Innovating in blockchain is now a safe, accessible, and sustainable opportunity for researchers, educators, and entrepreneurs in Latin America who want to turn their ideas into concrete solutions.
Thanks to the BELLA II project, led by RedCLARA and co-financed by the European Union, the region now has access to an innovative, secure, and collaborative environment that promotes the development and expansion of this technology: the Blockchain Testbed.
This testbed eliminates obstacles that have usually made it hard to use, develop, and test blockchain solutions, like high costs, unclear systems, unexpected fees, regulatory issues, long setup times, and a disjointed ecosystem. It provides a space designed exclusively for this technology, where universities, research centers, governments, and startups can generate knowledge and validate innovations safely, accelerating their digital transformation with agility and confidence.
The Blockchain Testbed works alongside the high-performance computing (HPC) environment started in January 2025, enhancing the area's ability to run complex simulations, handle large amounts of data, and improve digital governance. Together, these platforms consolidate an advanced technological infrastructure that fosters open innovation and positions the region as a global leader in digital solutions.
“Through the BELLA II project, we have made a firm commitment: to provide Latin America with an intuitive, safe, and cost-effective environment to experiment with blockchain. While public networks charge transaction fees and private networks require their infrastructure, none guarantees regulatory compliance or protection against post-quantum threats. Now, with this new blockchain environment, that commitment is starting to become a reality,” said Carlos González, service manager at RedCLARA.
This Blockchain Testbed uses the LACChain infrastructure, the world’s largest public-permissioned blockchain network, designed to offer secure, transparent, and scalable solutions, managed by LACNet. Its technology is based on decentralized data storage, where multiple connected nodes ensure system continuity and protect data against loss or unauthorized modifications. It maintains transparency by allowing access only to authorized users without revealing identities, generating trust and security. This regulated and neutral infrastructure provides a reliable environment to develop, validate, and scale blockchain solutions under strict international standards.
Membership to this platform gives users several benefits: access to a ready-to-use node on the network, a test network with no transaction fees and easy access, a secure network that meets international standards, help with setting up and managing nodes, tools for developing applications, protection against future quantum threats, and connection to the LACChain ecosystem, which has over 100 solutions, 85 organizations, and 21 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Among the membership benefits, users receive a set budget to experiment without worrying about surprise costs; immediate access to the test network with a ready-to-use server; the chance to start using their ideas right away; legal protection for projects that meet audits and regulations; the ability to turn an idea into a working smart contract in days instead of months; strong data and credential security against future quantum threats; and quick access to a network of local partners, examples, and skilled people.
“This testbed is useful for multiple sectors. “This testbed is useful for multiple sectors. Universities can solve problems and securely check diplomas and certificates; governments and National Research and Education Networks (NRENs) can create and test digital identity systems and ways to work together; startups can develop and test smart contracts and decentralized applications in a safe setting; and social projects can make digital credentials that prove their impact,” added González.
The BELLA II Testbeds aim to strengthen regional digital infrastructure and accelerate innovation in academia, industry, and government.
A new cybersecurity testbed will be launched soon, providing a safe space to practice responding to attacks, test technologies, and improve defenses against cyber threats, which will help build regional strength and teamwork.
Request your membership here.
Watch the Blockchain Testbed video.
