- Ripple has extended its blockchain research partnership with NYU Abu Dhabi through 2027.
- The program will support XRP Ledger research, fintech education and the expansion of the Volta project in Ghana.
Ripple has renewed its partnership with New York University Abu Dhabi (NYU Abu Dhabi), extending its University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) support through 2027.
The renewed funding will support blockchain research, fintech education, student ventures and applied projects. The partnership also includes plans to expand the Volta Initiative, which uses blockchain infrastructure to support trade among smallholder farmers in Ghana.
Ripple Expands Blockchain Research at NYU Abu Dhabi
NYU Abu Dhabi announced the renewed grant on August 10. Ripple Middle East and Africa Managing Director Reece Merrick highlighted the extension on August 12.
The university said the new grant supports research led by professors Raša Karapandža and Yaw Nyarko. Both professors co-direct the Center for Technology, Economics and Development.
The university did not disclose the size of the latest funding. Ripple previously said its total funding for the NYU Abu Dhabi partnership had exceeded $1 million in 2024.
The next phase will study how blockchain technology could improve market efficiency and reduce trade barriers. Researchers will also examine whether decentralized systems can expand access to economic opportunities.
Students will continue using the XRP Ledger in courses and applied projects. The program will also support fintech education, venture development and events connecting researchers, policymakers and industry participants.
Volta Initiative Targets Smallholder Farmers in Ghana
A key part of the renewed research program is the Volta Initiative. The project uses a serverless mobile application with blockchain infrastructure to support trade among smallholder farmers in Ghana.
The next phase will expand Volta into additional regions. Researchers will also explore financial tools related to credit and risk management.
The project aims to examine whether blockchain systems can reduce information gaps and improve trust between participants in economic transactions.
These remain research goals rather than confirmed results. The expanded project will allow researchers and students to test blockchain applications in real-world settings.
Ripple’s UBRI Network Continues to Grow
Ripple launched UBRI in 2018 to support academic research and blockchain education. Its current program includes more than 60 university partners across 27 countries.
The initiative has supported more than 800 new or expanded fintech courses. It has also contributed to 1,500 academic blockchain research projects.
NYU Abu Dhabi has been part of the UBRI network since 2021. Ripple describes the university as a regional hub for its university partnerships in the Middle East.
The renewed grant will also support a hands-on fintech course. Students will design and test blockchain applications and early-stage ventures as part of the program.
Partnership Aligns With Ripple’s UAE Expansion
The renewed NYU Abu Dhabi partnership comes as Ripple expands its presence across the UAE and wider Middle East and Africa region.
Ripple opened a larger regional headquarters in Dubai in April 2026. The company said the expansion would give it room to double its regional team.
Ripple has also expanded its regulated product presence in the UAE. Its RLUSD stablecoin recently surpassed $1 billion in supply on Ethereum after receiving regulatory recognition in Abu Dhabi.
The latest NYU Abu Dhabi grant does not introduce a new token or financial product. Instead, it extends Ripple’s academic and research efforts through 2027.
The immediate focus remains on blockchain research, XRP Ledger education, student ventures and the expansion of the Volta Initiative.
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