æternity, an open-source blockchain, has partnered with Microsoft Innovation Center (MIC) to support the growth of blockchain technology in Malta, according to a release.
æternity’s investment arm, AE Ventures, and Microsoft are expected to host frequent blockchain events in Malta.
Malta, a member of the European Union, is well known for its crypto friendly jurisdiction. It is also home to one of the largest crypto exchanges – Binance.
Mary Downing, Manager of Microsoft Innovation Center, said that after all of the blockchain hype it is now time to 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,” said Downing.
The first event hosted by Microsoft Innovation Center and AE Ventures will be a weeklong training program for blockchain startups.
æternity Starfleet, a global accelerator program, is said to have reviewed more than 100 blockchain startups from around the world and invited 15 to participate in the program, which begins November 4, 2019.
Following the Starfleet global acceleration program, 10 startups will be selected for an additional five weeks of mentorship. This will culminate with a Demo Day at which selected teams will win an investment offer of up to $100,000 USD in AE tokens and an additional six months of mentorship and acceleration.
“We are excited to be partnering with the Microsoft Innovation Center and we see this as the next step in æternity’s global policy,” said Jarek Bialek of AE Ventures. “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.”