The Hashgraph Association, an independent non-profit organization, announced a partnership with the Indian enterprise blockchain service provider Information Data Systems (IDS). The Hashgraph Association would be the headline sponsor for the upcoming Bharat Blockchain Yatra (BBY) organized by IDS and backed by the government of India. 

Hedera, the network developed by the Hashgraph Association, took to Twitter earlier today to announce its latest partnership:

According to a recent report, the Hashgraph Association would use the Bharat Blockchain Yatra to increase its presence in India ahead of the planned Applied Blockchain Centres of Excellence that would be set up in the country. These centers would focus on Hedera technology and act as a gateway to onboard 50,000 developers on the Hedera India Developer Community portal. 

The BBY, which would be kicked off on August 6, 2023, has the support of the All India Council for Technical Education, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology. Hedera would organize hackathons during the BBY campaign and provide funding of up to $250,000 to the top three blockchain projects. These projects would build enterprise facing applications on the Hedera network. 

Speaking on the partnership with IDS, Hashgraph Association President Kamal Youssefi stated: 

In partnering with IDS and sponsoring Bharat Blockchain Yatra, The Hashgraph Association will further its commitment to empowering developers and businesses to build innovative blockchain/DLT solutions that can benefit society through the use of the Hedera network.

The Bharat Blockchain Yatra is expected to attract 7,500 participants and more than 100 thought leaders from the crypto space. The seven month long campaign would be held across 18 states in India and feature 25 events, including summits, boot camps, hackathons, round table discussions, and business pitches and launchpads.