Spain: Barcelona to Create Blockchain Center in City’s Tech Hub

Barcelona Tech City will create a specialized space for blockchain technology development, local news outlet La Vanguardia reports today, May 24.

The blockchain space will consist of a second building near to Pier01, the headquarters of Barcelona Tech City that opened in summer 2016, and will most likely be occupied by Spanish blockchain network Alastria, according to unnamed sources.

Pier01 currently houses 1,000 professionals from tech startups and innovation hubs as part of the city’s digital ecosystem in the reconverted Palau de Mar. La Vanguardia writes that the different buildings of Barcelona Tech City will be connected by electric vehicles and also contain centers for health, gaming, and media.

Last November, software firm SAP announced that it would join Alastria’s blockchain consortium, which contains more than 150 member organizations, including Spanish banks, telecommunications networks, and universities.

Blockchain tech hubs have been popping up worldwide, such as the European Union’s February announcement of plans to open a Blockchain Observatory and Forum as well as New York’s May announcement of the opening of a Blockchain Resource Center.