Berkeley Center for Digital Assets
UC Berkeley Engineering is proud to launch the Center for Digital Assets, dedicated to developing secure, logical methods to connect physical assets to the digital world. We create digital replicas, or “digital twins,” of assets that can be studied, tested, valued, and ultimately bought and sold online. From semiconductors and jewelry to farms and forests, diverse assets can now be digitized through advanced scanning methods. Mature modeling technologies, combined with secure blockchain systems, are enabling this convergence - driven by societal needs and technological progress.
Our Mission
Our mission is to use blockchain technology to reimagine how assets are valued, verified, and exchanged. By creating secure, transparent, and efficient systems, we aim to build greater trust in global asset markets. Through innovation and collaboration, we connect the physical and digital worlds to unlock new opportunities for ownership and trade.
Goals of the Center
The Center’s projects will advance critical technologies in areas aligned with the College of Engineering’s priorities. This work will strengthen competitiveness through education, research, ecosystem building, and leadership in digital asset innovation.
What are Digital Assets?
Digital assets are uniquely identifiable pieces of digital content that can be owned, stored, and transferred with recognized value. They range from familiar items like documents and media to blockchain-based assets such as cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). At the Center for Digital Assets, we define, study, and advance these technologies through education, research, and hands-on engagement.
The Evolving Role of Digital Assets
The ways we create, trade, and manage value are shifting rapidly as more assets move into digital form. Since 2009, blockchain technology has enabled new categories such as NFTs, cryptocurrencies, tokenized assets, and Central Bank digital currencies. This transformation is opening new markets, changing how industries operate, and creating opportunities for innovation. The Center works with faculty to bring these concepts into UC Berkeley’s engineering courses, giving students access to industry-leading tools, real-world applications, and experiential learning.
Examples of Digital Assets:
What is a Digital Twin?
A digital twin is a virtual replica of a real-world physical object, system, or process. It's a dynamic, data-rich model that mirrors its physical counterpart, allowing for simulation, analysis, and optimization. Digital twins use real-time data from sensors and other sources to represent the current state of the physical entity and can be used to predict future behavior and performance.
