https://blog.cosmos.network/secure-your-spot-the-interchain-developer-academys-5th-intake-is-now-open-for-applications-cee39d0587

A self-paced online training program with expert guidance on the core components of the Interchain Stack

The Interchain Developer Academy is launching the fifth cohort of its comprehensive training program! Once again, the Interchain Foundation is fully funding the program with the goal of attracting experienced web2 devs to the blockchain industry and reinforcing the professional skills and credentials of existing web3 devs. Now is your chance to join them!

800 developers have been through the program in the previous four cohorts, and have reported a 95% approval rate for the Academy. Developers particularly like the practical training aspects and guidance provided by our team of expert tutors, who respond to technical queries throughout the main program and the examination period that follows.

“I would like to congratulate the team behind this because I’m impressed with the quality of the course. It’s magic, if you follow it step by step, you encounter problems, but you also have the tools to confront them, and you learn without even realizing it. I was really busy the first few weeks, but the quality of the material motivated me to finish it anyway. I hope to use this knowledge wisely and represent Interchain well. Really, really impressive work!”

— Juan Carlos Frutos Hernández | Cohort 4 graduate

For a chance to join our graduates and expand your opportunities register for Cohort 5 now!

About the Interchain Developer Academy

The Academy is a 7-week online program, designed by blockchain training experts from our education partner, B9Lab, featuring 80 hours of content. You’ll enjoy self-paced learning with hands-on guidance from our support team, and connect with an engaged community of developers through dedicated Discord channels.

You’ll learn foundational principles of blockchain technology and receive a comprehensive overview of the Interchain Stack. You’ll learn how the interchain differs from other ecosystems and explore ATOM, wallets, and staking. The focus on extended practical coding exercises will strengthen your skills for working on future applications.

The Academy will leave you with a solid understanding of:

• Blockchain technology and main concepts of the Interchain Stack
• Developing with the Cosmos SDK & Ignite CLI
• Using the Inter-Blockchain Communication Protocol to connect chains
• Relaying in the Interchain
• Building front- and backends with CosmJS
• Integrating wallets such as Keplr
• Node operation and validation on Interchain blockchains
• Moving from code to MVP to production and migration

After the main program comes the final exam period, where you have the opportunity to gain official certification from the Interchain Foundation! You’ll join the growing alumni community where you can discuss your own projects, learn about open roles such as those on the B9Lab jobs board, and receive information direct from core contributors to the interchain.

“My experience with the Academy was extremely positive. I loved the content and the instructors. This was the most useful and informative free online web3 course I’ve seen. It allowed me to branch out and explore work in other places in the ecosystem, and it led directly to a full-time job offer at the Interchain Foundation, which I was delighted to accept!”

— Serdar Turkmenafsar, IBC Engineer with Interchain GmbH | Cohort 3 graduate

Join 300 devs on an Interchain journey

Applications are now open for Cohort 5 of the Academy. You’ll first take a screening test to evaluate your knowledge of conventional web2 software development concepts and demonstrate your problem-solving skills. There are no blockchain-related questions in this test — that is provided within the Academy.

The screening test deadline is October 23rd. The main program will run from November 2nd to December 21st. This is followed by a two-week break before the new year, with the final examination period taking place between January 4th and February 1st.

Cohort 5 has 300 seats available on a first-come-first-served basis to those who pass the screening test, and historically seats fill up fast, so don’t delay!

Visit academy.interchain.io to find out more about the application and screening process.

“Even before the Academy was finished it was already delivering great value. I participated in my first Code4rena auditing contest and took 3rd place with some nice prize money! The Academy was instrumental to help me quickly gain enough knowledge to know where and what to look for in a project within the interchain ecosystem.”

— Peppe Landolfi | Cohort 4 graduate

Why learn the Interchain Stack?

The interchain ecosystem hosts independent, interoperable, application-specific blockchains, built using modular components from the developer-friendly Cosmos SDK, and connected with the ground-breaking Inter-Blockchain Communication Protocol (IBC).

Using the Interchain Stack, you can build entirely autonomous dApps that can easily be interconnected with both web2 and web3 systems. You can also rely on a product stack that is well-maintained and continuously updated, plus a community that is large, active, and supportive.

