In the heart of Kansas City, a remarkable partnership is taking shape, bringing together blockchain visionaries, local digital innovation advocates, and global thought leaders from the University of Nicosia in Cyprus. This collaboration holds the promise of providing tech-forward thinkers with a new level of expertise, specifically a master's in crypto.
Uniting Kansas City with Global Blockchain Innovation
What is the KC Futures DAO?
The KC Futures DAO is dedicated to transforming Kansas City into a premier global hub for various fields such as entrepreneurship, innovation, technology, sustainability, research, and the arts. By leveraging blockchain technology, it showcases and celebrates the city's diversity and abundance, aiming to foster and attract talent that is inventing the future, as well as investors and global partnerships.It serves as a local force, working towards a common goal of making Kansas City a digital leader. With its efforts, it has been striving to bring together a community of future-tech believers for some time. Jim Starcev, the program manager for KC Digital Drive, emphasizes that ultimately, the goal is for the DAO to become its own legal entity. In the interim, it plays an administrative and 501c3 role.
Activity within the local tech startup and blockchain community has been fluctuating, in tune with public opinions about crypto. There are many different groups that have been functioning independently, but bringing them together as an ecosystem is still in its early stages. As Starcev said, "The whole blockchain idea, especially when tied to crypto, is such an ebb and flow." However, he now believes that momentum is building globally, and this multi-organization partnership will contribute significantly to the local energy.
Benefits to KC
As part of this unique partnership, the University of Nicosia (UNIC) will offer its free Mastering Web3 MOOC starting in February 2025 to all KC Digital Drive members. This 12-week course provides a comprehensive overview of Web3 technologies, including blockchain, cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and the metaverse. Successful participants will receive a blockchain-verifiable certificate of accomplishment from UNIC.In addition to access to the MOOC, the real advantage of this arrangement is that KC Digital Drive and KC Futures DAO members will be eligible for exclusive discounts on UNIC's online MSc in blockchain and Digital Currency, MSc in metaverse, and various academic certification programs. Scholarships are also under discussion, with the partnership planning to introduce KC Futures DAO Scholarships for members pursuing these programs.
Furthermore, KC Digital Drive staff will collaborate with the DAO and UNIC to support local students and alumni in securing career opportunities within the blockchain and digital assets sectors. This shows the commitment of the partnership to the growth and development of the local community.
Supporting a Connected Future
The KC Futures DAO acts as the local face of the partnership, while KC Digital Drive serves as the organizing body. The partnership is documented in a memorandum of understanding between them and the university. This global partnership, spanning several continents and time zones, requires careful coordination and cooperation.KC Digital Drive is a nonprofit focused on civic issues, working "to make Kansas City a digital leader." Aaron Deacon, the managing director, and Jim Starcev are on the DAO's founding team. They have been working together to bring together a community of future-tech believers and are committed to driving the blockchain Web3 education in the United States.
Business and Quality Assurance Analyst Edward Manoukian played a crucial role in bringing the parties together. As a crypto and blockchain enthusiast since 2017, he was looking for a more formal education and found it at the University of Nicosia. After finishing his studies, he realized the lack of similar programs in Kansas City and decided to take action. Now, as the founder and operator of blockchain advising firm CryptoGnosis, he has been instrumental in connecting the dots and making this partnership a reality.
