# IC3 - The Initiative for Cryptocurrencies and Contracts > From the Lecture Hall to the Real World IC3 is an academic research initiative that advances blockchain science through multi-university collaboration. IC3 brings together researchers from several universities to study blockchain, cryptography, and distributed systems. It publishes peer-reviewed research, develops open-source tools, and organizes annual coding camps, conferences, and retreats. The initiative connects academic findings to real-world blockchain deployments across industry and open-source communities. - Type: Project - Sector: Science - Status: Active - Founded: 2015-01-01 - Profile: https://thegrid.id/profiles/ic3_the_initiative_for_cryptocurrencies_and_c ## Products - [IC3 Events](https://thegrid.id/profiles/ic3_the_initiative_for_cryptocurrencies_and_c): IC3 Events is a program of recurring blockchain research events for academics and industry practitioners. The annual IC3 Blockchain Camp provides a week-long immersive experience combining research presentations, workshops, and a competitive hackathon. The Science of Blockchain Conference (SBC), co-organized with Stanford and UC Berkeley, covers blockchain security, cryptography, and distributed systems. Additional programs include Winter Retreats and periodic member webinars. (Events & Conferences, Live, Main Product) - [IC3-Cornell Blockchain Accelerator](https://thegrid.id/profiles/ic3_the_initiative_for_cryptocurrencies_and_c): The IC3-Cornell Blockchain Accelerator is a 14-week program for early-stage blockchain projects with an IC3 or Cornell affiliation. Participating teams receive seed funding consideration, mentorship from IC3 faculty and PhD researchers, introductions to blockchain industry professionals and investors, and access to a network of alumni companies. Eligibility requires at least one team member with a technical background and an IC3 or Cornell connection. (Venture Fund, Live) ## Links - [Main](https://ic3research.org) - [Event Calendar](https://ic3research.org/events) - [Blog](https://ic3research.org/blogs) - [Twitter / X](https://x.com/initc3org) - [YouTube](https://youtube.com/@UCz-eTbD4kHkYxGhUfXawHow) - [LinkedIn](https://linkedin.com/company/the-initiative-for-cryptocurrencies-contracts-ic3) - [Medium](https://medium.com/initc3org) ## Legal This data is provided under two licensing models. Model 1 - open data. The open data core is licensed under the Open Database License (ODbL) — a copyleft/share-alike license allowing free use, modification, and sharing for any purpose. Attribution is required: include "Powered by The Grid" linking to https://thegrid.id wherever the data is used. Derivative databases must be shared under ODbL terms. Trademarks, logos, and brand names (marked "Special TPIP") are not covered by the ODbL. 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