The scale of the interchain has significant implications for blockchain technology. There are currently over 100 appchains built with the Interchain Stack and hundreds of dApps and services built on them. The demand for developers in the interchain will continue to rise.

Is the Academy right for you?

You don’t need to be familiar with blockchain coding to join the Academy, but you should have a minimum of three years of professional programming experience. You should also be willing and able to commit to the estimated 10+ hours of work per week to complete the seven-week program. The program offers a suggested structure for learning but is designed to allow you some flexibility in your approach.

The Interchain Developer Academy targets devs who are motivated by the potential of blockchain technology and are serious about launching (or boosting) their web3 career.

If that sounds like you, then apply now and get ready to prove yourself!

What do developers think about the Academy?

“I have been working in this field for more than 5 years (at KalpaTech validator) and I can say that the IDA helped me to understand the SDK and the IBC module in more depth. The academy triggered me to search for an opportunity as a GO developer in this ecosystem. Overall, I highly recommend this academy. Thank you! Keep up the good work!”

— Aurel Simion | Cohort 4 graduate

“I love the exercise and final exam. Thank you guys for the academy.”

— Nam Le | Cohort 4 graduate

“Thank you for organizing this course. It provides a very solid foundation for learning and contributing to the interchain ecosystem. I learned a lot, especially the core concepts, it was very productive. Despite my other commitments and time constraints, I was able to make it through because the course material was both interesting and well-organized. The exercises were engaging and challenging, marking a new chapter in my extensive software engineering journey.”

— Ali Karim | Cohort 4 graduate

“It was great. Learned a lot and not too difficult.”

— Walter Cavinaw | Cohort 4 graduate

“Great introduction to the Interchain technology stack, one which I’ve been a fan of for a long time but never had the opportunity to learn in depth. Eager to put the skills to use. Thank you very much for the course!”

— Ryan Collette | Cohort 4 graduate

“It was a great experience, looking forward to learn more in future.”

— Sourabh Thakurz | Cohort 4 graduate

“Really nice experience. I really liked the course also because I never used Go and Typescript so I faced those two new languages. In addition I mastered Docker.”

— Antonio Marrazzo | Cohort 4 graduate

“It is an excellent resource and great what you have put in.”

— Govinda Attal | Cohort 4 graduate

“It is a great learning experience, the whole content and final exam are well-designed, and the technical support is also great. Thanks a lot. You did a great job.”

— Lester Li | Cohort 4 graduate

“Wonderful experience with great support from the team.”

— Gavin Chan | Cohort 4 graduate

About B9Lab

B9Lab have trained over 17,000 people in more than 160 countries about multiple blockchain protocols, and have been tasked by the Interchain Foundation to run the Interchain Developer Academy. They are passionate about technology adoption, getting new developers into web3, and helping blockchain ecosystems to thrive.

Read here to learn more about B9Lab’s work with the Interchain Foundation.

Secure Your Spot: The Interchain Developer Academy’s 5th Intake is Now Open for Applications! was originally published in Interchain Ecosystem Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

https://blog.cosmos.network/academy-experiences-why-passion-and-excitement-are-what-really-fuels-web3-e3c70fb9dfbb

Academy experiences — why passion and excitement are what really fuels web3

Approaching its one year anniversary, the Interchain Developer Academy has already helped 400+ developers learn to work with Cosmos SDK, IBC, and CosmJS, boosting their ability to seek careers in the Interchain. With the fourth cohort starting soon, we reached out to invite some of our graduates to introduce themselves and talk about their experiences on the course and in web3 generally.

Stefano Magini was already working in the ecosystem when he joined the Interchain Developer Academy — he wanted more

Web3 is an environment hungry for talent. The Interchain Developer Academy is designed to satisfy the needs of devs with no experience of blockchain, and also those of devs already in the field. However, it cannot provide the motivation individuals need in order to succeed.

In our second interview with Academy alumni, we’re talking to Stefano Magini, who had more than enough enthusiasm for blockchain and the Interchain ecosystem to do just that.

• Please introduce yourself!

