The University of Basel, Switzerland is collaborating with blockchain startup Proxeus to use Ethereum blockchain for registration of course completion certificates.

The initiative is spearheaded by the university’s Center for Innovative Finance (CIF) of the Faculty of Business and Economics. CIF is the first institution in Switzerland to use blockchain to secure their academic credentials from fraud.

The solution being developed comprises of two tools – one for CIF, which will be used to create the certificate and register it to the blockchain and, the other will be publicly available, allowing anyone to verify that the electronic document has been issued by the university, and that the content is accurate.

“Fraudulent documents are a problem in academia just as it is in any field,” Managing Director of CIF Dr. Fabian Schär said. “By securing credentials on the Blockchain, we provide an extra layer of security for graduates and potential employers. These credentials can’t be faked, and can be easily verified online. It will introduce a new paradigm of security and offer value to all parties - employers don’t lose time checking credentials, graduates have an edge, and the institutions themselves reduce their reputational risk and a significant administrative burden.”

The first prototype, based on Proxeus technology, will be used to create certificates of completion for the CIF’s Blockchain course.

A number of academic institutions around the globe are exploring blockchain technology to issue digital certificates. This includes the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the University of Melbourne, and Ngee Ann Polytechnic, among others.