CU Blockchain is a new, fast-growing organization that focuses on spreading awareness and educating students about blockchain technology and its future impact. We host weekly meetings that range from informal discussions to guest speakers to workshops tailored for all skill levels. Our organization is open to any students – regardless of major, age or technical expertise!
We are excited to announce the first CU Blockchain Summit, which will include a 24-hour hackathon with prizes, panels featuring leaders in the blockchain space and workshops covering a variety of topics. We will provide opportunities to network with other students and innovative companies such as ShapeShift, KeepKey, Origin, MedChain, Rebel AI and more.
Anyone is welcome to attend as a hacker or spectator, and the event is free for students. Included with the event will be two meals each day, T-shirts, snacks and energy drinks. Registration is limited, so the earlier you apply, the better chance you have of being accepted. To register, head over to summit.cublockchain.org and click ‘Apply’ at the top.
You might be asking, what exactly is blockchain technology? In short, a blockchain is a distributed ledger of data that is verified and updated by many computers across the globe. It is separate from any government, central agency or company, and the data cannot be altered without a consensus from 51 percent or more of the computers that validate the ledger.
Blockchain technology was invented with the creation of Bitcoin in 2009 by an anonymous person or group known as Satoshi Nakamoto. It was designed to keep accurate and public records of all Bitcoin transactions without the need for a governing body. The invention of Bitcoin marked the first time in history humans could send monetary value anywhere in the world without going through a central agency.
However, the applications for blockchain technology extend far beyond financial records. The invention of smart contracts – immutable code that can be deployed and run on a blockchain – has attracted developers across the globe. Applications currently being built have the potential to disintermediate and revolutionize industries such as voting, supply chain management, banking, real estate, healthcare, ticketing, gaming, identity verification and more.
At CU Blockchain, we are extremely excited about the potential of this technology and want to share that excitement with students in Colorado. Come check out the CU Blockchain Summit to learn, network and see what applications are being built for a better future!
Kieran O’Day is a sophomore aerospace engineering major and president of CU Blockchain. The organization can be reached at blockchain@colorado.edu.