Forem: BiasGoose

Unlocking Innovation: The Evolution of Ripple’s XRPL Community Support Programs

BiasGoose — Thu, 09 May 2024 20:00:43 +0000

Since we announced a 1B XRP Grants Program, it has been incredible—and inspiring!—to see the innovation and projects driven by the XRPL community. Developers and entrepreneurs worldwide are constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible on XRP Ledger.

In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at Ripple’s key community and developer growth initiatives such as the XRPL Grants Program, XRPL Accelerator, XRPL Hackathons, and other ecosystem programs that aim to provide resources and support to projects that bring utility, traction, and meaningful activity to XRPL. We are also making updates to bring more clarity and transparency around Ripple’s funding criteria to ensure applicants know what to expect during the process and who to go to for questions.

At Ripple, we're passionate about expanding blockchain's impact and strengthening the XRP Ledger (XRPL), and we’re committed to being a supportive partner to the growing developer community.

The XRPL Grants Program

Since 2021, the XRPL Grants Program has awarded more than 140 projects from 28 different countries—funding projects from sustainability, financial solutions, digital identity platforms, game-fi and more. Individual grants can reach up to $200k in funding. All awarded projects can be viewed in the searchable grantees database on the XRPL Grants website.

In response to community feedback and learnings, the XRPL Grants program has implemented several improvements including:
Enhancing criteria and review processes to better support high-impact projects that boost on-chain activity and utility on XRPL. In these updates, we'll specifically target key regions and use cases, providing guidance in advance to help developers optimize their applications. Our revised evaluation framework focuses on two critical aspects:

Business viability: This includes a greater emphasis on the project's market traction, financial viability, and dedication to the XRPL ecosystem. We will also consider the team's capabilities, the clarity and ambition of the product roadmap, and the potential market opportunities.
Technical assessment: We assess the architectural soundness of the project, conduct thorough code reviews, and evaluate the realism and strategic planning of the project roadmaps.
Rolling applications to ensure timely support and decisions for projects replacing the previous staggered Waves approach that ran for multiple months with longer wait times. Projects can now apply for grant funding whenever they’re ready, all year round!
Expanding community involvement in the review process by including more XRPL-based project developers in the judging committee.
Adding bimonthly virtual office hours for potential applicants as well as rejected grantees to connect with the grants team, clarify program objectives, offer advice on project proposals, and gather feedback from the community.
Implementing an open-door policy that allows applicants to share feedback and ask questions at any time. Send us feedback via our survey intake form. The overarching goal of the XRPL Grants Program is to distribute grants in a way that achieves the best possible utility for XRPL. This strategic approach ensures that only projects with the potential to significantly benefit the broader XRPL community receive support, aligning with our commitment to fostering sustainable and impactful blockchain innovation.

The XRPL Accelerator

Launched in June of 2023, the XRPL Accelerator program is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs build on XRPL and scale their projects into thriving businesses. The program offers financial support through non-equity bearing grant funding, mentorship from subject-matter experts, and networking opportunities. This initiative focuses on financial use cases while continuing to welcome a wide array of projects that leverage XRPL for diverse applications. As of this year, the program has graduated 20 alumni, and plans to support another 25 projects in 2024 both through funding opportunities and access to community mentors and investors.

In 2024, the XRPL Accelerator program will offer two tracks:

The Launch Program is tailored for early-stage projects, focusing on tech integration, product development, and business fundamentals. The program offers essential resources, mentorship, and support to help teams succeed within the XRPL community. The Launch Program runs across multiple cohorts throughout the year, working with a number of partners and investors, and will support awarded teams with up to $100,000 in grant funding.
The Scale Program is designed for startups that already have considerable traction and market validation. This later-stage program primarily focuses on supporting teams in expanding their reach and raising equity funding from external venture investors. Participating in the Scale Program will award each team with $100,000 in grant funding, along with the opportunity for follow-on funding based on attaining growth milestones. The program also provides direct access to community investors. The next cohort of the Scale Program is set to kick off in August 2024, with applications opening soon.

XRPL Hackathons

XRPL Hackathons are held both online and in person, bringing together developers, entrepreneurs, students, and innovators from diverse backgrounds to explore and iterate on new ideas, find team members, and delve into the creative possibilities of blockchain technology. Winners are selected by a combination of community judges and internal technical staff from Ripple, and receive both financial rewards and ongoing support. All this supports builders to successfully scale their visionary projects within the XRPL community.

The next XRPL Hackathon will take place in partnership with EasyA Labs on June 9 in Amsterdam, in the run up to 2024 XRP Ledger APEX. After that, the next XRPL hackathon will take place on June 28th and 30th in partnership with SwissHacks.

In addition to these events, Ripple hosts XRPL Zones globally which is an event that brings developer and community members together to hear about the latest XRPL advancements. It’s designed to foster collaboration and innovation within the blockchain community, and serves as a platform for showcasing new applications and technologies developed on XRPL. Follow XRPL events to join the next one.