Hi there! I’m Stefano, a backend and blockchain developer from Italy. My passion for technology and finance began back in 2007 when I started exploring hacking and gaming on retroserver forums. Over the years, I’ve worked with various companies as a backend developer, continually growing my skill set and embracing the exciting challenges the software development world offers.

• How did you get started in software development?

I convinced my dad to buy me a domain name and a shared hosting plan because I wanted to create my first website! We faced some early challenges, like realizing that Windows Server wouldn’t run PHP code, prompting us to invest in a managed server migration. My interest grew, and I explored other aspects of computing. I transitioned to Unix-like systems after a family friend introduced me to Puppy Linux, and I became captivated by its power and flexibility. I remember receiving a free official Ubuntu Linux disk in the mail when the Ubuntu Foundation was doing so.

• Tell us about your shift into web3.

My interest in blockchain technology sparked in 2011 when I first learned about Bitcoin at a political demonstration in front of the Rome Parliament. A fervent individual was promoting this groundbreaking economic and financial system which piqued my curiosity, but back then my IT knowledge wasn’t sufficient to fully grasp the implications of digital scarcity. My real transition began during the 2016–17 crypto bull run, around the time of Ethereum’s emergence and the rise of CryptoKitties-like applications. It wasn’t until the DAO Hack and the ETH fork in 2016 that I immersed myself in web3 development.

These events highlighted to me the potential of the technology to make a positive impact, and I became passionate about creating decentralized applications. I spent a year observing the evolution of various protocols before venturing into freelancing and eventually joining a company. Since then, I’ve been actively engaged in the web3 space, seeking opportunities to contribute to its growth and development. I’m fortunate to be part of an industry that I genuinely love.

• Have you experimented independently running a blockchain-based app, or collaborating with other devs on interesting projects?

Currently, I’m working as a GoLang developer in the Interchain ecosystem, specifically with Quasar Finance, a Layer 1 Blockchain that aims to reduce onboarding friction and create decentralized vault strategies leveraging IBC Protocol and CosmWasm contracts. I’m thrilled to be part of this innovative community, collaborating on groundbreaking technologies that can revolutionize industries and generate new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike. My experience with Quasar Finance has allowed me to explore cutting-edge concepts and work alongside talented developers to build a more accessible and decentralized future.

• How was your experience with the Interchain Developer Academy? And how do you see it affecting you moving forward?

My time at the Academy was truly rewarding. Although I had prior experience with the Cosmos SDK and EVM development, the program deepened my understanding of the Ecosystem and the potential of the IBC protocol. As a GoLang developer, the knowledge and motivation I gained have been invaluable. It has strengthened the importance of an “internet of blockchains” approach, which encourages scalable, interconnected solutions that foster true decentralization, as opposed to ad-hoc, semi-centralized alternatives like Bridges.

• What are some of the most important skills needed to succeed in the web3 space?

Understanding the potential of blockchain technology is fundamental for driving its evolution. You also need a solid grasp of programming languages, cryptography, and networking and a deep understanding of distributed systems and consensus algorithms. Acquiring this knowledge can be challenging but indispensable for success in the field.

Beyond technical skills, a strong sense of social responsibility is essential. Blockchain technology can help educate the masses on technology usage while promoting transparency, accountability, and fairness. In a time when human rights, privacy, and data ownership seem to have been overlooked, blockchain enables the creation of applications that empower individuals. Being part of a movement addressing today’s pressing issues is inspiring.

• So, what plans do you have for your next steps?

My immediate plans involve continuing my work in DeFi within the Cosmos ecosystem with Quasar Finance. The financial sector faces numerous challenges, such as addressing the unbanked population and building a more secure, prosperous system for all. I’m enthusiastic about being part of a movement that tackles these issues and strives for a more equitable and transparent financial landscape. By leveraging groundbreaking technologies like blockchain, I aim to contribute to a world where everyone can access the financial services they need to flourish.

Thanks to Stefano for talking to us! If you want to make contact with him directly, you can find him as “magiodev” on Twitter, LinkedIn, and GitHub.

The Interchain Developer Academy is designed for web2 devs with three or more years of experience who want to transition into web3, and for web3 devs interested in working within the Interchain Ecosystem. Applications to join the new cohort are open until May 8th. There’s still enough time left to register and take the screening test!

