Blockchain: Research institute of the Canton of Zug and the University of Lucerne opens
The Zug Institute for Blockchain Research (ZIBR) at the University of Lucerne has officially opened. The Canton of Zug is funding the new research institute with 25 million Swiss francs over a period of five years.
On January 23, 2026, more than 200 personalities from Switzerland and abroad attended the opening event at the Casino Theater Zug. The event was also open to the interested public. The ZIBR is a joint initiative of the Canton of Zug and the University of Lucerne. The external institute, which is academically affiliated with the University, is sponsored by the association “Blockchain Zug: Research Institute at the University of Lucerne”, chaired by Finance Director Heinz Tännler.
The institute’s research focuses on the far-reaching effects of blockchain technology on society, the economy, law and politics. Its aim is to become one of the world’s leading centres for interdisciplinary research into this technology. Alexander H. Trechsel, Chairman of the Institute’s Management Board and Vice President for Research at the University of Lucerne, explains: “ZIBR is unique in its orientation. We bring together law, sociology, philosophy and other disciplines to comprehensively examine the societal dimensions of blockchain technology.” Nine chairs are planned for the start-up phase, five of which have already been filled: Max Baumgart (Energy Law), Adam Hayes (Sociology), Claude Humbel (Private Law), Patrik Hummel (Philosophy) und Markus Schreiber (Public Law). Two further appointment procedures in political economy and political science are currently underway, while calls for applications in health and behavioural sciences are planned for later this year. The institute has already secured EUR 1.5 million in EU third-party funding for a study on blockchain and security.
ZIBR is part of the "Blockchain Zug – Joint Research Initiative", which is financed by the Canton of Zug with a total of CHF 39.35 million. Within this framework, existing blockchain research activities at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) are also being strengthened. The “Blockchain Joint Research Hub” cooperation platform was created to develop joint projects with the University.
