Polkadot Academy Returns to Switzerland

The Polkadot Blockchain Academy (PBA) will bring its advanced developer training program to Europe once again, with its sixth cohort scheduled at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) in Switzerland. Starting in March 2025, this intensive, nearly three-week course will focus on equipping developers with the practical skills necessary to build on the Polkadot network and create Web3 solutions.

Partnership with Lucerne University

This program is a collaboration between PBA and HSLU’s newly established Blockchain Lab, part of the "Blockchain Zug – Joint Research Initiative." Supported by the Canton of Zug, this initiative has received CHF 39.35 million in funding over five years to position Zug as a global leader in blockchain research and innovation.

Course Structure and Focus

Developers participating in the program will choose from two specialized tracks tailored to meet the needs of Polkadot’s growing ecosystem:

• Protocol (On-Chain) Track: Concentrates on Polkadot’s architecture and blockchain engineering principles.
• DApps (Off-Chain) Track: Focuses on decentralized application development, addressing the rising demand for user-facing Web3 solutions.

Each track includes hands-on learning opportunities, led by experts from the Polkadot ecosystem, including co-founder Dr. Gavin Wood.

Application Process

Entry into the program is highly competitive. Applicants must pass a multiple-choice test on blockchain basics, complete a programming task, and successfully navigate an interview. To support prospective participants, PBA offers preparatory courses through its online platform, PBA-X.

Financial Assistance

Around 100 developers will be selected for Cohort 6. The Polkadot Treasury will cover essential expenses, including course fees, accommodation, and half-board, ensuring accessibility for qualified participants.

Post-Graduation Opportunities

Graduates of the program will gain more than technical skills; they’ll have access to networking opportunities with industry leaders such as Parity Technologies, the Web3 Foundation, and Polkadot Fellows. This creates pathways for employment within the expanding Polkadot ecosystem.

Positioning Switzerland as a Blockchain Hub

By hosting the Polkadot Blockchain Academy and partnering with HSLU, Switzerland continues to strengthen its position as a global center for blockchain research and development. The program aligns with the broader goals of the "Blockchain Zug – Joint Research Initiative," reinforcing the country’s reputation as an innovation leader.

This initiative offers developers a chance to grow professionally in one of the most dynamic fields in technology, all while contributing to the ongoing development of Web3 infrastructure.