Bridging Innovation and Tradition: My Journey at Polkadot Blockchain Academy

As a third-year Computer Science and Entrepreneurship major at Ashoka University, embarking on the Founders Track of the Polkadot Blockchain Academy in Hong Kong was a leap towards realizing my vision for Kubar Protocol. This platform, a brainchild of mine, aims to seamlessly integrate traditional and tokenized solutions in Supply Chain Financing.

Achieving Theoretical Milestones

My journey to Hong Kong was enhanced under the guidance and mentorship of Vani Agarwal and her team at Thinking Spree. Their insights have been instrumental in shaping the strategic direction of the Kubar Protocol.

My primary objective for attending this prestigious program was to solidify the theoretical foundation of the Kubar Protocol’s architecture. I am thrilled to announce that this goal has not only been met but exceeded. The culmination of this effort is a comprehensive 34-page document detailing the platform’s architecture. This manuscript intricately weaves the journey from concept to blueprint, marking a significant milestone for the Kubar Protocol. As we transition into the next phase, our focus shifts to fundraising and the development of a tangible prototype.

An Educational Odyssey Through Eight Modules

The Polkadot Blockchain Academy’s curriculum was an eclectic mix of eight modules encompassing Cryptography, Economics, Blockchain, Smart Contracts, Substrate, FRAME, Polkadot, and XCM. Each module played a pivotal role in transforming my vision into a structured technological blueprint. Starting with a clear vision but blurred technicalities, the program empowered me to design a solution that is not only modular and interoperable but also intuitive for the end user, embodying the essence of state-of-the-art technologies.

Beyond Technology: Embracing Entrepreneurship

The program transcended technical knowledge, delving into the realms of entrepreneurship. From pitch practices to understanding corporate governance, the sessions provided a holistic view of the entrepreneurial landscape. Legal nuances across various geographies and insights from successful Polkadot ecosystem founders further enriched our understanding and prepared us for future challenges.

Learning from the Best

Our educators, active developers from Parity and its subsidiaries, brought invaluable real-world insights to our discussions. The provision of individual attention through regular office hours was a testament to the academy’s commitment to our personal growth.

Collaboration and Perspectives

The diversity among my peers, ranging from industry experts to distinguished professionals, added a rich layer of perspectives to the Kubar Protocol’s development. Their insights into the Supply and Value Chain dynamics, particularly in Hong Kong and China, were instrumental. As one of the youngest participants, their life experiences were a guide through the often noisy path of entrepreneurship.

Networking in Hong Kong

My stay in Hong Kong was not just about learning; it was about connecting. Conversations with Professor James Zhibin LEI, heading blockchain research at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and interactions with experts from L2 Iterative Ventures, Animoca Brands, and the Web3 Foundation, were invaluable. These discussions contributed significantly to the robust and scalable architecture of the Kubar Protocol.

The Road Ahead

The support and mentorship from Vani Agarwal, founder of Thinking Spree, the InfoEdge Centre for Entrepreneurship, and the Ashoka University community have been invaluable. As we move towards fundraising and further development, the journey ahead is promising. The experience and insights gained from the Polkadot Blockchain Academy have prepared me well for this next phase, and I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for Kubar Protocol.

With a solid foundation laid and a comprehensive understanding of the intricate balance between technology and entrepreneurship, Kubar Protocol stands on the brink of its next big leap – fundraising. This phase is as exhilarating as it is crucial, and I am excited to steer Kubar Protocol towards this new horizon.

In reflection, my experience at the Polkadot Blockchain Academy has been transformative, equipping me with the knowledge, skills, and network to steer Kubar Protocol towards a bright future. The journey of entrepreneurship is fraught with challenges, but with the solid foundation and support system I have, I am more ready than ever to navigate the path ahead.