Polkadot Blockchain Academy Heads to Europe with Lucerne University Developer Course

Polkadot Blockchain Academy (PBA), widely regarded as the gold standard in blockchain developer education, is preparing to host its sixth cohort in Lucerne, Switzerland. Poised to commence in March 2025, the academy’s return to Europe after a two-year hiatus will offer a new generation of developers the chance to gain hands-on expertise in blockchain and web3 technologies.

At the heart of the initiative is a partnership with the prestigious Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, renowned for its commitment to innovation and applied research. The collaboration underscores PBA’s mission to cultivate a global pool of developer talent equipped to tackle the onchain challenges of tomorrow.

Lucerne: A Hub of Learning and Innovation

Nestled in the picturesque Swiss Alps, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts boasts a reputation for cutting-edge research and a strong emphasis on applied learning. Its newly established institute for blockchain research makes it an ideal setting for the European cohort of Polkadot Blockchain Academy. The university combines state-of-the-art facilities with a commitment to fostering technological advancement, creating an inspiring environment for developers looking to deepen their blockchain knowledge.

The decision to host Cohort 6 in Lucerne reflects the academy’s recognition of the university’s role as a thought leader in blockchain and its potential to provide students with a supportive, innovation-driven framework. Cohort 6 of PBA will offer an intensive, nearly three-week program tailored to developers at different stages of their journey. The curriculum is divided into two tracks.

The Protocol (on-chain) track will focus on the foundational aspects of Polkadot’s architecture and blockchain engineering. The newly introduced Dapps (off-chain) track, meanwhile, is designed to meet the growing demand for decentralized application development.

Led by experts including Dr. Gavin Wood, Polkadot’s co-founder and visionary, the academy emphasizes practical training, ensuring that participants leave with skills they can immediately apply in their careers. The academy isn’t limited to Polkadot enthusiasts; it caters to blockchain developers across ecosystems and even web2 engineers eager to transition into web3.

Breaking Barriers to Blockchain Education

For many aspiring developers, the costs of gaining sufficient training to attain an industry job can prove prohibitive. Polkadot Blockchain Academy eliminates this impediment for those fortunate enough to be accepted onto the course. Thanks to funding from the Polkadot Treasury, Cohort 6 participants will have their course fees, accommodation, and some meals covered, significantly lowering the financial threshold for entry.

The rigorous application process ensures that only the most dedicated candidates make it through. Applicants must pass a blockchain fundamentals exam, complete a programming assignment, and navigate an interview. Those who need a preparatory boost can turn to PBA-X, Polkadot’s online school, which provides foundational courses to help them qualify. This selective process ensures that the approximately 100 developers accepted are not only technically proficient but also deeply motivated to make their mark in the blockchain industry.

For those with a passion for decentralized systems, the Lucerne course offers more than an education: it’s an entry point into a global movement. Whether attendees aim to design next-generation dapps or secure the backbone of blockchain protocols, PBA provides the tools, mentorship, and community to succeed.