Local Tech Partnering to Invest in Blockchain Research

The Partnership for Economic Innovation, a passionate collective of business and community leaders dedicated to accelerating Arizona’s economic opportunities, launched the Arizona Blockchain Applied Research Center in 2019 to leverage emerging blockchain research to create usable products for the global marketplace, with Arizona State University as its research partner. Companies that have a presence in Arizona can sign on as Members of AZ BARC to gain exclusive first access to any research findings. 

PEI recently announced that its initial group of members includes Intel, Kudelski Security, Early Warning Services, BD and Movemedical.

Blockchain technology’s business benefits include consumer engagement, greater transparency, enhanced security, increased efficiency and improved traceability of data. AZ BARC aims to build solutions to complex digital security challenges its Members face. AZ BARC’s inaugural projects include:

• Medical Device Inventory Management, a collaboration with BD, uses a blockchain-based platform for secure data sharing, provenance, and tracking of devices for better supply chain management.
• Multi-Signal Device ID Management addresses the accuracy, scalability and privacy-compliancy to establish the integrity and security in device/IoT management.
• Zero Knowledge Proof focuses on ways to validate a voter’s identity without the need of providing sensitive information.

“The Arizona Blockchain Applied Research Center takes an industry-led approach to conduct research, develop products and grow Arizona’s technical workforce. We’re thrilled to have such a robust group of influential companies lead AZ BARC to stay ahead of emerging blockchain research and position Arizona as leader in innovation and technology,” says Kathleen Lee, director of applied research at Partnership for Economic Innovation.

The AZ BARC follows a consortium model as its research is led by industry needs. AZ BARC is a public-private partnership funded by member companies, the Partnership for Economic Innovation and grants made available from the Arizona Legislature through the Arizona Commerce Authority.