The recent advancements within the Ethereum ecosystem are truly motivating. Whether you’re enthusiastic about the adoption of proof of stake (resulting in a faster, more secure, and environmentally friendly Ethereum), the anticipated Merge and other significant upgrades, or the myriad applications and solutions poised to transform various industries, it’s an exhilarating time to be part of the Ethereum community.
Our evolving role
While we all share excitement for Ethereum’s growth and the future that our collective efforts can help shape, I frequently receive inquiries about the Ethereum Foundation’s role and how our philosophy of subtraction aligns with that future.
“Society flourishes when older generations plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” – anonymous Greek proverb
When contemplating the creation of a genuine and enduring impact, one that transcends our personal lives as well as our organizations, it becomes crucial for us to remove excess where possible so that the ecosystem—referred to as the Ethereum garden—can sustainably flourish without excessive dependence on the EF or any other entity.
Nonetheless, we also recognize that certain developments won’t occur organically until the garden reaches maturity. Seeds must be sown, and someone needs to nurture them. Additionally, we attend to the weeds that might hinder healthy growth in the garden. Our concern is not solely for longevity but also for the vitality of the Ethereum garden to ensure Ethereum remains “Ethereum.”
Seeking opportunities within the bigger picture
In our efforts to ensure the ecosystem’s longevity and health, I consistently encourage our team to broaden their perspectives and examine the larger picture as we identify specific tasks that only EF can undertake. One key question I pose is: “Are we focusing on users who would benefit most from Ethereum?”
Currently, developing countries represent over 80% of the global population, and among the approximately 400,000 babies born worldwide daily, over 360,000 are born in developing nations. The individuals in these regions symbolize not only our collective future but may also embody the next billion active Ethereum users. This represents a new wave of developers that will contribute to a stronger and more resilient Ethereum tomorrow. Furthermore, Ethereum’s attributes—trust, transparency, efficiency, and coordination—hold significant potential in developing countries where these elements are frequently scarce. It is within this landscape—an intersection of opportunities, impact, and the potential for Ethereum—that the Ethereum Foundation Fellowship Program was established.
Meet the EF Fellowship Program
The Ethereum Foundation Fellowship Program is a pilot initiative recently launched by the Next Billion, a team at EF dedicated to identifying opportunities in emerging economies. This program offers us a chance to collaborate with innovators whose projects have the potential to drive impactful changes in these economies using Ethereum. Participants will benefit from a unique experience encompassing mentorship, expertise, and access to leaders within the Ethereum ecosystem.
What distinguishes this from standard grant support? Our vision extends beyond merely supporting specific projects; we aim to create a ripple effect. We aspire for others to derive lessons from this cohort’s endeavors and feel inspired to undertake similar initiatives within their communities or even to develop enhanced solutions.
Our inaugural cohort
Benson Njuguna (Acre Africa) is implementing blockchain solutions for a microinsurance product that safeguards thousands of small-scale farmers in Kenya against extreme weather. His project aims to test and demonstrate Ethereum’s ability to support the viability and sustainability of products and services tailored for those at the bottom of the wealth pyramid.
Chuy Cepeda (OS.City) offers municipal and national governments a platform for the seamless issuance of digital identities and blockchain-based documents to their citizens. His vision includes a future where government-issued documents (like permits and IDs) can be stored in Ethereum wallets. Throughout the Fellowship Program, he and his team will partner with the Argentine government to devise strategies for advancing significant blockchain adoption in the public sector across Latin America.
Kuldeep Bandhu Aryal (BRAC) will craft a blockchain and cryptocurrency strategy for BRAC, the world’s largest NGO, based in Bangladesh, which serves over 100 million people annually. Kuldeep’s initiative involves various experiments with blockchain that could serve as a blueprint for other social enterprises and the broader development sector.
Naroa Zurutuza (Giga) is investigating Ethereum-based solutions as part of Giga’s mission to connect every school to the internet. By contributing to delivering this crucial public good to billions of currently unconnected individuals, Naroa envisions numerous roles for blockchain, from enhancing accountability of service providers and financing infrastructure for connectivity to serving as a gateway to the global economy and marketplaces.
Stay informed and involved
Initiated as a small-scale experiment with this inaugural cohort, this program represents a new strategic avenue for EF to allocate resources to regions that still present abundant opportunities for the future of Ethereum. The issues being addressed carry significant and enduring implications for Ethereum’s value, facilitating public sector adoption while fostering financial inclusion and contributing positively to the fight against climate change, among other goals.
We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Benson, Chuy, Kuldeep, and Naroa during this pilot year of the Ethereum Foundation Fellowship Program as they integrate Ethereum into their projects in the coming months. Kudos to Taira Ishikura and Serena Tan from the Next Billion team for the launch, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who assisted us in identifying candidates.
We look forward to collaborating with other community members to support these Fellows, and if you wish to stay connected with the Fellowship Program or any of the Fellows, please sign up to receive updates here, or reach out to the team at fellowship@ethereum.org.
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