BIMTECH Rolls Out BIMCOIN: India’s First Blockchain-Powered Campus Currency

Noida-based Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) has introduced a new blockchain-based digital currency, BIMCOIN, reported India Today. And, that’s a bold leap into the future of campus life! BIMTECH’s launch of BIMCOIN marks India’s first blockchain-based campus currency, and it’s more than just a digital wallet for canteen snacks.

Built on a permissioned blockchain, BIMCOIN ensures secure, transparent, and decentralized transactions among students, vendors, and administrators. Over 1,100 transactions were completed during its pilot phase, ironing out onboarding and tech integration challenges through iterative testing.

But here’s the kicker: BIMCOIN isn’t just a payment tool—it’s an educational instrument. BIMTECH is integrating blockchain and fintech into its curriculum, giving students hands-on experience with smart contracts and digital. It’s a clever way to blend theory with real-world application, especially as India ramps up its digital economy ambitions.

Notably, BIMTECH isn’t alone in exploring blockchain-powered digital currencies within academia. A few notable examples from around the world include MIT's Digital Currency Initiative (USA). Through its Digital Currency Initiative (DCI), MIT has explored blockchain applications including campus-based micropayments and identity systems. While not a formal currency like BIMCOIN, it’s a hub for blockchain experimentation.

University of Nicosia (Cyprus), a pioneer in blockchain education, was the first university globally to accept Bitcoin for tuition and launched a Master’s in Blockchain and Digital Currency back in 2014. While not a campus currency per se, it laid the groundwork for crypto integration in education.

While BIMTECH’s BIMCOIN is among fully deployed as a live, blockchain-based campus currency, these global institutions are actively experimenting with similar ideas—often as part of broader fintech and blockchain innovation ecosystems.

With BIMCOIN, BIMTECH becomes the first business school in India to implement such a system. It’s designed to facilitate secure, transparent, and instant transactions within the campus ecosystem—covering students, vendors, and administrators.

Educational Purpose

Beyond payments, BIMCOIN is a learning tool. It gives students hands-on exposure to:

• Blockchain fundamentals
• Smart contracts
• Digital currency ecosystems

This aligns with BIMTECH’s broader goal to integrate blockchain and fintech into its curriculum, preparing students for careers in the digital economy.

Tech & Security

• Operates on a permissioned blockchain, ensuring decentralization with controlled access
• Backed by advanced encryption, data privacy protocols, and strict access controls

Pilot Phase Highlights

• Over 1,100 transactions completed during the pilot
• Iterative testing helped resolve onboarding and integration issues
• A close-net testing phase is underway before full campus rollout

Broader Vision

Inspired by India’s CBDC efforts and the Digital India mission, BIMCOIN is part of a larger push to embed real-world tech into academic life. BIMTECH is also setting up a Blockchain Learning Centre to deepen this engagement.