December 26, 2024

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[THE INVESTIR] Theta Labs, operator of Theta, the first video delivery network powered by blockchain, said on Nov. 15 it has teamed up with Korea’s KAIST to jointly develop the elite school’s blockchain curriculum and foster a new generation of talent in the sector.

This is the San Jose-based firm’s latest partnership in Korea after it signed deals with local media giant Maekyung Media Group and CJ Hello, the nation’s largest cable TV operator, earlier this year. 

Theta said it will build several programs for KAIST’s electrical engineering computing schools. Starting early next year, its executives will teach a graduate-level credit course on blockchain development at the K-School, a specialty engineering program that integrates entrepreneurship with technology.

“With Korea leading the world in blockchain adoption, the market is looking for developers and entrepreneurs who have a sophisticated understanding of the technology as well as how it can transform existing industries,” said Prof. Jong-Hwan Kim, dean of electrical engineering department at KAIST. “Partnering with Theta enables us to provide unparalleled insights on blockchain and its real-world applications to our students. The technology is at the same stage as the internet in 1997. At KAIST, our students have a unique opportunity to shape the future of this emerging industry as it blossoms into a world-changing force.”

“Our partnership with KAIST, known as the MIT of Korea will help us continue to shape the future of blockchain by educating the technology leaders of tomorrow,” said Mitch Liu, co-founder and CEO of Theta Labs. “I was personally in these students’ shoes years ago as an undergraduate student at the MIT Media Lab, and I gained valuable insights working with industry partners. We have a unique chance to partner with Korea’s top engineering school to drive blockchain innovation and entrepreneurship.”

Theta is a video delivery network powered by blockchain that incentivizes anyone to restream video and enables next-generation video apps that deepen viewer engagement and create new revenues while reducing costs. 

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)