Other Avenues of Support

XRPL Commons - Aquarium Residency
Community builder XRPL Commons launched the Aquarium Residency to support creators passionate about developing impactful projects on XRPL. The residency is a chance for projects to share insights with a vibrant peer community while learning, testing, implementing, and accelerating their startup within the ecosystem. XRPL Commons has made a significant impact in a relatively short period of time with two cohorts already completed giving rise to an astonishing 26 projects on the XRP Ledger. With 37 residents heralding from over 11 nations having taken part in the Aquarium Residency, there has been interest from around the world. The team is continuously working to help give developers the much sought after support they are after, and have outlined that there is much more to come in the way of entrepreneurship support programs.

Creator Fund
The Creator Fund was a significant catalyst that brought innovative projects and partnerships such as Balmain and Ducati to the XRP Ledger. As builders began to focus on XRPL use cases beyond NFTs, the Creator Fund was integrated into existing funding programs, such as XRPL Grants and the Accelerator Program. This has helped ensure a broader range of projects establishing a myriad of inventive use cases have ample support. While it’s no longer a standalone program, funds and projects from the Creator Fund are continuing to garner support as they begin to scale through the XRPL Accelerator Program.

Emboldening Entrepreneurs on the XRP Ledger
As we continue to support the growth and development of the XRPL community, we recognize the importance of finding alternative sources within the ecosystem and investigating ways to decentralize further. We are actively working on identifying potential partners and new funding models.

We are also actively developing a robust network of investors. This network will help accelerate project growth and impact within the XRPL community. We’re already seeing great progress on this front with numerous reputable venture investors attending the 2024 XRP Ledger Apex, including Leadblock Partners, Shima Capital, Blockchain Founders Fund, Tenity, and many more.

Building the Future of XRPL

As participants engage in XRPL Hackathons, Accelerator, and Grants Program, following the XRPL Developer's Code of Conduct ensures a respectful and collaborative environment. This commitment reflects the community's dedication to fostering a supportive and ethical environment within the XRPL ecosystem.

Our multi-program support for the XRPL community demonstrates our deep commitment to nurturing people and ideas. We remain responsive and open to the broader community as we build the future of the XRPL together.

Spring Forward to Join the XRPL Campus Ambassador Program!

BiasGoose — Tue, 02 Jan 2024 18:44:21 +0000

We are thrilled to announce that applications for the Spring 2024 cohort are now open until January 7th, 2024! The program is running from January 23rd to May 3rd, 2024, offers a unique opportunity for students worldwide to dive deep into blockchain technology, particularly focusing on the XRPL and its ecosystem.

This Spring is set to offer an enriched experience with weekly workshops and sessions. These educational initiatives are tailored to provide in-depth knowledge about blockchain, focusing on the XRPL and the EVM Sidechain. These sessions are perfect for both blockchain novices and seasoned enthusiasts, guiding them through the development of project building and the expansive XRPL ecosystem.

Don't miss the opportunity to be part of the Spring 2024 cohort. Whether you're passionate about blockchain technology or eager to explore the XRPL ecosystem, this program offers a unique platform to enhance your skills and make a difference. Be available to dedicate 2-3 hours per week from January to May 2024, and be interested in blockchain technology and development.

This is your chance to empower a new generation of developers.

Applications due: January 7th, 2024
Apply today: http://xrpl.org/ambassadors.html

Why become an XRPL Campus Ambassador?
The XRP Ledger Campus Ambassador program—founded between the XRP Ledger Foundation and Ripple, is designed to empower, educate, and engage students across campuses worldwide. As Campus Ambassadors, participants will help to further establish the XRPL community within their respective universities through workshops, hackathons, and other related events.

💡 Get Paid to Innovate: Learn about the XRP Ledger and bring your innovative ideas to life. Discover each stage of project development!
💰 Earn Rewards: Up to $1,500 in reward opportunities await from building projects, participating in hackathons, and hosting events!
🌍 Global Community: Connect, collaborate, and grow with other students, developers, and XRPL enthusiasts from around the world.
🚀 Exclusive Opportunities: From mentorship to career opportunities, the XRPL ecosystem provides opportunities for growth and development.

Reflecting on the Fall 2023 cohort, Derrick Nguyen, now the Program Manager of the XRPL Campus Ambassador Program and a former Campus Ambassador at Toronto Metropolitan University, shared his insights:

"This program has been a transformative journey for me. Starting as a Campus Ambassador in January 2022, I've had the unique chance to delve deep into blockchain technology, forge meaningful connections, and bring the fascinating world of the XRP Ledger to fellow students on campus. It's been an eye-opening experience, expanding my understanding and showcasing the real-world impact of blockchain. I'm truly thankful for this enriching path and the opportunities it has presented."

All students are welcome to apply to be a part of the Spring 2024 Ambassador Program cohort. Applications are open now until January 7th, 2023!

NFT ID Generation on the XRP Ledger: fixNFTokenRemint Amendment

BiasGoose — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 16:55:30 +0000

The ‘fixNFTokenRemint’ amendment is a protocol change designed to enhance the integrity of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) on the XRP Ledger. While it may not appear to be a significant change, it addresses a critical issue—avoiding situations where the same NFT is minted multiple times with the same sequence number, which could lead to collision scenarios.

This amendment currently has support from a supermajority of validators and could become enabled as soon as 2023-11-27 (UTC).

For developers working with NFTs on the XRP Ledger, this proposed amendment is important. It’s all about changing how NFT IDs are calculated, and it’s worth delving deeper into what this means for your work.

