In a significant advancement for the blockchain ecosystem, Ripple has partnered with the University of California, Berkeley to launch the University Digital Asset Xcelerator (UDAX). This initiative aims to expedite the transformation of academic blockchain innovations into enterprise-ready applications built on the XRP Ledger. The inaugural six-week pilot program was successfully completed by nine startups in the fall of 2025, showcasing impressive outcomes and growth.
The UDAX program provided these startups with crucial technical mentorship and connections to venture capitalists, leading to an average increase of 67% in product maturity. Notable achievements included WaveTip, which transitioned its Twitch streamer tipping platform to the XRPL Mainnet and subsequently launched on the Chrome Web Store. Additionally, X-Card secured more than $1.5 million in inventory partnerships, marking a substantial step forward in its operational capabilities.
During the accelerator, CRX Digital Assets took advantage of Ripple”s global payments network, amplifying its tokenized volume from $39 million to $58 million. The program culminated in a demo day hosted at Ripple”s San Francisco headquarters, attracting XRPL developers, company executives, and representatives from 13 venture capital firms eager to engage with emerging blockchain solutions.
The diversity of the participating teams spanned various sectors, including tokenized capital markets, decentralized insurance, and platforms for creators. Each team benefited from guidance provided by Ripple engineers and UC Berkeley faculty, empowering them to navigate the complexities of product development and fundraising.
Among other notable accomplishments, BlockBima saw its active user base triple while developing automated microinsurance for climate risks, a testament to the accelerator”s impact. The emphasis on fundraising mentorship proved invaluable, with teams reporting a 92% increase in confidence regarding their fundraising capabilities.
Blockroll made strides by launching stablecoin-backed virtual cards for African freelancers, leveraging the momentum of RLUSD to enhance global financial access. The platform”s CEO, Sadiq Isiaka, highlighted how RLUSD facilitates institutionally accepted stablecoins that streamline remittance processes between the United States and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Overall, the UDAX program exemplifies Ripple”s ongoing commitment to its University Blockchain Research Initiative, fostering collaboration between academic research and practical blockchain applications. Future cohorts are expected to build on the successes of this pilot, further supporting entrepreneurs in developing solutions that contribute to the Internet of Value.
