The Bharat Blockchain Yatra Grand Finale 2024 took place at the AICTE headquarters in New Delhi, bringing together key players from the Indian blockchain ecosystem, including Information Data Systems Inc. (IDS), the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), the National Education Technology Forum (NETF), and Anuvadini AI. This landmark event celebrated India’s emerging leadership in blockchain technology and showcased the nation’s efforts to position itself at the forefront of global blockchain and AI innovation.
A Nationwide Blockchain Initiative
The Bharat Blockchain Yatra is India’s first-ever nationwide blockchain technology tour, engaging over 12,000 participants across 18 states. Launched in August 2023, the Yatra aimed to develop cutting-edge Make in India blockchain solutions and position India as a global leader in the blockchain and AI sectors. Through 21 events, the Yatra succeeded in fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government, addressing the opportunities and challenges within India’s blockchain ecosystem.
Inaugural Address and Key Messages
The event began with an inaugural address by Mr. Voruganti Aravind, Global Vice President at IDS, who shared a message from Mr. Sudharshan Reddy Minumula, CEO of IDS. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Hon’ble Minister of Higher Education, also conveyed a congratulatory message, praising IDS for their role in initiating the Bharat Blockchain Yatra and driving India’s blockchain innovation forward.
Sudharshan Reddy Minumula, CEO of IDS, expressed pride in the successful journey of the Yatra, stating, “Our mission was to bring blockchain technology to every corner of India, fostering collaboration between industry, academia, and government. We are committed to driving blockchain adoption and innovation in India.”
Key Highlights from the Event
- Mr. Aravind, Convenor of the Bharat Blockchain Yatra, highlighted the success of the nationwide tour, emphasizing the Yatra’s role in discussing India’s blockchain ecosystem and its potential to establish India as a global leader in blockchain innovation.
- Shri Chandrasekhar Buddha, Chief Coordinating Officer of AICTE, announced a target of 10 lakh job and internship opportunities by 2025, furthering AICTE’s mission to empower India’s emerging blockchain workforce. He also commended the Hashgraph Association’s goal of certifying 50,000 individuals as Certified Hedera Developers to meet the growing demand for blockchain expertise.
- Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of NETF, discussed the academic applications of blockchain, particularly how it could enhance Verifiable Credentials and integrate with the APAAR ID system, strengthening India’s academic and blockchain ecosystems.
- Mr. Stefan Deiss, Co-Founder of The Hashgraph Association, announced the establishment of a $100 million Ventures Fund to support over 250 Web3 projects in India, including 50+ academic partnerships to certify 50,000 Hedera Developers.
Launch of the Bharat Blockchain Ecosystem Report 2024
A pivotal moment of the event was the launch of the Bharat Blockchain Ecosystem Report 2024. This comprehensive report highlighted over 200 blockchain companies in India and provided students with insights into career opportunities in the emerging blockchain field. It also featured contributions from over 100 speakers, offering valuable perspectives on India’s blockchain landscape.
Innovative Initiatives and Recognition
The event also featured the launch of the Certified Hedera Developer Course, empowering developers to create blockchain solutions on the Hedera Protocol. Additionally, five prestigious universities—VIT AP University, SRM University Chennai, Symbiosis Institute of Digital and Telecom Management, ITM University Gwalior, and Sikkim Manipal University—were awarded land parcels within Polyversity, IDS’s blockchain-powered educational metaverse, enabling immersive learning experiences.
The Hedera India Hackathon 2024 winners were also announced, with Credore™️, AYANWORKS, and 1*Works each awarded $250,000 under the competition.
Bharat Blockchain Excellence Awards
IDS also presented the Bharat Blockchain Academic Excellence Awards 2024, recognizing top universities for their contributions to blockchain education. The Bharat Blockchain Industry Excellence Awards 2024 were given to companies making significant contributions to the blockchain sector, further reinforcing India’s commitment to becoming a global leader in blockchain and AI technologies.
Looking to the Future
Building on the success of Season 1 of the Bharat Blockchain Yatra, the initiative will expand beyond India’s borders in its next phase, embarking on an intercontinental journey to bring India’s blockchain innovations to the global stage. This expansion aims to further solidify India’s position as a key player in the global blockchain ecosystem, sharing its vision and expertise with the world.
