Airtel acquires Strategic Stake in Aqilliz

Bharti Airtel announced that it has acquired a strategic stake in Singapore-based blockchain platform Aqilliz for an undisclosed amount. Airtel is planning to take full advantage of Aqilliz blockchain technology in its fast-growing Airtel Ads, digital entertainment and digital marketplaces (Airtel Thanks App).

Adarsh Nair, CEO at Airtel Digital has said that blockchain technology is maturing and Airtel looks forward to having its applications across its Adtech, Creator Economy, and Loyalty Programmes.

Aqilliz has developed a patented hybrid blockchain platform called "Atom" that integrates differential privacy and federated learning into a distributed digital ledger. 

This allows brands to build secure, consent-based solutions to connect with their customers in an increasingly decentralized and rapidly evolving digital economy.

The Airtel Startup Accelerator program invests in early-stage startups working on technologies adjacent to Airtel's business offerings. The program provides startups with the opportunity to deploy large-scale technologies and applications, including more than 340 million retail customers and more than 1 million companies.