The Chamber of Digital Commerce and technology incubator 1776 have partnered to launch the DC Blockchain Center to serve as Washington, DC’s entrepreneurial resource for technology providers and governments investing and innovating in blockchain-based technologies, the Chamber of Digital Commerce said Wednesday.

The DC Blockchain Center at 1776 is the first blockchain incubator in Washington, DC. It’s focused on helping regulators and government agencies, including state, federal and international, understand the potential benefits of blockchain technology and public sector use cases, and to provide a forum for the public and private sectors to collaborate.

The Chamber of Digital Commerce is the world’s leading trade association representing the digital asset and blockchain industry, while 1776 is a public benefit corporation that scouts and funds high-growth startups around the world focused on solving society’s most fundamental challenges in sectors like education, energy, transportation and financial services.

“We strongly believe that one of the most effective forms of advocacy is for the government to utilize and implement blockchain technology, and to experience the benefits first hand,” said Perianne Boring, Founder and President of the Chamber of Digital Commerce.

According to the Chamber of Digital Commerce, the DC Blockchain Center has already received requests from government agencies looking for blockchain technology resources, and anticipates further inquiries around issues like cybersecurity, identity management and asset registry.