Polkadot Blockchain Academy Heads to Europe with Lucerne University Developer Course
The Polkadot Blockchain Academy (PBA), widely regarded as the gold standard for blockchain developer education, is preparing to host its sixth course in Lucerne, Switzerland. Scheduled to return to Europe after a two-year hiatus, starting in March 2025, the Academy will provide a new generation of developers with the opportunity to gain hands-on expertise in blockchain and web3 technologies.
Central to the program is a partnership with the prestigious University of Applied Sciences and Arts Lucerne, renowned for its commitment to innovation and applied research. This collaboration highlights PBA’s mission to cultivate a global development talent pool to address future on-chain challenges.
Lucerne: a center of learning and innovation
snuggle up Located in the picturesque Swiss Alps, the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Lucerne has a reputation for cutting-edge research and a strong emphasis on applied learning. Its new blockchain research facility makes it an ideal environment for European groups Polkadot Blockchain Academy. The university combines state-of-the-art facilities with a commitment to advancing technology, creating an inspiring environment for developers looking to deepen their knowledge of blockchain.
The decision to host the 6th edition in Lucerne reflects the Academy’s recognition of the university’s role as a blockchain thought leader and its potential to provide students with a supportive, innovation-driven framework. PBA Group 6 will offer nearly three weeks of intensive courses tailored to developers at various stages. The course is divided into two tracks.
The Protocol (on-chain) track will focus on fundamental aspects of Polkadot architecture and blockchain engineering. At the same time, the newly launched Dapps (off-chain) track aims to meet the growing demand for decentralized application development.
Led by experts including Polkadot co-founder and visionary Dr. Gavin Wood, the academy emphasizes hands-on training, ensuring participants graduate with skills they can immediately apply to their careers. The academy is not limited to Polkadot enthusiasts; it caters to blockchain developers across the ecosystem and even web2 engineers eager to transition to web3.
Breaking down barriers to blockchain education
For many aspiring developers, the cost of getting enough training to get an industry job can be prohibitive. Polkadot Blockchain Academy removes this barrier for those lucky enough to be admitted to the program. Thanks to funding from the Polkadot Treasury, course fees, accommodation and some meals for Cohort 6 participants will be guaranteed, significantly lowering the entry barrier.
A rigorous application process ensures that only the most dedicated candidates make it through. Applicants must pass a blockchain fundamentals exam, complete programming assignments and attend an interview. Those who need a prep boost can turn to Polkadot’s online school PBA-X, which offers foundational courses to help them qualify. This screening process ensures that the approximately 100 developers accepted are not only technically proficient, but also highly motivated to leave their mark on the blockchain industry.
For those passionate about decentralized systems, the Lucerne course offers more than just an education: it is an entry point into a global movement. Whether attendees’ goals are designing the next generation of dapps or securing the backbone of a blockchain protocol, PBA provides the tools, guidance, and community needed to succeed.
