The effort to create a center for blockchain development in Cleveland is getting a boost, with the membership of JumpStart Inc. in the Toronto-based Blockchain Research Institute.

The institute, known as BRI, is conducting multimillion-dollar research on the impact of blockchain technology on business, government and society. It’s working through more than 70 projects that explore blockchain technology and will inform members about blockchain strategies and market opportunities.

Blockchain technology allows information to be distributed securely, but not copied. A key attraction for government and business is that everything from driver’s license registrations to medical records can be stored digitally, and securely.

“This partnership will bring an unprecedented level of access to BRI data across our region,” said JumpStart CEO Ray Leach in a news release. “Not only is this an essential building block in the effort to put Northeast Ohio at the forefront of blockchain-based technology, it is also important evidence of the critical mass the Blockland movement is gaining.”

Read the full story at Crain’s Cleveland Business.