The Polkadot Blockchain Academy (PBA) is making a comeback in Europe with the announcement of a new developer course that will be hosted in Switzerland. Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) will be the venue for Cohort 6, which is set to kick off in March 2025.
The upcoming session at HSLU marks the first time in over two years that the Polkadot Blockchain Academy will be held in Europe. As part of the Zug Blockchain initiative and the establishment of a new institution for blockchain research, classes will be conducted at HSLU’s campus in collaboration with their Blockchain Lab. Developers participating in the course will gain practical skills for working with Polkadot and utilizing blockchain technology to create innovative web3 applications during the approximately three-week program.
Dr. Gavin Wood and other prominent figures from the Polkadot community will be leading the teaching sessions for Cohort 6. Students can expect to receive a comprehensive blockchain education that will prepare them to become the next generation of innovators and thought leaders in blockchain engineering.
While the course material will focus on Polkadot’s tech stack, the Polkadot Blockchain Academy is open to blockchain developers from various backgrounds and ecosystems. Whether they are web2 developers looking to transition to web3 or currently working with blockchain technology, developers of all kinds are welcome to apply.
The European cohort of PBA is expected to be highly sought after, leading to a rigorous screening process for potential candidates. To gain admission, candidates must pass a multiple-choice test demonstrating their understanding of blockchain basics. For developers who may need additional preparation, the Polkadot Blockchain Academy has launched an online school called PBA-X to provide the necessary information. Successful completion of a programming assignment and interview are also required for admission.
The Polkadot Treasury will cover all course expenses, accommodation, and half-board for the anticipated 100 developers who will be admitted to Cohort 6 at HSLU. This session will introduce two technical tracks for the first time: the Dapps off-chain track and the established protocol on-chain track. Participants will acquire the tools needed to navigate the evolving landscape of decentralized apps and the underlying technologies.
The Zug cohort of the Polkadot Blockchain Academy offers developers the opportunity to advance their professional careers, network with like-minded individuals, and enhance their skills and knowledge. Graduates can leverage this experience to explore new opportunities as Polkadot-based teams are expected to hire in 2025. Organizations such as Parity Technologies, Web3 Foundation, and Polkadot Fellows are keenly interested in the progress of PBA graduates.
Developers of all backgrounds and experience levels are encouraged to enroll in the Polkadot Blockchain Academy. The program provides a deep dive into Polkadot’s SDK and architecture, and alumni have gone on to become Polkadot Fellows, launch their own ventures, and secure positions with ecosystem initiatives. Taught by Dr. Gavin Wood and other key figures from the Polkadot community, the PBA is committed to nurturing the next generation of luminaries that the Web3 ecosystem requires.
For more information about the Polkadot Blockchain Academy and upcoming courses, visit https://polkadot.academy.