Impact on NFT Sequence Numbers

The core of the fixNFTokenRemint amendment changes how NFT sequence numbers are constructed. If you currently generate NFT IDs manually during the minting process, instead of fetching them from the ledger, it’s time to make some code adjustments.

When the amendment becomes enabled, NFT IDs will be created using a new "FirstNFTSequence" field of accounts, based on the account's sequence number when it first mints an NFT, instead of NFT's sequence number always starting from 1. This prevents an NFT from having the same sequence number as a previously-minted NFT if the issuer's account were deleted and re-created.

So, what actions should you take as a developer to adapt to this amendment?

Updating Your Code

To get ready for the fixNFTokenRemind amendment, you need to get NFTokenID values in a way that uses the FirstNFTSequence field if it exists. However, not all XRPL NFT projects will be affected. You can rest easy if your project falls under any of these conditions:

You are already using the ‘getNFTokenID’ function of the xrpl.js library, or the equivalent function in the xrpl-py or xrpl4j libraries.
Your project reads the nftoken_id field from transaction metadata.
You calculate the NFTokenID by comparing the difference between the NFTokenPage object in the metadata.

If your project aligns with any of these categories, you won’t need to make any code changes.

Take Action Now

Being proactive is important. The ‘fixNFTokenRemint’ amendment is currently in the active voting phase, and could be enabled as early as November 27th (UTC). This could potentially impact your project and its users. To ensure a seamless transition, you should double-check your code and make any necessary adjustments before that time.

Ripple’s CBDC Innovate Awards $140,000 to 3 Grand Prize Winners for CBDC Applications

BiasGoose — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 17:31:36 +0000

Ripple’s CBDC Platform offers a clear approach to Central Banks seeking to implement central bank digital currency (CBDC). It provides a comprehensive platform for minting, managing, transacting, and destroying CBDCs and stablecoins leveraging a private ledger based on the XRP Ledger. Ripple emphasizes the importance of driving further innovation in the CBDC ecosystem, enabling increased adoption and usage of CBDCs around the world.

Ripple’s second annual CBDC Innovate, a two-phased challenge offering enterprises, enterprise, and individual developers a chance to create central bank digital currency (CBDC) applications, has just concluded, generating excitement throughout the global CBDC community. Ripple believes CBDCs to be a game-changer for Central Banks, enabling all things from better payments interoperability, increased transfer speeds and retail transactions, as well as better financial inclusion for all.

In CBDC Innovate: Phase I, contestants submitted their ideas for novel CBDC applications, with over 1,200 registrants vying for the chance to win a prize pool for $60,000. CBDC innovate: Phase II saw a select few finalists continuing to build, develop, and complete their applications, with three grand prize winners competing for a prize pool of $140,000. These select finalists and subsequent grand prize winners were chosen by an esteemed panel of judges from the BIS Innovation Hub, DXC Technology, the Digital Euro Association, and much more.

Meet the CBDC Innovate Winners

In first place, we have ExtoPay, a disruptive innovative digital payment system that enables universal financial access for consumers and merchants through low-cost Bluetooth biometric smart card/wearable hardware wallets or mobile-based software wallets.
In second place, Financial Ledger Applications Network, a unique platform that uses specialized radio-data protocols and the XRP Ledger to facilitate access to financial networks for people in developing nations.
In third place, BlockBima, an automated form of climate insurance by leveraging satellite imagery, geospatial science, machine learning, data oracles, smart contracts, and CBDCs.

To see the full list of the winners and learn more about their winning CBDC apps, visit the DevPost Announcement page.

We are also excited to highlight how each of Ripple’s CBDC Innovate 2023 grand-prize winners provided a novel and unique approach to CBDCs, specifically in relation to financial inclusion and sustainability.

In the case of ExtoPay, a combination of both hardware and software wallets were used to enable payments using Bluetooth connectivity, among other technologies. This helps to enable better financial inclusion among individuals that may not have access to smartphones or other technologies, ensuring better interoperability for all.

FLAN’s solution to build a peer-to-peer radio network to enable CBDC usage and distribution would help enable the rapid deployment of a financial data network that can leverage CBDCs to enable inter-village payments, P2P payments, and even international settlement.

BlockBima helps to enable insurance contracts to be deployed on the blockchain using CBDCs, while also using a data oracle driven by satellite data to report ecological states at the maturity of the insurance contract. BlockBima uses CBDCs to help with the payment and settlement of these automated climate-based insurance contracts.

As an industry leader in the CBDC ecosystem, Ripple’s goal continues to be to promote growth and participation in the overall CBDC ecosystem, reducing friction for things like cross-border adoption, interoperability, and much more. CBDC Innovate reflects the immense growth, interest, and increasing adoption of CBDCs around the world.

Ripple Announces Finalists for CBDC Innovate 2023

BiasGoose — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 17:59:21 +0000

CBDC Innovate 2023 has helped to promote the building of limitless applications for CBDCs. Over 1,200 developers from around the world entered to participate in CBDC Innovate 2023, pitching their unique and novel ideas to improve offline CBDC access, financial inclusion, climate change and many more use cases to a panel of CBDC and fintech leaders.

It was a difficult task for the judges to select 16 distinguished finalists to move forward to CBDC Innovate’s Phase II, where the finalists will begin building, refining, and developing their applications. Out of these 16 finalists, six of the top finalists will receive a prize of $10,000 each, with all finalists being eligible for a grand prize pool of $150,000 to be awarded at the end of CBDC Innovate Phase II.

