Zurich-based business platform nexussquared has announced the ten blockchain startups that will participate in its three-month nexuslab programme, whose aim is to boost Europe’s blockchain industry. 

The ten startups have been chosen from among some 50 qualified applicants, says Daniel Grassinger, Managing Director of nexuslab and co-founder of nexussquared, as quoted by Blockchain News. The startups selected by nexussquared cover a wide scope of blockchain-related industries and include, among others, a solar energy development company, an Ethereum-based smart contract provider, a music-sharing platform, a nano-payment service, a cloud storage device and a mobile wallet payment provider.
The programme launches on 24 April and comprises three stages. The first stage consists in virtual communication between startup founders and so-called “mentors,” that is, representatives of successful fintech companies, or in other words, seasoned specialists who are ready to help new enterprises develop. The first phase also includes three weekend face-to-face hangouts in European capitals (namely, Amsterdam, London and Berlin).
The second stage brings the participating teams to Zurich for a month, where they will be able to work and interact with mentors and advisors. Only select startups will proceed to the third programme stage, during which nexussquared promises financing and strategic partnerships. 
The programme is launched with the cooperation of Startupbootcamp, a global network of industry-focused startup accelerators. 
Nexussquared offers a range of options attractive to a blockchain startupper, including cooperation with the Swiss blockchain ecosystem Cryptovalley Zug, access to the Startupbootcamp network, exposure to Swiss financial industry leaders and access to nexussquared’s virtual innovation platform. 
The nexuslab programme focuses specifically on promoting blockchain in Europe. At least one founder of each startup should be Europe-based, reads the business platform’s website.
This blockchain-boosting initiative is not the only one envisaged by nexussquared. The second edition of the programme will take place later in 2016. The company promises that new applications, both from startups with convincing early-stage ideas and from teams that have already received seed funding, will be considered.

Andrew Levich