Blockchain platform æternity on Tuesday announced its partnership with the Microsoft Innovation Center to support the growth of startups working on blockchain technology in Malta.
Under the partnership, AE Ventures, the investment arm of æternity, and the technology giant will host blockchain events in the region.
Commenting on the partnership, Mary Downing, Manager of Microsoft Innovation Center, said: “After all the hype there has been about blockchain in recent years, now is the time to demystify all the doubts there could still be about this technology. We are very proud to have æternity on board as our second Microsoft Innovation Center partners.”
“Having æternity promote and nurture blockchain startups from the Microsoft Innovation Center will not only bring a more flexible development of new technology but will also be an opportunity to promote blockchain as a tangible technology that brings real value.”
Acceleration program in the blockchain hub
The duo already started their first week-long startup training event yesterday, for which they received applications from over 100 blockchain startups, but shortlisted only 15. The participants will receive high-quality instruction, content, lectures, and workshops led by industry experts.
In addition, the program will shortlist ten startups for an additional five-week mentorship, which also will have the chance to win an investment offer of up to $100,000 in AE tokens.
æternity is an open-source blockchain platform aiming to solve limitations in scalability and security of smart contracts platform. To promote its product, the participants in the program will also be provided with a deep-dive into the æternity blockchain, including its features and programming language.
“We are excited to be partnering with the Microsoft Innovation Center and we see this as the next step in æternity’s global policy,” Jarek Bialek of AE Ventures said. “Malta is a great place for developing blockchain ideas and bringing them to life, this is why we believe that more Starfleet alumni will choose to incorporate their companies here.”
Malta is one of the crypto-friendly jurisdictions around the globe, recognizing blockchain companies. Its friendly laws have attracted major crypto-related companies to flock to the region, including crypto Exchange mammoth Binance. Recently, 21 crypto exchanges applied for Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) license, Finance Magnates reported.
