In the dynamically evolving world of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, France has decided to make its mark by opening the first research institute of its kind. The Crypto-Assets Institute, located in the business center of Paris, aims to be a place for scientific collaboration and the development of new ideas in the field of digital currencies and distributed ledger technology.
Within La Défense, the pulsating heart of Parisian business, the Crypto-Assets Institute was inaugurated on November 8. This unique research center, located in the Centre Léonard de Vinci, is the first initiative of its kind in France, and possibly in Europe.
The Institute aims to support and conduct research related to blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies. Its scientific council consists of 11 experts from leading French educational institutions such as the National Center for Scientific Research and École Polytechnique. Additionally, the work of the institute is overseen by a committee of six practitioners, including Ledger co-founder Nicolas Bacca, and Paymium founder Pierre Noizat.
The director of the institute, Cyril Grunspan, emphasizes that the main goal of the institution is not lobbying, but creating a platform for discussion about crypto-assets. Education and knowledge exchange are key priorities.
The opening of the Institute was marked by two lectures: historian Jacques Favier talked about the history of currencies up to the creation of Bitcoin, while cryptographer David Pointcheval shared his thoughts on zero-knowledge proofs and anonymity. The Institute plans to regularly organize such public events.
France actively seeks to assume a leadership role in Europe in the field of digital economy and innovation. In September, the local telecommunications group Iliad revealed an investment of 100 million euros (106 million dollars) to create a “laboratory of excellence” dedicated to research on artificial intelligence in Paris. In addition to the laboratory, Iliad also acquired what it described as “the most powerful, cloud-based AI supercomputer in Europe.”
Despite the market crisis in the first half of 2023, French cryptocurrency companies gained 27% of all new investments in the fintech sector. This testifies to France’s growing importance on the global map of cryptocurrency markets and blockchain technology, opening up new opportunities for investors, researchers, and enthusiasts of these technologies.
This newly established institute in Paris may therefore represent a significant step towards shaping the future of the digital economy, not only in France but throughout Europe.
