Btrust Builders is our program to educate software developers from Africa about Bitcoin and Lightning development, and start them on their journey as open-source Bitcoin contributors.
We offer clear learning pathways that take you from the basics all the way to advanced Bitcoin development. So, whether you're new to the field or already have experience, there's a place for you at Btrust Builders.
Pick a path and start today!
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What to expect
A support community of talented developer peers across Africa going through the same experience with you
Practical introduction to Bitcoin & Lightning development methodology and open-source development
Support from our world-class developer faculty at every step of the journey
In the form of concrete Bitcoin & Lightning projects that you contribute to and build
Grant support by Btrust for qualified engineers to work in open-source Bitcoin development
Frequently asked questions
How do the pathways work?
Our program is now structured around five distinct pathways, each designed to target different aspects of Bitcoin development. Every pathway features a mix of self-paced learning, live sessions, group discussions, and practical exercises.
This approach ensures you gain both theoretical foundations and hands-on skills relevant to your chosen area—whether it's mastering Bitcoin fundamentals, interacting with Bitcoin Core via the command line, learning Rust, refining programming skills in a targeted Language Club, or kickstarting your career with our BOSS pathway.
You can join any pathway—provided you meet the entry criteria.
Are these different from the Btrust Builders fellowship?
Yes, they are. The previous fellowship has now evolved into Start Your Career in BOSS (Pathway 5). While the former fellowship focused broadly on supporting talent in the Bitcoin ecosystem, BOSS is now our dedicated pathway designed specifically to launch your career in open-source Bitcoin development.
We also offer other pathways targeting various skills and stages—ensuring every developer can engage with us, no matter where they are on their journey.
Do I have to pay to join?
All our pathways are free to join and will always be.
How can I choose which pathway to join?
Your choice should be guided by your current experience, interests, and career aspirations.
If you're new to Bitcoin or looking to build foundational knowledge, the Mastering Bitcoin pathway is ideal.
If you prefer a hands-on technical approach, consider Learn Bitcoin from the Command Line.
For those interested in modern, high-performance programming,Rust for Bitcoiners or the Language Bootcamp will suit you best.
If you're ready to start contributing to open-source projects and build your proof of work, the Start Your Career in BOSS pathway is the perfect choice.
Review the detailed descriptions on each pathway page to determine which aligns best with your goals.
Where do I choose the pathway I want to join?
If you would like to go through the pathways with Btrust Builders, you can select your preferred pathway during the application process on our portal.
Our streamlined application process is designed to help you easily choose the track that best matches your skills and aspirations.
Can I join more than one pathway?
Most of the pathways run simultaneously—Pathways 1 & 2 run at the same time, Pathways 3 & 4 run at the same time, and Pathway 5 runs once a year. We would not recommend joining more than one pathway at a time because each pathway includes self-paced study materials, live cohorts, exercises, and study groups, which may be too much to handle at once. You can always complete a pathway and join another.
What if I am already well past all these pathways?
If you feel you’ve advanced beyond these foundational and intermediate pathways, you might be ready for Btrust Grants. These grants are open to developers across Africa, India, Latin America, MENA, and Southeast Asia, with considerations for other Global South regions on a case-by-case basis, based on your Proof of Work. Our goal is to provide talented developers from diverse backgrounds with opportunities to contribute to the Bitcoin ecosystem.
We offer two grant schemes for developers:
STARTER GRANT
This grant provides full-time funding for six months, enabling you to focus on key projects and build a strong proposal for long-term support.
OPEN-SOURCE COHORT
Recognizing that working in open source can feel isolating—especially for developers in the Global South facing pay and career uncertainties—our Open Source Cohort offers support to help you contribute independently to Bitcoin projects while being part of a supportive team framework.
Check our website for more information. If you have questions or need additional details, please reach out—we’re here to support your journey in Bitcoin development!
Will I get a job with Btrust after completing one or more of the pathways?
Btrust does not hire developers directly. Instead, we provide funding to developers through grants to support their ongoing work in open-source Bitcoin projects. Check our website for more information.
Completing one or more of our pathways positions you at the forefront for securing a grant. Once you’ve built your proof of work and feel ready, you can apply for any of our grant programs. We’re here to support you throughout the process, ensuring you have the resources needed to continue your journey in Bitcoin development.
Community
Join the Btrust Builders community of Africa’s top Bitcoin developers. We share ideas, solve challenges, and build projects together.