Top 6 Finalists:

Universal parametric climate insurance utilizing CBDCs: Climate insurance is out of the reach for the majority of the world's population, particularly those in the Global South, with this application being the most efficient d’app for universal climate insurance using CBDCs.
AMADAO Gig Pay: Secure P2P escrow cross-border payment app for knowledge workers.
Power of Access: Financial inclusion through DeFi on the XRP Ledger.
FLAN: Financial Ledger Applications Network: Using specialized radio-data protocols and the XRP Ledger to facilitate access to financial networks for people in developing nations and to help local entrepreneurs flourish in their own communities.
ExtoPay: ExtoPay is a digital payment solution that utilizes a modified version of the XRP Ledger in conjunction with low-cost biometric smart card/wearable hardware wallets or mobile App software wallets. ExtoPay enables universal access to CBDCs for both smartphone or non-smartphone users, which in turn enables secure offline transactions, recovery of lost funds, fraud prevention, and user-controlled cryptographically secured digital ID.
Ripple Mobile: An innovative solution for low-tech markets that improves the accessibility of CBDC by enabling the transfer of XRP from one phone to another without internet access.

Honorable Mentions:

iBonus Offline Payments for Retail CBDCs: iBonus is developing a novel mobile payment solution that is designed to work “dual-offline” in situations where both digital wallets and POS devices have no access to the Internet.
Diaspora Bank Project: The Diaspora Bank Project aims to establish a community neo-bank to serve African immigrant communities and expats using a multi-sovereign CBDC approach. The Diaspora Bank Project leverages the XRP Ledger to create a near-0% fee flow of cross-border remittance funds to Africa, while also providing the funds transmitted a unique opportunity to use their saved fees to invest in well-vetted capacity-building projects of their choosing with stable returns.
Donalia: Donalia has created the unique Donorbox platform, which aims to redefine the landscape of charitable giving by facilitating effortless fund donations while offering an unprecedented level of transparency through the integration of the XRP Ledger, CBDCs, and supply chain capabilities.
WhisperCash: WhisperCash is an offline payment solution for CBDCs that uses secure hardware and a unique value transfer protocol based on short numeric codes.
AnChain AI Secure CBDC: AnChain.AI Secure CBDC is a big data analytics platform built for the safe issuance and monitoring of CBDCs, enabling market insights, market surveillance, risk monitoring, and behavioral analytics.
RippleFusion BPVs CBDC MSB Solution: RippleFusion aims to become the solution that simplifies integrations of Ripple's CBDCs for entities such as small remittance-focused companies.
Minty: Minty is a real estate transitions platform enabled by the XRP Ledger, helping to simplify and accelerate the real estate transaction process.
SpendTheBits: SpendTheBits has created a retail CBDC portal that is tailor-made for regional banks & MSBs to easily send cross-border payments, manage corresponding ledgers, and provide their end users a platform for remittance requests.
PeerHive: PeerHive is a pioneering lending platform that harnesses the power of blockchain and CBDCs to revolutionize SME financing.
BrightFuture: BrightFuture is a payment & investment solution for low-income groups, helping workers receive salaries in CBDCs, auto-invest money into financial goals, pay bills, and manage expenses using CBDCs.

Creating New Opportunities in the Digital Asset Ecosystem

All six finalists and 10 honorable mentions will be moving on to CBDC Innovate’s Phase II, where they will be competing for three grand prizes worth $100,00, $30,000, and $10,000, respectively. We’re excited to see these ideas develop into robust applications that can help usher CBDC implementations to grow around the world!

The financial ecosystem is constantly evolving, with CBDCs helping to facilitate innovation through a combination of public and private sector initiatives. Ripple is excited to help encourage increasing interest and development within the CBDC space.

Top 3 Developer Takeaways from Apex 2023

BiasGoose — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 15:53:41 +0000

The third annual Apex Developer Summit was the biggest yet. Held in collaboration with the XRP Ledger Foundation, this event brought together an impressive gathering of over 400 blockchain developers, validators, and XRPL community members in the heart of Amsterdam at the Leonardo Royal Hotel.

Over three days, Apex 2023 featured a lineup of more than 60 speakers, delivering profound insights into the XRPL ecosystem’s present and future. From discussions on DeFi, CBDCs, Decentralized Identity and interoperability to exploring the core XRPL infrastructure, attendees were immersed in all things XRPL. The community was even treated to an after hours party, enjoying a set from globally renowned DJ, Oliver Heldens.

1 - XRP’s Non-Security Status Empowers Developers on XRPL

A recurring theme throughout Apex 2023 was the notion of building with confidence on the XRP Ledger. With XRP’s clear legal status as a non-security in the United States and several other jurisdictions worldwide, developers and entrepreneurs found themselves arriving at the event with fresh energy.

This legal clarity eliminates ambiguity, assuring builders that they’re operating on a blockchain with a native asset trusted by developers, exchanges, and end-users. It paves the way for builders to continue working resolutely on their projects, and this was palpable in the exchange of ideas at Apex 2023.

