Become a Btrust Builder
Structured pathways to learn Bitcoin, build real skills, and prepare for open-source contribution.
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.
The pathways are designed to build strong foundations in Bitcoin and progress toward meaningful open-source contribution, whether you’re just getting started or sharpening advanced skills.
You can learn at your own pace using our always-available materials, or apply to join a live, guided cohort with small study groups, mentorship, and evaluation.
Pick a pathway. Learn deeply. Build readiness for open-source Bitcoin.
How the Builders Journey Works
Btrust Builders operates as a progressive contributor pipeline:
Pathways (On-Ramps) Structured learning programs that build technical understanding, contribution habits, and readiness.
Open Source Fellowship (Acceleration) A contribution-driven program for top performers working on real Bitcoin open-source projects.
Outcomes Long-term contribution, grants, ecosystem roles, and alumni collaboration.
Pathways are the entry point. Progression is based on demonstrated readiness, not automatic advancement.
Choose Your Learning Mode
Self-Paced Learning (Always Available)
Learn independently using Builders materials and the Resource Hub.
No application required
Learn on your own schedule
Access readings, exercises, and discussion prompts
Ideal for exploration, skill-building, or busy schedules
Live Cohort (Limited & Selective)
A guided learning experience with structure, accountability, and mentorship.
Application-based, fixed start/end dates
Weekly study groups and mandatory cohort sessions
Assigned chaperone for guidance, mentoring, and grading
Graduates listed publicly
Required for Fellowship consideration
Due to high application volume, not all learners will join live cohorts, and that’s intentional. The Pathways are built to support both independent and guided learning without loss of quality.
All Pathways
pathway #01
Mastering Bitcoin
Build strong conceptual foundations and Bitcoin mental models using Mastering Bitcoin: Programming the Open Blockchain (3rd Edition).
Duration: 8 weeks
Level: Beginner (Theory)
Best for: Developers new to Bitcoin or seeking deeper protocol understanding
pathway #02
Learn Bitcoin from the Command Line
Get hands-on with Bitcoin Core and interact directly with the protocol.
Duration: 7 weeks
Level: Intermediate (Hands-On)
Best for: Developers ready to work with real Bitcoin infrastructure
pathway #03
Rust for Bitcoiners
Learn Rust with a focus on Bitcoin-related open-source development.
Duration: 6 weeks
Level: Intermediate → Advanced
Best for: Developers preparing for modern Bitcoin OSS stacks
pathway #04
Language Clubs
Sharpen your skills in Bitcoin-relevant programming languages.
Duration: 6 weeks
Level: Intermediate → Advanced
Languages: Python, C++
Best for: Developers improving fluency and codebase reading
pathway #05
Start Your Career in ₿OSS
Join a one-month challenge on Bitcoin and open-source software (₿OSS) by Builders in partnership with Chaincode Labs.
Duration: 4 weeks
Level: All levels (with a focus on starting your open-source journey)
Program Calendar
Builders pathways run multiple times per year, with different cohorts opening across quarters.
Cohort start windows vary by pathway
Applications open ahead of each cohort
Self-paced learning is always available
BOSS challenge
Starts January 2026
#01: Mastering Bitcoin - Cohort 1
Starts March 2026
#02: Learn Bitcoin from the Command Line - Cohort 1
Starts March 2026
#03: Rust for Bitcoiners - Cohort 1
Starts May 2026
#04: Language Clubs - Cohort 1
Starts May 2026
#01: Mastering Bitcoin - Cohort 2
Starts June 2026
#02: Learn Bitcoin from the Command Line - Cohort 2
Starts June 2026
Open Source Fellowship (10 weeks)
Starts August 2026
#03: Rust for Bitcoiners - Cohort 2
Starts October 2026
#04: Language Clubs - Cohort 2
Starts October 2026
Program close, review, and 2027 planning
Starts November 2026
2027 program plan launched
December 2026
What To Expect
Whether you learn independently or in a live cohort, Builders pathways emphasize:
Foundational and practical Bitcoin & Lightning knowledge built step by step.
Learning how to read code, ask good questions, collaborate, and contribute.
Carefully curated readings, exercises, prompts, and walkthroughs.
A network of developers learning and building together across Africa.
Understanding what readiness for deeper contribution really looks like.
Community
Join the Btrust Builders community of people who:
Learn in public
Ask thoughtful questions
Collaborate respectfully
Build long-term open-source habits
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the pathways work in 2026?
Btrust Builders Pathways are structured learning tracks designed to help developers build real capability in Bitcoin and open-source development.
In 2026:
Most pathways are available year-round in self-paced mode
Some pathways also run live, guided cohorts at specific times
You can enter at different levels depending on your background
Progress is measured through proof of work, not attendance
Each pathway clearly explains:
Who it’s for
What you’ll learn
How to participate (self-paced or live)
What completion looks like
You choose the pathway and learning mode that best fits your goals and availability.
What’s the difference between self-paced learning and live cohorts?
Self-Paced Learning
Learn independently, on your own schedule
No deadlines, live sessions, or evaluations
Structured materials, prompts, and guidance provided
Best for busy schedules, exploration, or refreshers
Live Cohorts
Fixed schedule with weekly sessions
Small study or homegroups with peer accountability
Guided discussions, feedback, and evaluation
Limited spots and selective admission
Required for progression into certain advanced Builders programs
Both modes are designed to be high-quality. The difference is structure and accountability, not content quality.
Do I have to pay to join?
All pathways are free to participate in.
We remove financial barriers so learners can focus on:
Showing up consistently
Doing the work
Building real skills and public proof
What we do require is commitment. Pathways are demanding by design, and spots in live cohorts are limited.
How do I choose the right pathway?
Start by being honest about where you are right now.
As a general guide:
New to Bitcoin or want strong fundamentals? → Start with Mastering Bitcoin
Understand Bitcoin basics and want hands-on experience? → Learn Bitcoin from the Command Line
Comfortable with programming and ready for real code? → Rust for Bitcoiners or Language Clubs
Unsure where you fit? → Start with a foundational pathway, then progress forward
Each pathway page clearly states:
Prerequisites
Level
Expected commitment
When in doubt, start earlier rather than later. Foundations compound.
Can I join more than one pathway?
Yes — but not at the same time in most cases.
We strongly recommend focusing on one pathway at a time, especially for live cohorts.
Why:
Pathways require consistent weekly effort
Splitting attention usually leads to shallow learning
Builders prioritizes depth over speed
Most pathway cohorts run in parallel.
You’re welcome to complete pathways sequentially as you progress.
How does the Open Source Fellowship work?
The Open Source Fellowship is a separate, advanced program.
It is not open enrollment
It is by invitation or application
Selection is based on demonstrated proof of work, not credentials
Typically:
Strong performance in live cohorts
High-quality public work (code, research, contributions)
Consistency, collaboration, and reliability over time
Completing a pathway does not guarantee fellowship placement, but it is often the first step toward it.
What if I am already well past all these pathways and fellowship?
You might be ready for the Btrust Grants. Grants are based on proof of work.
We currently offer:
Starter Grant (full-time funding for six months)
Open-Source Cohort (structured support while contributing long-time)
See btrust.tech/grants for details.
Do you have resources on open-source contribution?
Yes. Start with Open Source Contribution Notes.
You can also browse the Resource Hub for developer tools and reading.
Will I get a job with Btrust after completing one or more of the pathways?
Btrust does not hire developers directly. We support contributors through grants.
Pathways help you build proof of work. Proof of work helps you qualify for grants.
Ready To Start?
Explore the Pathways, choose your learning mode, and begin your Builders journey.