Swiss-based blockchain startup programme Nexuslab has announced that it has entered into a partnership with the Dutch bank, Rabobank.

Rabobank will support the first round of Nexuslab’s programme focusing on early-stage European blockchain ventures. Nexussquared, a Zurich-based fintech platform, in collaboration with Startupbootcamp FinTech, launched its virtual blockchain startup programme Nexuslab in November, 2015. Nexuslab recently announced the names of the ten international startups selected to join its pilot programme.

The first round of Nexuslab kicked off this past weekend with an in-person hangout session in Amsterdam. Further sessions will bring participants to London and Berlin, before they spend the final month at SwissQ in Zurich. In between those sessions, the programme will take place in a virtual setting, allowing participating startups to work in the locational setup of their preference.

“We’re excited to work with Rabobank on this first round of Nexuslab. The engagement of a leading international industry player demonstrates Switzerland’s ability to play a central role in the development of the European blockchain ecosystem. Together with Rabobank, Startupbootcamp and our infrastructure and IT-partner SwissQ we have created an unparalleled offering for aspiring European blockchain startups to turn their ideas and visions into viable businesses”, said Daniel Grassinger, Managing Director of Nexuslab and co-founder of Nexussquared.

The collaboration adds leading financial industry expertise to the programme and further strengthens its international footprint. The partnership will connect Rabobank with some of Europe’s most promising blockchain startups and Nexussquared’s ever expanding network of leading blockchain experts.

Under the partnership, Rabobank will contribute its extensive know-how and expertise to help participants build and refine their business models and test their ideas against real-world requirements. The bank’s representatives will also join the programme’s in-person hangout sessions held in major European cities and support the startups during the programme’s final month in Zurich.

“With its novel approach to fostering startups in a virtual setting, Nexuslab has introduced an innovative way of enabling blockchain innovation. Rabobank has been experimenting with blockchain technology for a while, and by partnering with Nexuslab we can further deepen our own expertise in this field. This collaboration allows us to work directly with promising international early-stage ventures and help build up the European blockchain ecosystem”, said Harrie Vollaard, Rabobank Head of Innovation.