WISeKey, a Switzerland-based blockchain, and cybersecurity firm start a Blockchain Center of Excellence in Geneva. Aimed at securing authentication and identification using a cryptographic tool dubbed as Root of Trust, the firm has been focussed on incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain technology into its operations and portfolio.

According to an announcement made by the firm on Feb. 1, the Geneva Blockchain Center of Excellence will be assisting blockchain-related startups in addition to researching and promoting new technology. In doing so, they want to expand the outreach of blockchain technology, enabling a mainstream adoption in both the public and private sectors.

The center is part of a new partnership with the Blockchain Research Institute (BRI) and more centers will open up in the United States, Latin America, China, India, and Africa. The idea behind these global blockchain centers is to form coordination between business, academia of every center and to share best practices and resources.

Notably, each center will concentrate on developing its own area of expertise. For instance, Geneva will focus on fintech, the Argentinian center will specialize in anti-counterfeiting platforms.

Just last week, WISekey opened its Malaysian Global Blockchain Center in partnership with a subsidiary of Malaysian tech investment holding Censof. The Censof board director Ameer bin Shaik Mydin commented at the time:

“The potential benefits of blockchain will help drive efficiencies for our clients.”

WISeKey also partnered with the non-profit Race for Water Foundation, according to the announcement made on January 23 the blockchain-based identity partnership is aimed at reducing ocean pollution by employing blockchain technology. Under the project, WISeKey will create a digital identity stored on its blockchain for every plastic product made by participating companies.

The product will be subsequently linked to a secure form-factor on the product using QR codes and microchips. Thereafter the recycling efforts for each product will be tracked and recorded on a blockchain.

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