Who Will Build the Future of Web3?

Blockchain has come a long way - from niche circles to mainstream headlines. But while the technology moves fast, the talent to build it still remains limited.
There's no shortage of hype, capital or big ideas in Web3. What's missing - is the next wave of skilled engineers, cryptographers, security experts - who actually know how this stuff works and can build it well.

Around 493 new roles are posted monthly, attracting over 117 applicants each. But only few have the skillset that Web3 really needs: cryptography fundamentals, smart contract design, security, DeFi logic and regulatory awareness.

Markets & Markets expects the global blockchain market to grow from $20.1B in 2024 to $248.9B by 2029. That growth can't happen without the people to build and maintain it, so it creates one urgent need: skilled human resource to make it real, those who have a structured, research-backed education.

For years, blockchain existed mostly outside the university ecosystem. But that's changing. Today, top institutions - from Stanford to smaller national universities - are actively integrating blockchain topics into core curricula. And it's not just lectures. Many schools are forming direct partnerships with crypto companies to co-develop courses, run research hubs and test new technologies.
These alliances are a win-win:

• Companies gain early access to talent and research.

• Students learn from real-world use cases and secure career pathways.

• Universities stay relevant in fast-moving industries.

🎓 One recent example comes from Ukraine - a country rapidly building a reputation for its Web3 maturity. In 2023, Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA) partnered with WhiteBIT to launch a blockchain certification program for graduate students in computer science. The course materials were co-developed with local Web3 experts and even integrate elements from Stanford's CS-251, a gold standard in blockchain education, (full story here, via Forklog).

One of the most notable innovations were graduation certificates issued as NFTs via Whitechain, embedding credentials directly into the Web3 ecosystem.

By integrating blockchain education into formal institutions, the industry builds a sustainable pipeline of talent that can think critically, build securely and scale responsibly. I do believe that the next generation of blockchain engineers won't come from Discord channels or Telegram communities. They'll come from classrooms, research hubs and hybrid programs that merge technical depth with practical exposure.

This isn't just about education. It's about building long-term infrastructure in the minds of those who will define it.