Curtin announces new blockchain lab to research disruptive technologies

Curtin University has announced a new laboratory that will focus on solving real-world industry problems with blockchain and other disruptive technologies.

The Blockchain Research and Development Lab, run in partnership with Natsoft Corporation and led by Dr Vidy Potdar from Curtin’s School of Management, will be based at Curtin’s Perth Campus, driving research in the areas of blockchain technologies and cryptocurrency.

Curtin University Faculty of Business and Law Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel de Bussy said the new lab would position Curtin as a leader in blockchain innovation, research and development.

“The newly established lab will carry out applied research and development projects of national and global relevance, focusing on how blockchain and other disruptive technologies are transforming the world we live in today,” Professor de Bussy said.

“The lab will help build academic collaborations with other universities and blockchain research teams from across the globe, serve the research and development needs of international bodies that require expertise on blockchain, and provide training and mentoring opportunities for PhD students who are interested in pursuing research in these areas.”

Blockchain Research and Development Lab Director Dr Vidy Potdar said the lab would be a ‘one-stop shop’ for students, academics and industry representatives who are interested or have questions relating to blockchain and cryptocurrency technology.

“It is important for Curtin to be researching next-generation technologies like blockchain to ensure we are able to successfully navigate this technology and use it to our advantage. The new lab will be critical in ensuring we educate a new workforce for a blockchain-based economy, by providing training programs for industry and the broader community,” Dr Potdar said.

Natsoft Corporation Director Shyam Mamidi said the new partnership between Curtin and Natsoft would foster closer collaboration with industry and government bodies to research and develop solutions to today’s unsolved issues through blockchain and associated technologies.

“As part of this collaboration, Curtin and Natsoft will work together to provide opportunities for research students to go through real-life scenarios to research blockchain while experiencing the end-to-end blockchain implementation cycle,” Mr Mamidi said.

Further information on the Blockchain Research and Development Lab can be found online here.