Developing a decentralized trust framework for higher education: a blockchain-enabled multi-factor authentication and verifiable credential ecosystem - ON-1141

Project type: Innovation
Desired discipline(s): Computer science, Mathematical Sciences, Business, Social Sciences & Humanities
Company: Link Block Inc.
Project Length: 4 to 6 months
Preferred start date: 11/18/2025
Language requirement: English
Location(s): Toronto, ON, Canada
No. of positions: 1
Desired education level: Master'sPhDPostdoctoral fellow
Open to applicants registered at an institution outside of Canada: No

About the company: 

The educational sector faces significant challenges in building trustworthy data mechanisms. Our company, Link Block, is a start up aims to address these pain points by enhancing the security, transparency, and verifiability of educational certifications. Our technical vision merges blockchain with biometrics to achieve self-sovereign identity and regulatory compliance.
1. Industry Pain Points : Lack of reliable and verifiable educational data mechanisms.
2. Link Block's Mission : Elevating security, transparency, and verifiability in academic certifications.
3. Technical Vision : Integrating blockchain and biometrics for self-sovereign identity and compliance

We have 2 key project modules :
1. Link ID: Decentralized Identity
Link ID aims to create a decentralized identity verification mechanism. Currently in the concept modeling phase, we propose jointly develop a product to establish a secure and user-centric digital identity system. This module will empower individuals with control over their personal data.
2. Link Cert: Trusted Academic Certification
Link Cert focuses on building a trusted academic certification
mechanism. Our technical path involves deep integration with most common LMS (Learning Management System) plugins and on-chain verification logic. We are strategically focusing on D2L and Moodle to ensure robust implementation rather than broad compatibility across multiple LMS.

Describe the project.: 

1. Market Validation & Technology Alignment
Validate real-world needs and trends among universities, employers, and learners to guide product design and technical architecture.

2. Minimum Viable Product (MVP) & Core Platform Development
Design and implement two core technical modules:
• A secure authentication hub and identity module that link to the most common LMS (i.e. D2L and Moodels)
• A blockchain-enabled credential issuance and verification platform with web and mobile interface.

3. Applied Research & System Evaluation
Evaluate the system from perspectives of security, trust, usability, scalability, and institutional adoption.

4. Academic Knowledge Contribution
Produce an academic paper that frames the solution within existing research on digital credentials, identity, and blockchain, highlighting both technical novelty and business value.

Required expertise/skills: 

  1. Software Engineering Competencies

Programming Proficiency:

  • JavaScript / TypeScript (preferred for full-stack development)
  • Python or Java
  • UIUX Design
  • Design modular, reusable components
  • Conduct unit and integration testing

 

System Architecture Design:

  • Client–server and multi-tier architectures
  • API-first system design
  • Integration of third-party services

 

Data Management:

  • Relational and/or NoSQL database design

 

  1. Identity, Authentication & Security
  • OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect flows
  • Token-based authentication and session management
  • Single Sign-On (SSO) integration

 

  1. Blockchain & Verifiable Credential Systems
  • Hashing and anchoring credential data to blockchain (e.g., Ethereum, Solidity, smart contracts)
  • Transaction cost and latency considerations

 

  1. Mobile & Biometric Authentication

Mobile:

  • React Native or Flutter (native or cross-platform)
  • Secure storage on mobile devices (keychain, secure enclave concepts)

 

Biometric Integration:

  • OS-managed biometric authentication (Face ID / Touch ID)
  • Privacy and security boundaries of biometric APIs
  • Understanding of Canada PIPEDA requirements

 

  1. Highlight Business Value with Academic Paper
  • Technical writing skills
  • Market research & competitive analysis

 

EdTech Systems Awareness on:

  • Learning Management Systems (Moodle, D2L, Canvas)
  • Academic credentialing processes
  • Institutional IT constraints and compliance considerations

 

Stakeholder Sensitivity on needs of:

  • Students and lifelong learners
  • Universities and colleges
  • Employers and credential verifiers

Express interest