Bitcoin: Approaching Technology Without Bias
Providing the tools to understand and use Bitcoin technology in a conscious and informed way. No mystery – quite the opposite: a clear intention to contribute to open-source development and to promote education in this field, with a particular focus on privacy, security, and social impact, reframing public perception of a technology that is often misrepresented or portrayed negatively. This is the mission of BitPolito, the student-led team founded around five years ago, which has since become a key reference point in the field of Bitcoin education, even for businesses.
“Our goal” – explains Francesco Pelle, team leader of BitPolito – “is to build bridges between university and industry. Our activities are twofold: education and open-source development, both exclusively centred on Bitcoin. We explore the social implications of the technology and aim to show how Bitcoin essentially represents a ‘Plan B’ for individuals – a technology that offers an autonomous and open alternative to traditional financial systems, which can also have a positive impact on business management”.
BitPolito currently includes around 60 active members from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including computer engineering, mathematics, electronics, as well as mechanical, management engineering and design. The team is structured into functional divisions, modelled on the internal organisation of a real-world company. The creation of a community driven by intense outreach and educational work on Bitcoin has marked a step change for BitPolito, elevating its role within the broader landscape of this technology. “BitPolito is now a recognised player, giving excellent visibility to Politecnico in this field”, says Danilo Bazzanella, Professor at the Department of Mathematical Sciences-DISMA and academic tutor of the group. He emphasises how the team is run with a high degree of independence and maturity by the students themselves. Bazzanella also highlights one of the team’s most valuable contributions: their outreach work in schools and among young people, in addition to making their expertise available to businesses.
Indeed, the ability to explain a complex subject like Bitcoin using clear and appropriate language tailored to different audiences is the team’s true strength. This skill has earned BitPolito widespread recognition, both nationally and internationally, with positive outcomes in terms of career opportunities as well. In fact, around 20% of past members of BitPolito now work in companies operating in the Bitcoin sector.
“We need to lift the veil of mystery and negativity surrounding this tool” – Pelle points out – “as it’s often approached superficially. Bitcoin technology can be a highly effective payment tool for businesses, as well as a means of inter-company connection. Moreover, it’s a technology that any business can adopt, compatible with their existing accounting and operational systems”.
BitPolito offers educational content for all audiences, including companies, with a range of learning levels, from beginners to more advanced learners. The team’s channels already host a wide range of resources. Thanks in part to the contacts they have established, Politecnico has also launched an innovative specialising master’s programme on Bitcoin, Lightning Network and Distributed Systems Technologies.
And what about the future? “We’re considering setting up an association alongside our team to better connect with the local area and encourage joint projects with businesses, even beyond the university environment”, Pelle adds.