IRVINE, Calif., March 26, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The University of California, Irvine (UCI) Division of Continuing Education announced a partnership today with The Decentralized Education Nexus (The DEN) to provide formal training and certification programs for blockchain and distributed ledger technology. This partnership represents a giant step forward in the UCI Division of Continuing Education’s mission to bridge the gap between the high corporate demand for blockchain developers and low supply within the mainstream talent pool of software developers.

“This partnership is all about bringing top-notch blockchain and distributed ledger technology academic programs to higher education and providing corporations and students with industry-tested learning experiences that they won’t find anywhere else,” said Surag Sheth, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of The DEN. “With this partnership, we’re starting off the new year with two exciting programs - Ethereum Engineering Masterclass and Blockchain for Business Leaders.”

Through a project-based approach, the Ethereum Engineering Masterclass provides existing developers with the necessary tools and knowledge they will need to develop decentralized applications on the Ethereum blockchain. When comparing the number of people in the world who own an iPhone to those who know how to create an app for one, one can easily understand why blockchain developers are in such a powerful position in today’s job market. A report from Upwork showed that the demand for blockchain development skills has increased over 6000 percent through 2018.  Blockchain technologies are rapidly working their way into every nook and cranny of global industry and business. With lightning fast expansion and innovations occurring every day, ambitious developers have been presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spearhead humanity’s path through the next digital revolution.

Blockchain for Business Leaders provides professionals and entrepreneurs with a critical understanding of the technology’s fundamentals, use-cases, and effective implementation strategies based on live industry case-studies. According to IBM, “Mass adoption isn’t far behind with roughly 65 percent of banks expecting to have blockchain solutions in the next three years.” Furthermore, McKinsey has identified trade finance, cross-border B2B payments, cross-border P2P payments, repurchase agreement transactions, OTC derivatives, KYC/AML management, and identity fraud as seven bona fide use cases in which blockchain can generate $80B - $110B in impact by 2021. With industry giants like Walmart, Microsoft, and Huawei all actively utilizing blockchain technology to streamline processes and improve bottom lines, future focused companies and individuals must work to understand how it will affect their industries and how they can use it to flourish.

The partnership aligns closely with UCI Division of Continuing Education’s initiative to offer specialized, innovative programs designed for the working professional seeking to advance their career, start a company, or stay on the cutting edge of technological developments.  

“Blockchain technologies are evolving quickly and a variety of career opportunities are created every day for business and software development professionals,” says Hally Gruber, Director of Technology Programs at UCI DCE. “Our partnership with The DEN gives our students access to valuable resources and world-class training from the industry leader. This is a unique learning opportunity in Southern California for developers building a blockchain project or business leaders hoping to understand how these technologies can impact their organization.”

Sheth adds, “Ultimately, this partnership will increase opportunities for workforce participation and quality employment within a rapidly growing industry.”

Ethereum Engineering Masterclass runs from May 6-11 on the UCI campus. And Blockchain for Business Leaders is scheduled from May 11-12 on the UCI campus. Registration is open now to the public.

For additional questions, contact admissions@theden.io; (408) 657-0861

About UCI Division of Continuing Education

The University of California, Irvine Division of Continuing Education (DCE) provides lifelong learning opportunities to thousands of students worldwide each year – fulfilling the school’s 60-year curriculum platform to connect degree programs to the world of work and achievement after graduation. The Division offers a broad range of certificate programs, specialized studies, and sequential courses to local, regional and global markets through online, on-campus and on-site delivery. A leader in the open education movement, the Division offers free Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) and content through the UCI Open initiative. For more information about UCI Division of Continuing Education, visit ce.uci.edu.

About the University of California, Irvine

Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 28,000 students and offers 192 degree programs. Located in one of the world’s safest and most economically vibrant communities, it’s Orange County’s second-largest employer, contributing $4.8 billion annually to the local economy.

About Decentralized Education Nexus

Decentralized Education Nexus, a U.S. based global distributed ledger technology workforce accelerator, helps individuals and organizations develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the distributed ledger technology and blockchain ecosystem. As they continue to be the catalyst for the adoption of blockchain technology by building a community of creators and innovators who share their knowledge and experience in developing distributed and decentralized technologies as the technological landscape continues to evolve. By working with existing blockchain companies' CEOs, CTOs, engineering leads and developers, they are able to identify and ensure a standard for blockchain education rooted in continuous industry research. The DEN is currently focused on delivering immersive programs on Ethereum and Hyperledger development along with training for business professionals interested in utilizing new technologies.

Media Contact: Vivian Slater (714) 573-0899 x 235
vivian@echomediateam.com