Bharti Airtel has acquired a strategic stake in blockchain technology startup Aquilliz as part of its Startup Accelerator Program. The Indian network carrier plans to deploy Aquilliz’s advanced blockchain in its adtech, digital entertainment and digital marketplace businesses.
“Blockchain technology is maturing and we see its application across areas such as Adtech, Creator Economy, and Loyalty Programs. We are thrilled to have Aqilliz join our Startup Accelerator Program and be part of Airtel’s digital innovation factory,” said Adarsh Nair, CEO of Airtel Digital.
Singapore-based Aquilliz has developed a patented hybrid blockchain platform, Atom, to integrate differential privacy and federated learning on a distributed digital ledger.
“We are extremely excited to be a part of Airtel’s digital innovation play and bring this first of its kind blockchain technology to India. Aqilliz’s patented technology will enable Airtel to capture and carry this value exchange in the form of consent and provenance across the digital supply chain. We look forward to working closely with the team at Airtel,” said Gowthaman Ragothaman, founder and CEO of Aqilliz.
LastDecember, Airtel launched its ‘Airtel India Startup Innovation Challenge’ initiative along with Invest India to encourage young startups to build solutions around 5G, IoT, cloud communications, digital advertising and digital entertainment.