2 - Education, Innovation and Collaboration are Rapidly Increasing

Apex 2023 was not just a platform for insightful discussions but also for exciting revelations. The XRPL Accelerator culminated in an on-site Demo Day that saw some of the most exciting projects in the space outline their progress and partnerships so far. NIR-Watchdog outlined their capability for traceability and auditability through utilizing NFTs. CornerMarket offered an overview of the international growth the project has enjoyed in both the US and Colombia, exceeding the 1,000 user mark. GemWallet offered an insight into how they intended to set themselves apart in a competitive landscape with innovative developer tooling and unrivaled transaction fees. VerifyEd set out how they are tackling recruitment fraud head on having onboarded over 160 global institutions already. These are just some among a host of other projects that offered an insight into their exciting progress.

In an earlier session the XRPL Plugin Workshop invited developers to build their own XRPL feature. Senior RippleX Software Engineer Mayukha Vadari led participants through a hands-on session allowing for questions and guidance throughout their experience. Participants set about learning how a plugin works and enacting their newfound expertise.

The Learning Zone also offered a hub for newcomers to enjoy a 3D learning experience. The segment brought an interactive experience where developers could scan the screen to load their testnet wallet to make a transaction and purchase XRPL swag, showing the ease of a transaction on XRPL.

3 - The Future is Bright for the Web3 Community on XRPL

The keynote lineup at Apex 2023 was not to be missed, featuring luminaries within the XRPL community. Notably, Ripple CTO David Schwartz delved into the XRPL’s past, present and future, highlighting new developments such as Automated Market Maker functionality and outlining core ledger updates.

Scott Branson and Thomas Silkjaer of the XRP Ledger Foundation provided insights into the Foundation’s roadmap, unveiling the impact of becoming an associate member of the Organization of Southern Cooperation (OSC), and highlighting important milestones for decentralization within the ecosystem. David Chreng-Messembourg, the founding partner at LeadBlock Partners offered an overview of the broader market and how structural winners begin to emerge even within difficult circumstances.

Aaron Macdonald, the founder of multiple metaverse companies, joined Yana Novikova for a fireside chat on the intersection of AI, Web3 and the metaverse. Aaron outlined how the Root Network is designed to directly help empower developers building on the XRPL. David Bchiri, the founder of XRPL Commons, offered an introduction into the significant work his organization is doing in educating and supporting developers within the space to begin their journey on the XRPL.

For more information regarding how you can become a part of the XRPL community check out our most recent Block Stars episode ‘Building Communities in Web3.’

Apex: A Beacon of Learning and Collaboration

Apex is more than just a developer summit, it’s a testament to the XRPL community’s unity, vision and ambition. It’s a space where builders come together to learn, share, and celebrate the transformative potential of the XRP Ledger. For those unable to attend Apex in person, day 1 and day 2 were live-streamed, fostering real-time global interactions within the broader XRPL community.

With XRP’s legal clarity, the Ledger’s robust infrastructure, and the community’s collaborative spirit, you can build your blockchain future with unwavering confidence. Stay tuned for more updates and join us on the XRPL journey.

For further updates on Apex 2024 and to stay connected with the XRPL community, follow @RippleXDev on X and join the XRPL Developer Discord.

Join us at the Token 2049 XRPL Zone: Shaping the Future of Finance with XRP Ledger

BiasGoose — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 19:30:53 +0000

As developers gear up for this year’s Token 2049 event in Singapore, we’re inviting you to the XRPL Zone on September 12th, 2023, at the Bridge+ 79RR. Join us and become part of a journey that explores how the XRP Ledger is poised to reshape the future of finance.

The XRPL Zone brings together architects of change from across the globe. Regardless of your role, whether you’re a developer, an entrepreneur, an investor, or new to the Web3 ecosystem, the XRPL Zone promises a stage for growth, interaction, and groundbreaking insights.

Unlocking the XRPL’s Superpower: Shaping the Future of Finance

Industry Thought Leaders: Hear from blockchain and web3 industry leaders as they share their perspectives on the XRP Ledger’s pivotal role in the future of finance.

Exploring EVM Sidechain: Enjoy presentations, unraveling the potential of the upcoming EVM Sidechain and its game-changing impact on the XRP Ledger.

Realizing DeFi Solutions: Check out the very latest DeFi solutions built on the XRP Ledger, showcasing a capacity to transform the world of finance.

built on XRP Ledger that demonstrate its capacity to transform the world of Finance

Empowering Workshops: Equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to unlock the full potential of the XRP Ledger for your projects through hands-on workshops.

Building Bridges: Build connections with fellow ‘architects of change’ who share your ambition for innovation and your vision for reshaping the financial landscape.

Agenda Highlights

The XRPL Zone’s agenda reads like a roadmap for the future, guiding you through sessions designed to enrich your understanding. From conversations with industry leaders to illuminating presentations about the EVM Sidechain and interoperability techniques, each segment promises insights that provoke thought and inspire action. Witness demonstrations like the XRPL Torus Wallet, and gain an in-depth understanding of what it takes to fundraise for early stage startups.

Save the Date

The XRPL Zone offers an opportunity for the community to come together, and a chance to explore the latest exciting developments on the XRP Ledger. So, mark your calendars for September 12th, 2023, and make your way to Bridge+ 79RR in Singapore. Together, let’s harness the XRP Ledger’s superpower and collectively redefine the future of finance.

For more details and updates follow us on Twitter and Linkedin. The journey to transform finance awaits, join us along the way at the XRPL Zone!