About B9Lab

B9Lab have trained over 17,000 people in more than 160 countries about multiple blockchain protocols, and have been tasked by the Interchain Foundation to run the Interchain Developer Academy. They are passionate about technology adoption, getting new developers into web3, and helping blockchain ecosystems to thrive.

Academy experiences — why passion and excitement are what really fuels web3 was originally published in Cosmos Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

https://blog.cosmos.network/academy-experiences-how-learning-the-interchain-can-lead-to-growth-and-success-65e6742ff444?source=rss----6c5d35b77e13---4

Academy experiences — how learning the Interchain can lead to growth and success

Approaching its one year anniversary, the Interchain Developer Academy has already helped 400+ developers learn to work with Cosmos SDK, IBC, and CosmJS, boosting their ability to seek careers in the Interchain. With the fourth cohort starting soon, we reached out to invite some of our graduates to introduce themselves and talk about their experiences on the course and in web3 generally.

Serdar Turkmenafsar started 2023 studying the Interchain — three months later he was working on the IBC team

The Interchain Developer Academy is more than just a training program: it’s part of a systematic drive to bring devs and employers in the Ecosystem together, and provides graduates with a chance to impress where it counts as new roles become available.

To kick off this series of short interviews with Academy alumni we’re talking to Serdar Turkmenafsar, proof of the immediate impact that participation in the Academy program can have.

• Please introduce yourself!

I’m Serdar, a developer currently based in Istanbul, Turkey. Before my current job at the Interchain Foundation, I was a CosmWasm developer in Secret Network, helping maintain secret-toolkit and produce tutorials and proof of concept applications.

• How did you get started in software development?

My journey started in Secret Network, working independently part time and with other activities on the side. Before that, I had some data analytics experience from university. Things started to pick up when I became one of the main contributors of secret-toolkit (a smart contract sdk for Secret Network).

I think everyone can create their own path in web3. There are so many different communities working in so many different ways. I think it’s about finding a technology you’re passionate about and doing your best to learn about and contribute to that community.

• Tell us about your shift into web3.

I decided to enter web3 during the 2020–2021 bullrun (and started with purchasing Bitcoin and then Ethereum!). Eventually I discovered Cosmos, and I really liked its utility, but before I went through the Interchain Developer Academy I only knew about how to write smart contracts and not my own blockchains, or how to use IBC.

• How was your experience with the Interchain Developer Academy? And how do you see it affecting you moving forward?

My experience with the Academy was extremely positive. I’ve learned so much about IBC and the CosmosSDK in such a short period of time. It allowed me to branch out of Secret Network and explore work in other places in the ecosystem, and it led directly to a full-time job offer at the Interchain Foundation, which I was delighted to accept!

I believe creating custom blockchains is a timeless use-case. Combined with IBC, the vision made a lot of sense to me, so I decided to develop in this community. I think this experience has and will continue to change my career for the better in multiple ways. I’m a more mature developer now, which opens up new opportunities, and better paying jobs. The skills taught in the Academy are always going to be valuable as long as cryptocurrencies exist.

Serdar also recently participated in a livestream with Cryptocito and representatives of two Interchain Ecosystem contributors — check it out here!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRKoOvGw2GE

• How do you stay up-to-date on the latest developments and trends in blockchain and web3?

I follow all primary sources of information on social media such as Reddit, and Twitter. For more technical details, I join dev calls of various communities in Discord. Another way that works for me is to be working on proof of concept material actively.

• Have you experimented independently running a blockchain-based app, or collaborating with other devs on interesting projects?

Yes, I’ve tried experimenting with creating a proof of concept app. The idea was to use the new PrepareProposal/ProcessProposal features introduced in the new Cosmos SDK version (0.47) to create an oracle. Unfortunately, I found this difficult at the time and the project was not successful since Ignite CLI didn’t support this version of the SDK, 0.47 wasn’t released yet, and the person I wanted to collab with was occupied. Finding allies to work with is definitely a good move if you can. The Academy is a great networking opportunity too.

• How do you see the state of web3, both for 2023 and looking further into the future?

