Ripple Starts University Research Council as USF Joins XRP Ledger Study, $1.5M Grants Funded in RLUSD

Ripple advanced its University Blockchain Research Initiative (UBRI) into a more coordinated phase. The company created an Academic Advisory Council, added the University of San Francisco (USF) to the network, and renewed over $1.5 million in grants funded in Ripple USD (RLUSD).

The next era of UBRI is here.

The University Blockchain Research Initiative is expanding academic commitment with three powerful moves: https://t.co/GVwaRQeBzZ

→ Advisory Council Launch: Featuring @JoelKatz and leading cryptographers from partner universities to advance…

— Ripple (@Ripple) October 27, 2025

How the council focuses research

The Advisory Council gives UBRI a single table for research priorities. David Schwartz joins academics who already work on XRPL-adjacent topics.

Named members include Dr. Hitesh Tewari (zero-knowledge proofs), Dr. Yebo Feng (security and AI-integrated systems), Dr. Hyunok Oh (zk-SNARKs and privacy cryptography), and Dr. Radu State (smart contracts, cybersecurity, and network management).

The group coordinates work on ZK virtual machines, quantum risk to blockchains, and DeFi mechanics. A common agenda reduces overlap and speeds feedback between labs and core engineers.

USF to Study Blockchain Policy and Run XRPL Validator

As part of its expanded academic engagement, Ripple has entered a two-year collaboration with USF’s Center for Law, Tech, and Social Good. The project will examine how state-level blockchain legislation influences technological development, with plans to publish policy research for public use.

USF’s Department of Computer Science will also introduce an XRPL Hub. The hub will operate a validator to support network participation and give students practical exposure to blockchain infrastructure. Center Director Michele Neitz said the cooperation provides students with both policy and technical insight, reflecting the center’s focus on technology, law, and society.

RLUSD Becomes Standard Vehicle for UBRI Grants

UBRI renewals for 2025 were disbursed in RLUSD, resulting in a shift to stablecoin-based funding. Recipients include Duke University, the University of Michigan, the University of Wyoming, the University of São Paulo, and UC Berkeley.

To manage transfers, Ripple worked with Bitso and Engiven to maintain compliance and facilitate institutional onboarding. The process also offered universities direct interaction with digital asset systems, including on- and off-ramp tools.

Context for UBRI’s Scale

UBRI launched in 2018 and now covers 60+ universities across regions. Ripple’s new council structure gives that broad network a central spine. USF adds a policy lens and a validator lab in one place. RLUSD funding makes the grants program operate like the systems students and staff are studying.

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