The National Association of Software and Services Companies (NASSCOM) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Blockchain Research Institute (BRI), a Canada-based syndicated research initiative announced by blockchain authors Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott last year.

According toCIO, the MoU was signed at the NASSCOM’s flagship event ILF WCIT 2018. It is aimed at spreading awareness and promoting training and development of blockchain skills in India.

The institute will work towards reskilling of blockchain technology users and helping them implement their expertise in their firms and projects.

"Delighted to be pushing the envelope in Blockchain research in the country through this MoU. We need to understand that it's not a plug and play we can do tomorrow but there is huge potential in developing this,” NASSCOM Chairman Raman Roy said.

Founded in March 2017, BRI counts over 50 organisations among its members, including support from the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, the City of Toronto, The University Health Network in Toronto, Bank of Canada, and the Federal Institute on Governance,

"There are 2 parts to bringing this to life -1. We need to create an awakening in India, showcase the power of Blockchain and we can do this by looking at incentives/discounts to organizations who do this. That's phase 1,” Don Tapscott said. “Phase 2 and part 2 is where we'd like to build a Blockchain institute in India which is actually building stuff and making things happen.”

The announcement follows the recent launch of FutureSkills platform by NASSCOM. The platform will focus on skill development in areas including Artificial Intelligencce (AI), Virtual Reality, Robotic Process Automation, Internet of Things, Big Data Analytics, 3D Printing, Cloud Computing, Social and Mobile.