IBM Blockchain Accelerator will focus on later-stage startups, while Columbia Blockchain Launch Accelerator has been established for pre-seed companies.

Technology group IBM and Columbia University have unveiled two eight-week accelerator programs aimed at spurring innovation in the blockchain and data transparency spaces, Innovation Enterprise Channels has reported.

A first program, named the IBM Blockchain Accelerator, will target later-stage growth companies, while a second initiative known as Columbia Blockchain Launch Accelerator will cater to pre-seed companies.

The move builds on the launch of Columbia-IBM Center for Blockchain and Data Transparency in July 2018 to foster cross-disciplinary research in both areas…