About Boiler Blockchain
Boiler Blockchain is Purdue University’s leading student-run blockchain organization, empowering the next generation of Web3 developers, innovators, and thinkers. With a focus on education, real-world implementation, and competitive excellence, Boiler Blockchain offers a comprehensive experience for anyone looking to dive deep into decentralized technologies.
From hands-on technical courses and project development to national hackathon participation and investment delegations, Boiler Blockchain creates a dynamic environment where students build, learn, and lead. With over 400 active members, the organization has become a major hub for blockchain innovation in the academic space.
Boiler Blockchain was founded with the vision of bringing blockchain education and innovation to Purdue University’s student body. Since 2021, it has evolved into a thriving hub for developers, designers, researchers, and entrepreneurs interested in shaping the future of decentralized systems. At the heart of the organization lies a multidisciplinary community of over 200 active members across various academic backgrounds, united by a shared passion for Web3 technologies.
The organization offers a 16-week technical course titled “Principles and Practices of Blockchain,” covering core topics such as cryptographic primitives, Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) architecture, Solidity smart contracts, and the hardhat development framework. Students engage in weekly coding assignments, peer programming sessions, and a capstone project that synthesizes their learnings into real-world dApps. This structured yet hands-on approach has made the course one of the most respected student-led blockchain offerings in the country.
Beyond the classroom, Boiler Blockchain is deeply embedded in the national hackathon circuit. The team has participated in events like ETH Denver, ETH San Francisco, Scaling ETH, and Penn Blockchain, earning recognition and prizes from major industry players like Scroll, XMTP, and The Graph. These competitive appearances highlight the team’s technical expertise and ability to build meaningful blockchain applications under pressure.
The organization also runs an annual flagship hackathon that attracts hundreds of participants and over $10,000 in prizes. With dedicated tracks in DeFi, NFTs, Web3 infrastructure, and social impact, the event creates opportunities for students to work alongside industry mentors, showcase talent, and develop deployable solutions.
Community is a central pillar of the initiative. Members have access to networking events, alumni mentorship, project teams, and social gatherings that foster collaboration and long-term engagement. Specialized research and development teams are also formed to explore cutting-edge topics, making Boiler Blockchain a launchpad for future leaders in the space.
In the academic blockchain landscape, Boiler Blockchain holds its own among other university-led initiatives like Penn Blockchain, Stanford Blockchain Club, and MIT Bitcoin Club, offering a distinctive blend of technical education, competitive success, and real-world application.
Boiler Blockchain provides numerous benefits and features that make it one of the most impactful blockchain student organizations in the U.S.:
- Technical Course Excellence: Offers a 16-week, in-depth blockchain development course with practical projects and a strong emphasis on Ethereum, Solidity, and dApp architecture.
- Hackathon Dominance: Competes in major hackathons like ETH Denver, ETH SF, and Scaling ETH, often winning prizes from top blockchain sponsors.
- Real-World Development: Encourages students to build functional, scalable blockchain solutions with hands-on mentorship and access to industry-standard development frameworks.
- Community Driven: Fosters a welcoming and collaborative community with over 400 members, regular networking events, and a growing Discord server.
- Annual Hackathon: Hosts a flagship hackathon offering $10,000+ in prizes, direct industry involvement, and multiple focused development tracks.
- Alumni & Mentorship Network: Connects students with Purdue alumni and industry professionals for ongoing support, guidance, and career opportunities.
- Interdisciplinary Focus: Welcomes students from engineering, business, design, and other fields to explore the multifaceted nature of Web3.
Getting started with Boiler Blockchain is easy and open to all Purdue students interested in blockchain development, education, and innovation:
- Visit the Website: Go to boilerblockchain.org to learn more about courses, events, and projects.
- Join the Discord: Connect with over 400 members on Discord to receive updates, join team chats, and access learning resources.
- Take the Course: Enroll in the “Principles and Practices of Blockchain” course held Mondays at WANG 2579, led by Professor Mithuna Thottethodi and team.
- Attend Hackathons: Participate in on-campus and national hackathons. Teams are often formed within the community and guided by mentors.
- Join a Project Team: Sign up for internal development groups to work on smart contracts, front-end UIs, or research-based projects.
- Build Your Network: Attend community socials, speaker events, and alumni meetups to expand your presence in the blockchain space.
- Explore Past Projects: Browse the full project showcase on the website to see award-winning innovations built by members.
Boiler Blockchain FAQ
No, prior coding experience isn’t required to participate in Boiler Blockchain’s programs, but it’s definitely helpful. The technical course “Principles and Practices of Blockchain” is designed to be accessible while still offering deep dives into Ethereum development, smart contracts, and Web3 frameworks. Weekly assignments and peer support help newcomers quickly get up to speed. Learn more at boilerblockchain.org.
Boiler Blockchain emphasizes hands-on learning through technical coursework, development sprints, and competitive hackathons. Students gain practical experience with Solidity, ethers.js, hardhat, and other industry tools. With direct mentorship and project showcases, members graduate with portfolios that are relevant to roles in blockchain startups, DAOs, or large-scale tech firms. Visit boilerblockchain.org for details.
Boiler Blockchain’s hackathon teams are known for producing polished, innovative projects under tight deadlines. Their work has been recognized at ETH Denver, ETH SF, and Scaling ETH, winning prizes from protocols like The Graph and Scroll. The key differentiator is their ability to quickly apply theoretical knowledge to functional, real-world blockchain use cases. Explore past projects at boilerblockchain.org.
Absolutely. Boiler Blockchain welcomes students from all academic backgrounds. Whether you're studying business, design, engineering, or liberal arts, there are opportunities to join project teams, help organize events, or work on strategy and research. The organization thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration, reflecting the diverse nature of the Web3 space. Learn how to get involved at boilerblockchain.org.
Boiler Blockchain actively engages with the global blockchain community through national hackathons, industry mentorships, and guest speaker events. Members have access to networking opportunities with leading blockchain companies, protocol teams, and alumni working in Web3. This ecosystem integration helps students access internships, grants, and even startup support. Stay connected through their Discord and updates at boilerblockchain.org.