Pioneers Unveiled: The Trailblazing Keynote Speakers of Apex 2023

BiasGoose — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 20:59:46 +0000

As we get set for the most exciting dev summit to date, welcoming builders to collaborate on innovative new XRP Ledger (XRPL) projects, we’re thrilled to reveal just some of the speakers you can look forward to seeing.

The esteemed keynote speakers gracing the stage at Apex 2023, the much-anticipated developer summit hosted by Ripple and the XRP Ledger Foundation, represent some of the leading lights across the ecosystem. These visionary leaders will share their expertise, and experiences, exposing attendees to invaluable insights and setting the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable event.

Meet Our Speakers

Get ready to be inspired as we introduce you to our remarkable line up of keynote speakers.

David Schwartz is Chief Technology Officer at Ripple. David is one of the original architects of the Ripple consensus network and XRP. Prior to joining Ripple, David Schwartz was Chief Technical Officer for WebMaster Incorporated, a Santa Clara software developer. He developed encrypted cloud storage and enterprise messaging systems for organizations like CNN and the National Security Agency (NSA). Known as “JoelKatz,” he is a respected voice in the digital currency community.
Scott Branson is a long time member of the XRP Ledger ecosystem, and runs critical infrastructure. As an educator, Scott has been focused on how both academics and students can benefit from the XRP Ledger and develop solutions that go beyond just transactions. Scott leads the various partnerships the Foundation has with Universities.
Aanchal Malhotra serves as the Head of Research at Ripple, where she leads the research and development efforts in Defi protocol design and cryptography. In her role, she drives various company-wide initiatives and collaborates on technical papers aimed at introducing native support for non-fungible tokens (NFTs), Automated Market Maker (AMM), and Decentralized Identity (DID) on XRPL. With her expertise in cryptographic primitives such as Threshold signatures and Zero-Knowledge SNARKS, Aanchal has dedicated almost four years to enhancing the scalability, privacy, and interoperability of XRPL. Additionally, she holds a position on the Board of Directors for the Travel Rule Information Sharing Alliance (TRISA), an organization committed to facilitating the secure and lawful exchange of digital assets. Aanchal holds a PhD in Computer Science from Boston University.
David Bchiri, has recently launched XRPL Commons, an open-source not-for-profit initiative based in Paris that is working toward nurturing a strong and vibrant XRPL ecosystem. Prior to this David Co-Founded DFC, La Thé Box, Revelessence and Zogma.
Aaron McDonald is a 20+ year technology industry veteran and serial entrepreneur with experience managing portfolios with over $1B in revenue. Aaron has long been an innovator with his eye on the future – from leading the market in telecommunications to now leading innovation in Web3. Aaron is the founder of multiple metaverse companies developed independently, but now rolled up under one umbrella entity, an open metaverse powerhouse, Futureverse.
Rachel Wolfson is a journalist, public speaker, and podcast host. She has over 10 years of experience writing about technology and has been covering the blockchain and cryptocurrency space since 2017. She is currently writing a book on enterprise blockchain.
David Chreng is a founding partner at LeadBlock partners. With a strong focus on FinTech and Digital Assets, David actively explores transformative deals in this domain. His belief in the potential of blockchain technology to revolutionize business models and stimulate market dynamics drives his passion. Before his venture into the fund, David excelled as an equity analyst at Goldman Sachs, specializing in the Commodities and Energy sector. His expertise in providing investment insights and ideas to global fund managers adds valuable depth to his perspective.

The keynote speakers scheduled for Apex 2023 represent a diverse range of expertise and perspectives within the XRP ecosystem, and there are many more for you to meet. You can check out the full line up here.

From the visionary leadership of David Schwartz and Scott Branson to the vital insights offered by Aanchal Malhotra, David Bchiri and Aaron McDonald, each speaker brings a unique perspective that will ignite your imagination and broaden your understanding. Join us at Apex 2023 and seize the opportunity to learn from these industry luminaries as they shape the future of blockchain technology and its limitless potential.

Make sure you’re part of an immersive experience as Ripple and the XRP Ledger Foundation come together to host the highly anticipated 2023 summit at the prestigious Leonardo Royal Hotel in Amsterdam. Mark your calendars for September 6th to 8th, and enjoy unparalleled opportunities to learn from, network with, and collaborate with industry leaders in the XRPL Community.

Don’t miss out on Apex 2023, sign up today to secure your spot and unlock a discounted rate for your stay. Join us in embracing a rewarding journey of collaboration, learning and exploration. Seize your chance to be part of Apex 2023 by signing up now!

Meet the Experts: Tech Leaders Judging The Next Generation of CBDC Apps

BiasGoose — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 18:36:07 +0000

The response to Ripple’s recently announced CBDC Innovate 2023 challenge has been overwhelming. Despite being just halfway through the ideation stage at Phase I, the challenge has already garnered over 700 registrations. There has been immense interest and enthusiasm from developers and enterprises around the world in this year’s challenge.

If you haven’t heard about the CBDC Innovate competition, there is still time for more participants to join Phase 1 of the challenge and enter their ideas for a CBDC application. Phase 1 of CBDC Innovate ends on August 18, 2023 at 2:00 pm PST. 5:00 pm EST, 10:00 pm UK time and 5:00 am in Asia (Singapore).

