Introducing BEN
What began as a handful of students connecting Bitcoin clubs quickly ignited a global movement. In 2014, Jeremy Gardner, Daniel Bloch, and Maxym Tkacz founded the College Cryptocurrency Network (CCN) at the University of Michigan with a simple mission—empower students with knowledge. Within months, it expanded to 160+ chapters in 35+ countries, uniting minds eager to shape the future of digital assets.
As the space evolved, so did the mission, rebranding as the Blockchain Education Network (BEN) to provide unbiased education that cut through the noise and empowered students to build, innovate, and lead.
From campus meetups to billion-dollar startups, its alumni have founded IOTA, Optimism, Bitso, Augur, Injective, GDA Capital, and more, proving that knowledge sparks action. Today, BEN thrives as an unbiased non-profit educational network, providing trusted, accessible education in digital assets. Beyond entrepreneurs, BEN equips governments, policymakers, and global leaders with the knowledge to shape the geopolitical future, ensuring informed decisions drive the industry forward.
Notable Alumni
ChainStories Podcast
Testimonials
301-97251 Grand Rapids, MI 49546
