Purpose of the Accelerator
The SDG Blockchain Accelerator will help people and organizations working with the UNDP. It will give them tools, knowledge, and support to build blockchain-based solutions. These solutions aim to solve real problems in economic development, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
The program will:
- Educate participants about blockchain and its uses.
- Offer mentorship and technical support.
- Help develop and test new ideas.
- Support projects as they grow and scale globally.
Program Structure and Reach
This is a long-term, global program. It will run two cohorts each year. Each cohort will last four months. During this time, participants will receive hands-on training and access to a network of industry experts.
Key features of the program include:
- Development of up to 40 blockchain projects.
- Focus on all 17 SDGs.
- Use of Cardano blockchain infrastructure.
- Expert guidance from EMURGO Labs.
- An open-source hub with learning materials.
- Collaboration across different blockchain platforms.
A simplified breakdown of the program’s benefits:
|
Program Feature |
Details |
|
Duration per cohort |
4 months |
|
Cohorts per year |
2 |
|
Number of projects |
Up to 40 |
|
Support offered |
Funding, mentorship, technical tools |
|
Core partner blockchain |
Cardano |
|
Key technology partner |
EMURGO Labs |
|
Geographic focus |
Global (5 regions) |
A Global Collaboration
This accelerator is led by BGA Managing Partner Glenn Tan and the UNDP AltFinLab team. They aim to reach five regions worldwide. Selected projects will receive funding and strategic help to solve key development issues.
Teodor Petricevic, who leads the UNDP Accelerator, said that blockchain has the power to drive major positive change. He called on global innovators to join this mission. He stressed that blockchain is not just about technology – it’s about creating fairness, trust, and efficiency in tackling humanity’s hardest challenges.
Role of Bybit and Other Supporters
Crypto exchange Bybit is one of the founding supporters of the Blockchain for Good Alliance. Through its Bybit Pool initiative, it donated $1 million to support EthicHub. EthicHub is a blockchain platform that helps smallholder farmers get fair funding.
This effort highlights how blockchain can:
- Build fairer finance systems.
- Improve supply chain transparency.
- Empower communities in need.
European Expansion and Strategic Dialogue
In January 2025, BGA expanded its work into Europe. It joined the UNDP Brussels Roundtable, a high-level event that gathered 30 influential groups. Attendees included major blockchain foundations such as:
- Ethereum Foundation
- Solana Labs
- Stellar Development Foundation
- Algorand Foundation
- Cardano Foundation
- Celo
- Metis
Other participants included science parks, business schools, and policy advisors. The focus was on how emerging tech like blockchain can help Western Balkans grow through innovation.
BGA’s European plans include:
- Building local partnerships.
- Supporting early-stage blockchain projects.
- Influencing policy through expert input.
- Promoting digital inclusion and transparency.
Blockchain is now seen as a vital tool for solving complex global issues. The SDG Blockchain Accelerator is a major step in showing how technology can create real-world impact. With support from UNDP, EMURGO Labs, and partners like Bybit, this initiative could help reshape how we address poverty, inequality, climate change, and more.
By combining purpose with innovation, the Blockchain for Good Alliance is turning bold ideas into sustainable actions that serve people and the planet.