UCAB Launches Pioneering Blockchain and Crypto Academy in Venezuela

• UCAB in Venezuela has launched the Blockchain, Trading & Crypto Academy, offering advanced programs in blockchain, cryptocurrency, and global finance.
• The academy aims to provide practical and ethical training in the crypto ecosystem, focusing on real-world applications rather than speculative gains.

UCAB (Universidad Católica Andrés Bello), one of Venezuela’s leading educational institutions, has taken a significant step by inaugurating the Blockchain, Trading & Crypto (BT&C) Academy on October 23, 2024. This initiative positions UCAB as a trailblazer in Latin America ‘s academic sphere, offering a deep dive into blockchain technology, cryptocurrency trading, and the broader crypto ecosystem.

The academy, located on UCAB’s Montalbán campus, seeks to establish itself as a comprehensive and cross-disciplinary training hub. Its mission is not merely to teach theoretical concepts but to immerse students in the digital and decentralized world of cryptocurrencies.

Under the leadership of Venezuelan cryptocurrency enthusiast Aníbal Garrido, the academy is designed to offer more than just a theoretical education. Garrido emphasizes the hands-on approach that the academy will adopt, enabling students to experience the crypto world firsthand. For example, rather than just discussing cryptocurrencies in an abstract way, students will engage directly with technologies like Bitcoin wallets and nodes, and even interact with NFTs in real-world contexts, such as digital art galleries.

This focus on experiential learning is what sets the BT&C Academy apart, aiming to “ground” the theoretical knowledge of the crypto ecosystem in practical applications.

The academy’s initial academic offerings include diplomas and both short- and medium-term courses in key areas of the crypto world. Starting in November 2024, three programs will be available:

• Diploma in Blockchain and Web3 Development
• Trading Course for Non-Traders
• Management and Trading Course for Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Markets

Additionally, two more diploma programs are planned for 2025:

• Diploma in Global Trade and Investment
• Diploma in Cryptoassets and the Digital Economy

The BT&C Academy intends to go beyond the hype that often surrounds cryptocurrencies. Garrido highlights the importance of educating students ethically and responsibly, countering the misconception that crypto assets are merely a way to get rich quickly. Instead, the academy promotes a more nuanced understanding of cryptocurrencies as tools for navigating complex financial systems, particularly in economically turbulent regions like Venezuela.

One of the core objectives of the academy is to prepare a new generation of experts in emerging technologies and global finance. The curriculum is integrated with UCAB’s broader research and innovation initiatives, allowing students to engage in cutting-edge studies that challenge traditional financial systems. According to Garrido, this academy will foster knowledge free from the bias and dogma that can often limit educational programs in other institutions.

To ensure a diverse educational experience, a total of 14 instructors will lead the programs, bringing a variety of perspectives and real-world experiences to the classroom. This diversity ensures that students will not only learn the technical aspects of blockchain and cryptocurrency but will also be exposed to different ways these technologies can be applied in real-world scenarios.

Arturo Peraza, the rector of UCAB, has also weighed in on the significance of the BT&C Academy. He pointed out that the academy’s educational content goes beyond financial knowledge, addressing larger questions about the role of nation-states in a world increasingly shaped by decentralized technologies. Peraza believes the academy is promoting a vision of global citizenship, where individuals can interact with financial systems that are independent of national governments.

The opening of this academy is particularly relevant in Venezuela , a country ranked 13th globally in cryptocurrency adoption according to Chainalysis. This ranking underscores the growing importance of specialized education in blockchain and crypto, as more Venezuelans turn to decentralized financial systems amid the country’s economic challenges. The BT&C Academy represents a crucial step in providing this much-needed expertise.

In conclusion, the Blockchain, Trading & Crypto Academy at UCAB is poised to become a central player in shaping the future of crypto education in Venezuela, offering a robust and practical approach to navigating the ever-evolving world of digital finance.