Web3-focused accelerator group Outlier Ventures has partnered with blockchain company Midnight Foundation to launch a new programme to advance the adoption of privacy-enhancing technologies.
Privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) are a type of cryptographic technique that allows the sharing and processing of data without exposing sensitive information.
The accelerator will focus on applications of the technology in key sectors including decentralised identity and finance.
“Although PETs have seen major progress at the infrastructure level, they remain largely untapped at the product level,” said Matt Law, chief commercial officer at Outlier Ventures.
“Most teams lack the tools, funding, or technical support to move beyond research or low-level integration. This program is designed to change that — backing founders who want to utilise PETs to develop real, usable features in consumer-facing and enterprise applications.”
The programme will provide participants with technical support to overcome the complexities of adopting PETs, which the firms have said is a significant barrier to entry.
“Privacy is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s the foundation for real-world adoption,” said Fahmi Syed, president of Midnight Foundation.
“With Midnight’s cutting-edge advancements in confidential smart contracts, we’re giving founders a launchpad to build privacy-first apps that meet both user expectations and regulatory demands.”
The programme will be available for up to six teams.