New Educational Initiative by ARPA and Bella Targets Blockchain and AI Talent Development
Singapore, Singapore, August 21st, 2025,
New University Crypto Research Alliance is powered by Penrose and delivered in partnership with leading universities around the world.
ARPA Network and Bella Protocol are teaming up to launch a comprehensive education program developed in partnership with some of the world’s top universities aimed at empowering future generations of blockchain innovators. The University Crypto Research Alliance will foster academic collaboration and provide students with hands-on Web3 experience and professional growth.
Leveraging strategic collaborations with university blockchain clubs, the Penrose-powered research initiative will offer scholarships, developer support, and research fellowships designed to unlock students’ innovative potential. Through mentorship, hands-on project work, and access to world-class networks, the fellowship offers students what they need to become leaders at the intersection of blockchain, AI, and Web3.
The University Alliance gives students a structured research and development experience in close collaboration with ARPA Network and Bella Protocol’s teams. Selected fellows will get the opportunity to work on advanced topics, including AI and cryptography innovation, zero-knowledge machine learning (ZKML), AI Agents, and Verifiable AI. It’s a special opportunity to contribute to academic research as well as technical projects with real-world applications.
Five distinct pathways offer university clubs and fellows tailor-made opportunities, from financial sponsorships to technical experience, enabling students and universities to participate in the development of blockchain technology on multiple levels.
Components of the Partnership
1. Blockchain Club Sponsorship. This fellowship provides financial support to university blockchain clubs for organizing activities, hosting events, and expanding their presence on campus. Clubs will also benefit from technical mentorship, and have access to industry experts as guest speakers, fostering valuable connections with the professional community to help amplify their visibility.
2. Hackathon and Developer Support. The program will sponsor and partner with protocols on blockchain-focused hackathons, providing prize-funding and technical guidance throughout the event. Winning teams will unlock further opportunities and earn recognition and token awards granted to top projects. This initiative promotes the practical application of blockchain concepts and supports continuous innovation among student developers.
3. Student Research Fellowships. Top-performing students will be chosen to participate in a five-month structured fellowship program during Q3 and Q4 of 2025. Fellows will work alongside R&D teams from ARPA Network and Bella Protocol, taking part in academic research and collaborative projects. Fellows will also be connected with organizational leadership to support their academic and professional growth.
4. Event Participation. The fellowship opens professional doors by facilitating student participation in major conferences and industry events, connecting them with the broader blockchain community. Students can keep informed on the latest trends and broaden their connections through panel discussions and networking sessions.
5. Developer Practicum Program. Students will get the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with ARPA and Bella engineering teams. This includes real-life, hands-on experiences in cryptography, DeFi, and AI, providing practical skills and portfolio development to help prepare students for the rigorous competition of the blockchain industry.
The Fall/Winter Track, running September 2025 through January 2026, is now accepting applications. The process starts with applications and interviews before moving through active research and development phases and concludes with final presentations.
Students interested in the University Crypto Research Alliance Fellowship can apply today via Google Forms.
Universities and clubs seeking partnership opportunities can also contact Jeffrey Craig at jeffrey.craig@arpachain.io.
About ARPA Network
ARPA Network is a decentralized secure computation network focused on improving fairness, privacy, and security within blockchain systems. Built in collaboration by cryptographers, engineers, and entrepreneurs, ARPA Network contributes to a decentralized blockchain ecosystem with its highly engaged community and works to make blockchains more versatile, reliable, and interlinked.
About Bella Protocol
Bella provides a suite of AI products for quantitative trading signals, DeFi liquidity provision strategies, and gas-free on-chain gaming experiences. Its flagship products, Bella Signal Bot and Bella Research Bot, provide real-time trading signals and in-depth market analytics via Telegram, empowering users with AI-driven decision-making. Bella also developed Token Yugijo (トークン遊園地), a lightning-fast, gas-free coin toss dApp that combines Bella’s AI trading intelligence with provably fair randomness, further showcasing its commitment to accessible and innovative on-chain experiences.