Both enterprise and individual developers and coders alike are invited to enter the two-part challenge to develop CBDC applications in any area of interest that they choose. This year’s categories are not limited to specific use cases (for example: retail, wholesale, interoperability), opening up the realm of possibilities for all things CBDCs. In Phase 1, entrants will develop their applications using XRP Ledger (XRPL) technologies.

Meet the Judges

As the challenge gains momentum, we are thrilled to introduce the experts judging the CBDC Innovate competition. To support developers in their quest to create CBDC applications, Ripple is honored to welcome a panel of industry experts as judges of the challenge.

They are:

Jonathan Donovan, Vice President of Product Development - Blockchain and Digital Assets, Mastercard
Daniel Eidan, Adviser and Solution Architect, BIS Innovation Hub (BIS IH)
Aleksi Grym, Head of Fintech and Principal Adviser, Bank of Finland
Bryena Jyoti, Director, Blockchain Technology Solutions, Digital Assets Innovation, PwC
Conrad Kraft, Executive Director, Digital Euro Association
Jennifer Lassiter, Executive Director, The Digital Dollar Project
Brett Molin, Technical Partner Director, Central Banks Ripple
Anastasia “Tracy” Raissis, Founder and CEO, Achillia Group, LLC.
Rajesh Sadhwani, Managing Director - Banking & Capital Markets, DXC Technology
Nav Singh, Head of EMEA Marketing and Communications - Banking and Capital Markets, DXC Technology
Xiaochen Zhang, President, FinTech4Good
Chris Ostrowski, CEO and co-founder, SODA

“Ripple’s CBDC Innovate helps people like us find a community where we can drive change and present innovative solutions to accelerate financial inclusion and mass adoption,” said Chris Winkler, one of CBDC Innovate’s 2022 winners.

“We know the scope of Ripple and the future of CBDCs, and we want to be part of that future,” added Nestor Campos Rojas, another CBDC Innovate 2022 winner, highlighting the awesome opportunity that CBDC Innovate creates for those seeking to drive innovative change when it comes to CBDCs.

Finalists and Winners: Upcoming Announcements

Finalists from Phase I will move onto Phase II of CBDC Innovate where they will compete for three grand prizes in a pool of $140,000 USD. Entrants should also check the resources page on DevPost for “Office Hours” with Ripple staff to help formulate and check their ideas for Phase I. The times and instructions on how to join “Office Hours” will be posted soon.

Up to 16 finalists will be selected to receive mentorship from industry experts. Finalists’ solutions will be highlighted to a global audience in November at Ripple Swell Global.

Watch this space for further updates as the competition evolves!

Want to learn more about building on the XRP Ledger? Join the Developer Discord to connect with the community, or check out the Learning Portal to jumpstart your journey.

Empowering Developers: QuickNode Now Supports XRP Ledger (XRPL)

BiasGoose — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 15:04:21 +0000

As developers and contributors to the decentralized, open-source XRP Ledger (XRPL), the RippleX engineering team is excited to announce a major breakthrough in the XRPL ecosystem that will revolutionize the way developers build decentralized applications (dApps).

QuickNode, a leading provider of blockchain infrastructure and tools for developers, will introduce support for the XRP Ledger. This integration is a significant step toward empowering developers with top-tier infrastructure, facilitating the creation of scalable, secure, and accessible dApps on this powerful Layer 1 open-source blockchain.

QuickNode and XRPL are set to provide developers with a solid foundation to innovate and shape the future of Web3.

QuickNode Support: Gamechanger for Devs on XRPL

QuickNode prides itself on making blockchain infrastructure easy and accessible, allowing developers to focus on dApp development rather than putting energy into running a node and all that goes with it. QuickNode ensures invaluable support for factors such as scalability, uptime and security allowing developers to keep innovating and creating the kind of dApps that will seamlessly onboard new users into the space.

QuickNode’s support is a key milestone for developers operating on the XRP Ledger. With the hassle of node maintenance and synchronization alleviated, builders can focus on go-to-market strategies and ensuring their business is successful. QuickNode’s solutions and tool offering are created by developers with developers in mind, and their support will make building on XRPL easier than ever before.
Today, the QuickNode network processes over 200 Billion requests per month across over 13 regions worldwide.‌‌
"By integrating XRPL into our platform, QuickNode is furthering its commitment to providing businesses, financial institutions, and governments with enterprise-grade infrastructure to power their blockchain-based applications. Our unique tooling and capabilities offer a simplified pathway for these entities to build with increased security, scalability, and operational efficiency." — Jason Hunt, VP of Ecosystem at QuickNode

Why XRPL is an Obvious Choice for QuickNode

XRPL stands out as a fast, energy-efficient, and reliable blockchain solution that has consistently proven its worth over the past decade.

It has become the go-to blockchain for settlement and liquidity of tokenized assets at scale. With a user-friendly development environment, low transaction costs, and a vibrant community, XRPL offers developers a solid open-source foundation to tackle ambitious projects spanning payments, tokenization, decentralized finance (DeFi), and much more.

There is an array of support across the XRPL ecosystem to get developers started. Grants and bounties are available to help developers of all levels get started with the funding and resources they need to bring their Web3 projects and applications to life. The XRP Ledger has also launched an online learning portal where developers of all levels can learn more about the basics of crypto and blockchain, or dive straight into coding on the XRPL with courses in languages such as Javascript and React.js.

