UDAX Program Focuses on Production-Ready XRP Ledger Applications
XRP has received a significant boost to its ecosystem through Ripple's expansion of its academic blockchain initiatives into startup acceleration. The company introduced the University Digital Asset Xcelerator program, known as UDAX, with a primary focus on building production-ready applications on the XRP Ledger. This strategic move is designed to strengthen XRP's position as a foundational infrastructure for real-world financial use cases.
Unlike initiatives solely focused on research, UDAX prioritizes execution, regulatory awareness, and capital readiness. According to Ripple, the program assists founders in transforming early-stage ideas into viable solutions capable of meeting institutional demand. This structured approach directly supports XRP adoption by accelerating the development of applications that leverage the functionality of the XRPL.
The inaugural pilot cohort, UDAX UC Berkeley, was launched as a collaborative effort between Ripple and the University of California, Berkeley. This intensive six-week accelerator brought together nine startups, providing them with hands-on technical development support and investor-focused coaching. Throughout the program, engineers, faculty members, and industry mentors worked closely with the participating founders.
Introducing the University Digital Asset Xcelerator (UDAX). 🎓@UCBerkeley and Ripple's University Blockchain Research Initiative launched a pilot program to accelerate the transition from academic innovation to institutional XRP utility: https://t.co/KMyVjPvXT2
The UDAX – UC…
— Ripple (@Ripple) January 16, 2026
Product Deployment Drives XRP Network Growth
The accelerator placed a strong emphasis on achieving measurable progress on the XRP Ledger. Participating teams developed a range of products, including those for tokenized capital markets, decentralized insurance, creator monetization, and payment services. Structured sprints and continuous technical reviews were instrumental in helping founders address scalability and compliance challenges early in the development process.
Several teams successfully delivered live results. WaveTip, for instance, migrated its tipping platform to the XRPL Mainnet and launched it on the Chrome Web Store. X-Card onboarded over $1.5 million in collectible inventory and secured merchant partnerships that serve thousands of collectors. These deployments have contributed to increased transactional activity and have underscored the expanding utility of XRP.
Fundraising Momentum Enhances Institutional Confidence
Capital readiness was a fundamental pillar of the UDAX program. According to Ripple, participating startups achieved an average increase of 67% in product maturity. Founders also reported a 92% improvement in their fundraising confidence after refining their investment narratives. BlockBima, a startup focused on climate-risk microinsurance, saw its active user base triple during the program's duration.
In the capital markets sector, CRX Digital Assets sharpened its strategy for exporting Brazilian credit products globally. The volume of tokenized credit increased from $39 million to $58 million, simultaneously validating the efficiency of XRPL-based settlement. Blockroll introduced stablecoin-backed virtual cards aimed at African freelancers, thereby expanding cross-border payment access through XRP-aligned financial rails.
Broader Startup Progress Strengthens XRP Adoption Outlook
Other participants advanced across diverse sectors. WellArrive refined its dual-sided marketplace following legal mentorship that helped reduce data fragmentation challenges. Spout finalized an equity tokenization model and initiated venture discussions.
EXFIL doubled its active user base and established over 50 strategic partnerships. Mintara Labs generated revenue by underwriting initial crypto-bank insurance deposits.
Ripple intends to expand the UDAX program through future cohorts. The accelerator aims to support XRP by converting academic innovation into deployable blockchain infrastructure, thereby reinforcing the network's relevance for institutional and global financial applications.

