DeFi leaders push for more decentralized finance in US university curricula

A coalition of over 20 decentralized finance (DeFi) projects has published an open letter calling upon U.S. universities to incorporate more DeFi and crypto education into their curricula.

The open letter is part of the "1inch Forward" campaign, led by 1inch and backed by the Blockchain Association, DeFi Education Fund, The Solana Policy Institute, Aave Labs and Dune, among others. The campaign will include a campus tour beginning at the University of Pennsylvania on March 27.

"American business and law schools have long set the global standard in higher education — and DeFi is the next frontier in maintaining that standard," the letter said, adding that student interest in DeFi education is growing. "We are not suggesting drastic changes to the curriculum. Instead, we propose a supplementary pillar, to ensure your students are familiar with decentralized technologies and their applications."

The campaign urges universities to incorporate blockchain architecture and decentralized technology courses into the core curricula of business and law schools, and to educate students on DeFi mechanisms such as automated market makers. It also calls for offering students opportunities to engage with live DeFi systems, per the letter.

The letter also said that members are prepared to help design coursework, create opportunities for students to participate in their protocols, and establish formal internship and fellowship programs.

Rising interest

Google search data shows rising interest in blockchain and crypto careers, according to a press release from 1inch.

Searches for "blockchain jobs" rose 84% to 10.3 million in 2025–26, up from 5.6 million in 2024–25, while "crypto jobs" searches surged 133% to 47 million from 20 million over the same period.

However, the letter noted that much of the talent entering the crypto industry today is self-taught — often technically sophisticated but lacking the institutional skills provided by formal education. It added that this gap poses risks and has contributed to past failures at major platforms, citing shortcomings in governance, risk management and compliance culture.

"Today we have a rare opportunity to formalize and enhance the genuine enthusiasm we see from students today," the letter said. "The next generation of financial and legal leaders deserves an education that prepares them for the financial system they will inherit."