Draper University To Invest in the Stellar Ecosystem with New Accelerator Programs Focused on AI and Soroban

Collaboration will bear two programs targeting startup founders in both early and high-growth stages to bolster adoption of the Stellar network and Soroban smart contract platform.

San Mateo, CA – May 14th, 2024 – Draper University, a leading blockchain education and acceleration program, today announced its support in growing the Stellar ecosystem through the launch of the Draper University xStellar Astro Hacker House and the Draper University x Stellar Embark Accelerator Programs. These groundbreaking initiatives will positively impact up to 80 startups building on the Stellar network over the next two years, further boosting adoption of Soroban, the innovative scalable smart contract platform on Stellar, and helping to position Stellar as a leading blockchain for AI integration.

This collaboration highlights Draper University's continued commitment to fostering blockchain adoption and supporting promising networks like Stellar, ensuring a bright future for startups building blockchain-based products and services. The Stellar Hacker Houses and Accelerator Programs will offer two distinct programs designed to empower founders at various stages of their entrepreneurial journey:

• Draper University x Stellar Astro Hacker House: This three-week residency program in Silicon Valley provides early-stage founders with the vital tools and crucial guidance they need to develop their initial blockchain ideas (MVPs). Participants will gain foundational entrepreneurship skills alongside technical expertise in building businesses on the Stellar network, with a particular focus on integrating AI functionalities. They'll also have the opportunity to network with like-minded entrepreneurs, building important connections for their futures.
• Draper University x Stellar Embark Accelerator: This flagship accelerator program caters to high-growth startups leveraging smart contracts, the convergence of AI and blockchain, or targeting enterprise and creator adoption on the Stellar network. The program equips founders with a wealth of resources needed to scale their businesses on the Stellar network, with a deep dive into utilizing Soroban capabilities to create groundbreaking business models. This includes access to industry experts, thought leaders, and a network of open-minded investors.

"We're thrilled to partner with the Stellar Development Foundation to cultivate the next generation of blockchain pioneers focused on harnessing the power of AI and cutting-edge smart contract platforms like Soroban," said Asra Nadeem, CEO, Draper University. "This program represents a significant investment by Draper University in the Stellar ecosystem. We believe Stellar is poised for tremendous growth, and we are committed to supporting the development of innovative applications that leverage its unique capabilities."

“Soroban is the intuitive, accessible, batteries-included smart contract platform builders need to bring the next generation of blockchain-powered solutions to market,” said Jason Chlipala, Chief Business Officer at the Stellar Development Foundation. “This collaboration with Draper University is an opportunity to introduce the latest in smart contract technology to a world-class accelerator program, and bring tailored support and mentorship to some of the most promising founders in web3.

Visit https://draperuniversity.com/stellar to learn more and apply today.