MU Blockchain: Proud Member of Blockchain Education Network
MU Blockchain’s upcoming Virtual Blockchain Conference from April 23rd to April 25th is a premiere exhibition of distributed ledger implementations in healthcare, finance, government, social impact, supply chain, and digital currencies. We are leveraging the crowds that speakers from Deloitte, Microsoft, and even United States Congressmen draw to aid the COVID-19 relief effort by donating 50% of ticket revenue. Further, all students can register for free- if you’re a professional, keep reading for a surprise at the bottom!
Our opening panel on Saturday, April 25th is Blockchain Around the World, featuring Executive VP at the Blockchain Education Network, Mel Vera! This exciting discussion will feature perspectives from Latin America, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the Netherlands on how blockchain is impacting their localities!
To celebrate, MU Blockchain has answered a few questions from BEN President Erick Pinos:
How did MU Blockchain First Start?
MU Blockchain, or Miami University Blockchain Club (MUBC) was founded in 2017 by Patrick Young (President), Billy Becker (VP of Finance), and Jake Salerno (VP of Marketing). Under their leadership, MU Blockchain quickly grew to be one of the largest clubs at Miami University!
How did we Hear About BEN?
Jack Gilcrest [me :)] represented MU Blockchain at the 2019 Voice of Blockchain’s Midwest Blockchain Consortium panel. Along with other consortium members, we had the opportunity to speak with Erick about his intercontinental initiative to provide educational and professional blockchain resources to academic institutions around the globe!
What has MU Blockchain done so far?
MU Blockchain has hosted numerous meetings, workshops, professional round tables/ lunches, and more. However, we have so far taken the most pride in the expositions we host. In February of 2019, MUBC hosted the MU Blockchain Conference on campus. Over 100 attendees and 200 live streamers watched industry professionals provide our student body insights into commercial applications of blockchain technology.
In November of 2019, we hosted the 2019 MU Blockathon- a blockchain business and technical pitch competition attended by 26 Miami University students in 6 teams competing for $1300. Professional judges evaluated the technical and business merit of each idea; business case winner AlliedFund is continuing to further competitions and development!
What challenges has MU Blockchain faced and overcome?
It is no secret that, between 2017 and now, blockchain has lost much of its mainstream appeal- after shocking the world in 2017, the 2018 bust cycle left many with a bitter taste. Given MU Blockchain could no longer rely on crypto hype for membership, we doubled our focus on professional development. Our focus on professional development and technical innovation has kept us relevant to the student body as an opportunity for personal advancement!
What does MU Blockchain have planned?
We obviously talked about the Virtual Blockchain Conference before (by the way, professionals, get 25% off registration with the promo code “ben25vbc”). MU Blockchain is also currently working on the MUBC Incentive Token: a non-tradeable, internal reputation system for members of the MU Blockchain Club to spend on club rewards and opportunities. Visit our website mubc.io in the coming months to see our release!
