Liquid Stake with compassSOL for an 7.15% APY from staking, MEV + fees

Enjoy the freedom of liquid staking in Solana Defi while delegating your stake to the high performance Solana Compass validator. Stake or unstake at any time here, or with a Jupiter swap.

Benefit from our high staking returns and over 2 years experience operating a Solana validator, and receive additional yield from priority fees + MEV tips

Earn 6.5% APY staking with Solana Compass

Help decentralize and secure the Solana network delegating your stake to us and earn an impressive 6.5% APY yield on your SOL, while supporting us to create new guides and tools. Learn more

Stake your SOL

  1. Click to connect your wallet
  2. Enter the amount you wish to stake
  3. Kick back and enjoy your returns
  4. Unstake from your wallet or our staking dashboard

Earn 6.5% APY staking with Solana Compass

Help decentralize and secure the Solana network delegating your stake to us and earn an impressive 6.5% APY yield on your SOL, while supporting us to create new guides and tools.

Learn more

Breakpoint 2023: Next Gen Blockchain: Builders of the Future

Published on 2023-11-09

Nathan Galindo discusses the impact and future of Solana University, its integration in academia, and the Solana ambassador program.

The notes below are AI generated and may not be 100% accurate. Watch the video to be sure!

Summary

At Breakpoint 2023, Nathan Galindo, a Solana ambassador and student at Baylor University, delivers an insightful presentation on Solana University (Solana U) detailing its evolution, current initiatives, and vision for the future. Focused on harnessing the academic potential for driving blockchain innovation, Galindo explains how Solana U bridges the gap between traditional academic institutions and the forward-thinking blockchain ecosystem. His talk underscores the importance of engaging with students, fostering a community of creators, and building relationships that propel the growth of both Solana and the broader blockchain industry.

Key Points:

Solana U: Purpose and Mission

Nathan Galindo speaks passionately about the inception of Solana U and its primary mission to integrate blockchain technology into the academic sphere. He points out the stark contrast between the traditional educational curriculum and the rapidly advancing field of blockchain, stressing the necessity for convergence. Addressing the bureaucratic hurdles within academia, Galindo highlights how Solana U was established to cultivate organic connections with students, faculty, and researchers, creating an innovative and vibrant culture within the blockchain domain.

The Evolution of Solana University

Reflecting on the tremendous progress since the launch of Solana U, Galindo shares success stories of how the initiative has catalyzed a global community of innovators and students. With Solana hackathon entries and increased student presence at Breakpoint conferences, it's evident that the program is nurturing a new generation of blockchain developers. Galindo's anecdotes about Solana U ambassadors like Adil and Joey give life to the idea that community and collaboration are at the heart of Solana's ethos.

FATE: The Future of Solana U

Galindo encapsulates the future of Solana U using the acronym FATE – Founders, Accelerators, Engagement, and Touching Grass. Each letter reflects a strategic focus for the program, aiming to foster a decentralized future filled with innovation. By supporting student founders through accelerators and boosting campus engagement via blockchain clubs, Solana U is poised to build strong, in-person relationships that withstand the industry's controversies and challenges.

Facts + Figures

  • Nathan Galindo is a student, founder of LIS, and a Solana ambassador who leads the university relations team at the Solana Foundation.
  • Solana University was created to make inroads into academic institutions and enhance the blockchain ecosystem.
  • Approximately 80 to 90 percent of the foundational research for Bitcoin originated in academic universities during the '80s and '90s.
  • Solana U aims to inspire students to contribute to Solana and foster a culture of innovation.
  • In 2022, the Solana community grew significantly, judging by hackathon participation and the establishment of the first Solana accelerator.
  • Relationships formed through Solana U have already led to collaborations and developments, such as the creation of Stockpile, a fundraising platform built on Solana.
  • The FATE acronym outlines the future goals for Solana U, centered around creating founders, supporting acceleration, increasing engagement, and fostering real-world connections.

