The Research Centre for Blockchain Technology (RCBT) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and Ethereum Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 10 February, marking a new chapter in their collaboration. The partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both parties in nurturing blockchain talent, deepening research and supporting development of the sector.
The signing ceremony was held at the Hong Kong Ethereum Community Hub. Witnessed by Prof. Daniel LUO, Professor and Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences and Co-Director of RCBT of PolyU; Mr Victor ZHAO, Associate Director of the Research and Innovation Office of PolyU; Mr Shyam SRIDHAR, Team Lead of the Academic Secretariat of the Ethereum Foundation; and Mr Gilles SHI, Director of the Hong Kong Ethereum Community Hub, the MoU was signed by Prof. Allen AU, Professor and Associate Head (Research and Development) of the Department of Computing and Director of RCBT of PolyU and Ms Hsiao-Wei WANG, Co-Executive Director of the Ethereum Foundation.
Prof. Allen Au highlighted the importance of close collaboration between academia and the Web3 ecosystem. He remarked, “PolyU is committed to nurturing a new generation of blockchain research talents, enabling them not only to understand the fundamental principles of blockchain, but also to ensure its trustworthiness, usability and societal value. We believe that collaborating with leading institutions in the Web3 ecosystem is of great significance for advancing related research and talent development.”
Ms Hsiao-Wei Wang shared the Foundation’s vision of Ethereum providing for the long-term public good, while also emphasising the crucial role universities play in advancing blockchain research and education. She expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Universities play a critical role in Ethereum's success as a long-term public good. They are where rigorous research happens, where talent is developed, and where difficult questions can be explored with depth and independence.”
This collaboration demonstrates the shared commitment of PolyU and the Ethereum Foundation to academic and educational excellence. PolyU remains dedicated to advancing blockchain research, nurturing future talent, and contributing to a secure and trustworthy Web3 ecosystem through close cooperation with global leaders. The Ethereum Foundation will support PolyU in establishing scholarships to recognise outstanding students on the MSc in Blockchain Technology and MSc in Cybersecurity programmes, as well as PhD students engaged in pioneering blockchain research.
In conjunction with the signing, RCBT co-organised the “Ethereum Hong Kong Meetup@Consensus 2026”. The event, hosted by the Hong Kong Ethereum Community Hub, Ethereum Foundation, SNZ Holding and ETHTAO, brought together representatives from academia, research, and Web3 communities to engage in discussions on the future development and real-world adoption of blockchain technologies.
