- UDAX helps academic blockchain projects transition from research concepts into real-world XRP applications.
- The pilot focuses on building institutional-ready solutions on the XRP Ledger, not short-term hype.
- UC Berkeley teams worked closely with Ripple engineers to test ideas under real network conditions.
Ripple and the University of California, Berkeley have launched a pilot accelerator program directed at helping early-stage blockchain projects transition from academic research into practical use on the XRP Ledger, the companies said on Thursday.
The program, called the University Digital Asset Xcelerator (UDAX), was developed under Ripple’s University Blockchain Research Initiative and completed its first cohort in the fall of 2025.
What Makes UDAX Different From Typical Accelerators
Unlike startup accelerators built around fast growth or token launches, UDAX emphasizes restraint. Teams are encouraged to simplify, remove unnecessary features, and focus on reliability rather than expansion.
The program structure concentrates on a few core areas:
- Technical readiness on the XRP Ledger
- Product design under real network conditions
- Regulatory and compliance considerations
- Clear communication with institutional stakeholders
Details of the UC Berkeley Pilot
The inaugural UDAX cohort included nine startups working across areas such as tokenized financial products, insurance technology, and digital payment tools. Over a six-week period, teams worked with Ripple engineers, university faculty, and industry advisers.
Participants received technical feedback on building and deploying applications, as well as guidance on business structure and compliance considerations. The pilot concluded with a demonstration event in San Francisco.
Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen and Chief Technology Officer Emeritus David Schwartz attended the event, where teams presented their progress to developers and representatives from venture capital firms, the company said.
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Reported Outcomes From Participants
Ripple said several teams deployed or tested applications on the XRP Ledger during the program. Some participants also refined their business models and engaged with potential investors.
According to the company, teams reported improvements in product maturity and clearer go-to-market strategies by the end of the accelerator, though Ripple did not disclose specific financial outcomes.
The company said it plans to run additional UDAX cohorts in 2026, building on the results of the UC Berkeley program.
Why UDAX Matters for XRP’s Long-Term Development
UDAX shows a shift in how XRP-related development is approached. Rather than stressing rapid adoption, it prioritizes readiness and resilience. The program treats institutional utility as something that must be built carefully and tested early.
As UDAX prepares for future cohorts, its role remains experimental. Its impact will be measured not by headlines, but by whether more XRP projects successfully move from academic environments into sustained, real-world use.
Related: XRP at $5? How ETF Flows May Change the Market by 2026
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