Top quotes

  • "If you're here, you are a true DJN. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise."
  • "Thus Solana U was born."
  • "As an ecosystem, it is integral that we stay close to the academic roots in order to stay the course of thoughtful and deliberate innovation."
  • "The true miracle, the lightning in the bottle, is that we've cultivated a community of people that truly care."
  • "Solana U today is best characterized by the meaningful relationships that were made between ambitious students."
  • "What does Solana use FATE? Let's discuss it."
  • "Being full relationships are what hold us together. This will never change."
  • "This is our future. This is what makes us strong and persists the FUD that has plagued Solana in the past few years."
  • "They're not the heroes we deserve, but they're the heroes we need."

Questions Answered

What is the main objective of Solana University (Solana U)?

Solana U was founded to bridge the gap between the advancing field of blockchain technology and traditional academic curriculums. Aimed to foster innovation by making connections within academic institutions, Solana U encourages students and faculty to actively contribute to the blockchain space.

How has Solana U impacted the blockchain ecosystem?

Since its inception, Solana U has greatly influenced the blockchain ecosystem by nurturing a global community of students turned innovators who have participated in hackathons and created projects like Stockpile, a fundraising platform on Solana. These developments are testament to the initiative's success in inspiring new talent.

What does the acronym FATE stand for in the context of Solana U's future?

FATE stands for Founders, Accelerators, Engagement, and Touching Grass, which are the key strategic focuses for the future of Solana U. Each component aims to create a decentralized future, encouraging student participation, project acceleration, on-campus engagement, and forging real-world connections.

Why should anyone care about the progress of Solana University?

Solana University represents a pivotal movement in recognizing and integrating blockchain technology within academic environments. With blockchain continually shaping our digital future, programs like Solana U are instrumental in cultivating the talent that will fuel innovation and solve complex global challenges.

What are some achievements of Solana U?

Solana U's achievements include the launch of the first Solana accelerator, significant participation in blockchain hackathons, and the development of international relationships with students across over 20 countries. The invitation of over 200 students to the Breakpoint conference also showcases its growing influence.

Related Content

Breakpoint 2023: Auditor's Panel

Insights from leading blockchain auditors on the importance of security in the Solana ecosystem.

Breakpoint 2023: Youth in Web3

Exploring the journey, challenges, and advice of young professionals in the Web3 ecosystem.

Breakpoint 2023: Power Talk: Hubble Protocol

A deep dive into the potential and challenges of DeFi protocols, with insights from a Hubble and Kamino Protocols contributor.

Breakpoint 2023: Redefining Music Ownership

An exploration into Boombox Labs' mission to reshape music ownership and fan interaction in the digital age.

Breakpoint 2023: Fast Reed-Solomon Coding for Network Communications

A technical discussion on enhancing global network communications via accelerated Reed-Solomon coding.

Breakpoint 2023: Web3 Security and Best Practices

An in-depth look at securing the Web3 environment with industry best practices and tools.

Breakpoint 2023: Solang: Running Solidity Natively on Solana

An introduction to Solang, a tool that compiles Solidity code to run natively on the Solana blockchain.

Breakpoint 2023: How to Store Solana NFTs On-Chain - A Brief Overview

An insightful exploration into the essentials of storing NFTs on Solana's blockchain.

Breakpoint 2023: Decoding Zero Knowledge - Building the Future of Privacy and Compliance

Exploring the intersection of zero-knowledge proofs, privacy, and regulatory compliance in blockchain technology.

Breakpoint 2023: How Solana Empowers Consumer Data Sovereignty

Hugh Rhodes of Friday discusses how Solana blockchain can reshape consumer data control and privacy.

Breakpoint 2023: Political Advocacy From the Pros: What Effective Engagement Looks Like

Discussions from industry experts on the complexities and strategies of crypto advocacy in the US and EU.

Breakpoint 2023: Stablecoin Panel

Experts from the stablecoin sector discuss the future of money, cryptocurrency interoperability, and regulations.

Breakpoint 2023: DRiP on Solana

A discussion on the evolution and success of DRiP, a Web3 platform on Solana, and its impact on crypto engagement and creator monetization.

Breakpoint 2023: Is DePIN the Catalyst for Widespread Adoption of Web3?

Michael Sothan discusses the potential of decentralized physical infrastructure networks (DePIN) in revolutionizing Web3.

Breakpoint 2023: Governance and the Building Blocks of a DAO

Exploring the significance of decentralized governance and the challenges facing DAOs in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.