Generally good. I feel like the world is becoming more multipolar (less dollar centric). In such an environment, web3’s neutral infrastructure should become more valuable. I’m excited by freedom finance, being able to move value freely without censorship or hassle. Being able to build innovative products without needing to be a part of a large financial organization.

On the other hand, there are some challenges facing the industry today. The number of scammers; the lack of regulation, and ambiguity in what there is; and the general lack of user friendliness for mass adoption and key management. If these can be addressed, things will go even better.

• So, what plans do you have for your next steps?

I’m now the DevRel engineer in the IBC team at the Interchain Foundation. Although I’d love to get hired as a developer, most of my past experience is with CosmWasm at the moment. I think this is a great opportunity for me to produce proof of concept and tutorial material for IBC, and use this to gain more experience. I eventually want to transition to a dev position again, but for now I’m looking forward to continuing my work at the IBC, and improving my knowledge of the Interchain.

Thanks to Serdar for talking to us! And if you want to make contact with him directly, you can find him on Twitter as @srdtrk.

The Interchain Developer Academy is designed for web2 devs with three or more years experience who want to transition into web3, and for web3 devs interested in working within the Interchain Ecosystem. Applications to join the new cohort are open until May 8th. If you want to explore a new world of coding, register for the screening test now!

About B9Lab

B9Lab have trained over 17,000 people in more than 160 countries about multiple blockchain protocols, and have been tasked by the Interchain Foundation to run the Interchain Developer Academy. They are passionate about technology adoption, getting new developers into web3, and helping blockchain ecosystems to thrive.

Academy experiences — how learning the Interchain can lead to growth and success was originally published in Cosmos Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

https://blog.cosmos.network/announcing-the-fourth-cohort-of-the-interchain-developer-academy-a90902c4ced?source=rss----6c5d35b77e13---4

A self-paced, expert-guided online training program that covers the core aspects of the Interchain Stack

The Interchain Developer Academy is back for 2023! The Interchain Foundation is funding a fourth cohort of its comprehensive training program, aimed at experienced web2 devs who want to begin a career in blockchain or web3 devs who want to reinforce their professional presence — and demand for places is so high that this cohort will be bigger than ever.

“The support of instructors and fellow students in the Academy helped deepen my understanding of blockchain concepts, and motivated me not to give up on pursuing a real-world job in the Interchain Ecosystem. I’ve already been offered a role working on a Cosmos SDK-based blockchain project, and I couldn’t be more thrilled!”

— Stefano Magini | Cohort 3 graduate

550 developers have been through the program so far, and to date participants have reported a 97% approval rate for the Academy as a whole, with particular praise expressed for the practical training aspects and the guidance provided by our team of expert tutors. Cohort four is gearing up to add 300 more devs this time!

About the Interchain Developer Academy

The Academy is a seven-week online program providing more than 70 hours of content developed and delivered by blockchain experts from our education partner, B9Lab. Each participant’s self-paced journey benefits from hands-on guidance from our skilled support team, not to mention the collective knowledge and experiences shared within each cohort’s community platform.

You’ll learn the foundational principles of blockchain technology and get a comprehensive overview of the Interchain Stack and Ecosystem, elaborating on similarities and differences with other platforms as well as working with ATOM, wallets, and staking. The program centrally features an extended practical coding aspect to help embed new knowledge and techniques, preparing you for life-after-training when you put your skills into effect.

After completing the Academy, you’ll have a solid understanding of:

• Blockchain technology and cryptography
• Developing with the Cosmos SDK & Ignite CLI
• Inter-Blockchain Communication (IBC) Protocol
• Building front- and backends with CosmJS
• Integrating wallets such as Keplr
• Relaying in the Interchain
• Moving from code to MVP to production and migration

Participants who pass the final exam receive official certification from the Interchain Foundation, and join our growing alumni community where you can discuss the technology, your own projects, and open roles such as those listed on the B9Lab jobs board.

“Thanks for the legendary experience! You get a lot of useful information to continue growing there.”

— Ilia Lapukhin | Cohort 3 graduate

Join 300 devs on an Interchain journey

Applications are now open to join the fourth cohort of the Academy. This process begins with a screening test to evaluate your knowledge of software development concepts and problem-solving skills. There are no blockchain-related questions in this test — you’ll learn all about that in the Academy.

