The CUNY Digital Currency Initiative

By inherent design, the data on a blockchain is unable to be modified, which makes it a legitimate disruptor for industries like payments, cybersecurity, and healthcare. Blockchain technology is most simply defined as a decentralized, distributed ledger that records the origin of a digital asset. Blockchain technology has the potential to impact all aspects of business; from supply chains to financial transactions, to audit trails.

However, there is still a great amount of fundamental research and development needed. There is a growing need for customers who demand autonomy, openness, and new value-generating potential of digital currencies and blockchains. Academia has a vital role to play in these emerging blockchain-based technologies. That’s why we launched the CUNY Digital Currency Initiative.

Our group focuses on bringing together blockchain and cryptocurrency enthusiasts for STEM-related activities by organizing and developing blockchain applications, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and hackathons for the technology community at CUNY Lehman College. Together with collaborators at other universities and research institutions, we are working with transdisciplinary groups of faculty, students, and research scientists to establish decentralized blockchain applications, facilitate and feature student-focused hackathons, and develop relevant open-source software.