For additional information or to join the community, check out the developer Discord, view open source code and repos on GitHub, and follow @RippleXDev on Twitter where we regularly share updates, projects, new features, and fixes from the XRPL community.

5 Reasons to Attend Apex 2023

BiasGoose — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 17:49:32 +0000

Prepare to unleash your creativity, connect with some of the brightest minds in blockchain, and explore the possibilities that await at Apex 2023! We’re gearing up for the most exciting dev summit to date as we welcome builders to collaborate on innovative new XRP Ledger (XRPL) projects.

Hosted by Ripple and the XRP Ledger Foundation, the 2023 summit will take place in‑person at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in Amsterdam. Join us September 6th-8th for two jam-packed days with opportunities to learn from, network and work alongside leaders in the XRPL community.

Building the future takes a village and requires collaboration, so a physical space to bring a global developer community together to learn and share ideas is an important opportunity. Whether you're just starting your developer journey, looking to up-skill from Web2 to Web3, or building a business on blockchain, here are the top 5 reasons why you shouldn't miss out on Apex 2023:

1. Networking: Connect with Trailblazing Experts

Apex 2023 offers you the opportunity to work alongside and learn from some of the most influential figures and thought leaders in the space. You will have a chance to engage in discussions, exchange ideas and form connections with like-minded developers who share a passion for blockchain technology. You’ll be able to utilize your newfound connections as you continue your professional development, giving rise to collaborative endeavors and even future career or business opportunities.

2. Learn: Gather Valuable Insights

One of the most important ways to keep thriving in this rapidly evolving space is to continue learning. Apex 2023 opens up a wealth of knowledge from expert keynote speakers and breakout sessions where you’ll be able to engage with them on a broad range of topics. Immerse yourself in the opportunity to learn and gather valuable insights as you stay up-to-date with the very latest advancements on the XRPL.

3. Explore Exciting New Projects

Apex 2023 presents a unique platform for you to explore new and exciting projects that the XRPL community is giving rise to. Learn about the latest innovative use cases, applications and tools that are being developed, and groundbreaking projects leveraging the potential of XRPL. This is your chance to expand your horizons and explore what is taking place on the cutting edge of innovation. Find the inspiration you’ve been looking for in scaling your own project by learning about groundbreaking new ideas and investment opportunities.

4. Hands-On Workshops: Refine Your Development Skills

Take part in hands-on workshops led by seasoned developers who have been operating in the space since its inception. The workshops offer a unique opportunity to refine your technical skills, understand best practices, and gain invaluable practical knowledge on how you can build on the XRP Ledger. Covering a range of innovations such as creating a bridge from XRPL to the EVM sidechain, or learning how to write your own amendments, each session offers an immersive experience. The penultimate workshop sees participants invited to unleash the full potential of tokenization via the X-Tokenize Toolkit. Explore the vast array of options at your disposal and discover how this powerful toolkit can fast-track your tokenization endeavors.No matter the stage you’re at in your developing journey these sessions will give you an opportunity to return to your project with the practical insights needed to scale.

5. Interact with Visionaries and Innovators

Make the most of your chance to interact with some of the key figures behind the development and success of the XRPL. You’ll have the chance to exchange ideas with visionaries such as David Schwartz, Ripple CTO and one of the original architects of the XRP Ledger, Wietse Wind from XRPL Labs and Xaman, and other industry experts and developer advocates. Bring the questions you’ve been itching to ask as you gain unique perspectives and delve into discussions that will enhance your understanding of XRPL.

Apex 2023 promises to be an unmissable event for blockchain enthusiasts and developers across the industry. With opportunities for collaboration, learning and exploration the event offers a rewarding opportunity for budding participants. Sign up for Apex 2023 today and you’ll receive a discounted rate for your stay at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Amsterdam.

Join us for an unforgettable event and take your XRPL journey to new heights!

Be the Next XRPL Campus Ambassador

BiasGoose — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 13:52:35 +0000

Calling all blockchain enthusiasts! The application window for the Fall 2023 XRP Ledger Campus Ambassador program is now officially open! This program runs from September to December and offers an exciting opportunity for students to engage in blockchain technology and contribute to the growing Web3 ecosystem. This is your chance to empower a new generation of developers.

Applications due: July 30, 2023
Apply today: http://xrpl.org/ambassadors.html

Selected Ambassadors will also earn various privileges, including:

Access to Ambassador-only events and conferences
Hands-on experience in building their professional network.
Tutorials and workshops from industry-leading XRPL and blockchain developers
Mentorship from notable members of the XRPL and blockchain community
Funding to back their XRPL growth-fueling ideas and initiatives on campus
Swag for your work and represent XRPL in style

Reflecting on the Spring 2023 cohort, Derrick N., a Lead Ambassador from Toronto Metropolitan University, shared, "This program provided me with a unique opportunity to learn about blockchain technology, form valuable connections, and introduce other students on campus to the intriguing world of the XRP Ledger. It broadened my horizons and allowed me to witness the potential of blockchain technology and its real-world applications. It's been an enriching journey for which I am grateful."

All students are welcome to apply to be a part of the Fall 2023 Ambassador Program cohort. Applications are open now until July 30th, 2023!