The deadline for taking the screening test is on May 8th and the program will run from May 18th to August 4th, including the four week examination period.

Although there are 300 seats on the program for cohort 4, last time we received four applicants for every available seat, so be sure to take the screening test seriously for the best chance of scoring highly and making the final selection!

Visit academy.interchain.io to find out more about the application and screening process.

“Rewarding, and exactly what I needed to connect the dots between web2 and web3.”

— Oleg Nykolyn | Cohort 3 graduate

Why learn the Interchain stack?

The Interchain Ecosystem is populated by independent, interconnected, application-specific blockchains, built using developer-friendly, modular components from the Cosmos SDK, and connected with the ground-breaking Inter-Blockchain Communication Protocol (IBC).

Using the Interchain stack, developers build entirely autonomous, sovereign dApps that can easily interconnect with both traditional software and other blockchains. They can also rely on a well-maintained, continuously updated product stack, plus a large, active, and supportive community.

All this has enormous implications for blockchain technology, and means the demand for developers in the Interchain will continue to rise. There are currently more than 50 appchains built with the Interchain stack, all interconnected with one another, and with hundreds of dApps and services built on them.

“It was great, I loved the content and the instructors. This was the most useful and informative free online web3 course I’ve seen.”

— Serdar Turkmenafsar | Cohort 3 graduate

Is the Academy right for you?

You don’t need to know anything about coding blockchain to apply, but you do need at least three years of professional programming experience and be willing and able to commit to the recommended 10 hours of work per week to complete the seven-week program. You can follow the planned structure or approach the material however best suits you.

The Interchain Developer Academy is aimed at devs who are passionate about blockchain technology and serious about starting (or leveling up) their blockchain career, whether that means proving themselves to employers or building their own projects with the Interchain stack. If that sounds like you, then apply now and get ready to prove yourself!

What our graduates have to say

“I spent a lot of time in 2021 and 2022 learning about Cosmos and the tech, but personally I like going through a more structured training program to make sure all my bases are covered properly. The Interchain Developer Academy was a great way to both learn more details of the Interchain stack and to really practice my skills. I found the Academy a great in-depth experience on the Interchain tech stack.”

— Gjermund Garaba, CTO & co-founder Empower.eco | Cohort 2 graduate

“Thank you guys! Really surprised to see such a detailed and well done educational program.”

— Sergey Ratiashvili | Cohort 3 graduate

“Good experience, a lot of material, I’m very grateful for the time and resources the academy puts into discord support. Thank you for this learning opportunity.”

— Tobias Leinss | Cohort 3 graduate

“Instructive. Thank you for the quality of the learning content and its structure, as well as the online support provided.”

— Simon Renault | Cohort 3 graduate

“I found the Academy to be very thorough, exhaustive and helpful. I feel confident I now have the tools and network to start building my own Cosmos-based app chain.”

— Max Heilman | Cohort 2 graduate

“Thank you for giving the chance to learn about Interchain. This course is great, and helpful for me to get deep knowledge.”

— Trọng Vũ Nguyễn | Cohort 3 graduate

“Great experience, good material, and I learnt a lot.”

— Ezequiel Moldaver | Cohort 3 graduate

“The team brings really good content. Thank you for having me join a really exciting course.”

— Quang Hiệp Mai | Cohort 3 graduate

“The most valuable thing about the Academy is by far the amount of support that you get from both the instructors AND the community. I now have a much better understanding of CosmosSDK and what it takes to develop an application-specific blockchain. If you’re interested in becoming a Cosmos SDK developer, joining the Academy is a no-brainer.”

— Basel Hashish, Support & Solutions Engineer | Cohort 1 graduate

About B9Lab

B9Lab have trained over 17,000 people in more than 160 countries about multiple blockchain protocols, and have been tasked by the Interchain Foundation to run the Interchain Developer Academy. They are passionate about technology adoption, getting new developers into web3, and helping blockchain ecosystems to thrive.

Announcing the fourth cohort of the Interchain Developer Academy was originally published in Cosmos Blog on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.