Paris, November 8
A groundbreaking initiative, the Institute of Crypto-Assets, celebrated its official inauguration at the Léonard de Vinci center in the bustling business district just outside Paris. Distinct in its approach, this institute aims to champion and conduct cutting-edge research in the realm of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies.
The esteemed scientific board, comprising 11 experts drawn from prestigious French educational institutions like the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) and École polytechnique, underpins the Institute’s commitment to academic excellence. The oversight committee, composed of six industry practitioners, including Nicolas Bacca, co-founder of Ledger, and Pierre Noizat, founder of the crypto exchange Paymium, ensures a holistic perspective in steering the Institute’s initiatives.
Cyril Grunspan, the director of the Cryptoassets Institute, emphasizes the Institute’s educational mission, stating, “Our goal is not to lobby but to create a forum for discussion on cryptoassets.”
The inaugural event featured two compelling lectures: historian Jacques Favier delved into the evolution of currencies leading up to Bitcoin, while cryptographer David Pointcheval explored the intricate realms of zero-knowledge proofs and anonymity. Such enlightening public engagements are set to become regular occurrences in the Institute’s calendar.
France, with a strategic focus on digital innovation, continues to position itself as a leader in the European digital economy. In September, the prominent telecommunications group Iliad unveiled a substantial 100 million euros ($106 million) investment to establish an “excellence lab” dedicated to AI research in Paris. This initiative aligns with France’s broader vision for fostering technological advancements, exemplified by Iliad’s acquisition of what is touted as “the most powerful cloud-native AI supercomputer deployed to date in Europe.
