to explore the role of blockchain technology to unlock opportunities in health data, cybersecurity and beyond. Together, we are building a world-class hub for blockchain solutions and driving transformative change around the world."

The partnership will also integrate with Waterloo's co-operative program.

"Our partnership with the University of Waterloo combines their legacy of innovation and entrepreneurship with our global network, empowering founders to tackle big challenges and drive lasting impact. Together, we're fostering a new wave of high-impact founders and trail blazing innovators," says Dhaheri.

Visit Velocity or The Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi to learn more.