Kickstart Your Bitcoin Developer Career
Btrust Builders helps African software developers build the skills and experience to contribute to open-source Bitcoin and Lightning. Choose a pathway, learn with experienced developers and peers, and build a public record of your work.
Our Learning Pathways
Beginner
8 weeks
Multiple live cohorts a year
Self-paced always open
Mastering Bitcoin
Your introduction to Bitcoin fundamentals. Built around Andreas Antonopoulos’ Mastering Bitcoin (3rd edition), the pathway combines guided reading, discussions, weekly sessions, and study groups.
Prerequisites
No Bitcoin background is required. Basic programming familiarity is helpful but not required.
What you'll do
Read the book, complete discussion prompts, attend weekly sessions, and contribute to shared notes.
By the end
Build clear mental models for how Bitcoin works (transactions, blocks, mining, and consensus) and be ready for a hands-on pathway.
Best if
You’re new to Bitcoin.
Engagement Modes
Each Pathway is available in two learning modes, so you can choose what works best for you. Live cohorts have limited places due to high demand, while self-paced learning remains open year-round.
Whichever mode you choose, you’ll have access to the same high-quality curriculum and core learning experience.
Live Cohort
This is application-based and fixed-date, with teacher-led sessions, study groups, exercises, and grading.
Self-paced
This is open year-round with full materials, Discord access, pacing prompts, and office hours. Strong self-paced performance can help you enter a future live cohort.
Come in Through BOSS
Start Your Career in ₿OSS — is a one-month challenge run with Chaincode Labs for developers ready to begin contributing to Bitcoin open source.
The challenge combines coding exercises, structured learning, and support from active contributors.
Top performers continue with Chaincode for two months of advanced mentorship. Others move into a Builders pathway.
PREREQUISITES
Passing the preliminary challenge.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Hands-on open source Bitcoin & Lightning development.
Mentorship from Bitcoin Core and ecosystem developers.
Collaborative development challenges in Rust, C/C++, or Python.
A learning structure that encourages self-motivation, curiosity, and resilience.
2026 Program Calendar
Q1 (January-March)
BOSS challenge (Starts January)
BOSS redirections (Starts February)
Mastering Bitcoin Cohort 1 (Starts March)
Learn Bitcoin from the CLI Cohort 1 (Starts March)
Q2 (April-June)
Rust for Bitcoiners Cohort 1 (Starts May)
Language Clubs Cohort 1 (Starts May)
Q3 (July-September)
Mastering Bitcoin Cohort 2 (Starts June)
Learn Bitcoin from the CLI Cohort 2 (Starts June)
Open Source Fellowship (Starts August)
Q4 (October-December)
Rust for Bitcoiners Cohort 2 (Starts October)
Language Clubs Cohort 2 (Starts October)
Program close
Rust for Bitcoiners Cohort 2 (Starts October)
What you get from the Program
Live Community Support
Join a community of talented African developers learning, collaborating, and growing together.
Deep & Structured Learning
Gain a practical introduction to Bitcoin, Lightning, and open-source development methodologies
High Quality Resources
Access curated readings, technical exercises, coding challenges, prompts, and practical walkthroughs.
World-class Faculty
Learn from world-class Bitcoin developers guiding and supporting you throughout your journey.
Developer Mentorship
Receive mentorship from experienced Bitcoin developers, including former Btrust Pathway participants and grantees.
Proof of Work
Build Bitcoin and Lightning projects that showcase your skills and open-source contributions.
Open-Source Habits
Develop habits for reading code, collaborating effectively, and contributing confidently to open source.
Fellowship Stipend
Receive a monthly stipend throughout the ten-week of the Open Source Fellowship program.
Growth Signals
Understand what readiness for deeper technical contributions and long-term open-source work looks like.
Grant Support
Become eligible for Btrust grants supporting sustained Bitcoin open-source development work.
How to Apply
01
Pick a Pathway
Review the available Pathways and choose the one that matching your skills. Mastering Bitcoin is a good starting point if you’re unsure.
02
Fill in the Application
Complete one application form, sharing your background, learning goals, and preferred pathway. This helps us understand your experience and readiness.
03
Candidate Review
We review your application alongside your GitHub or GitLab activity to assess your experience, commitment, and overall fit for your selected learning pathway.
04
Selection Notification
We aim to respond within two weeks. Depending on availability, you'll join a live cohort, be placed on the waitlist for the next cohort, or begin on the self-paced track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to join?
You're a strong fit if you have at least one year of production software development experience, an active GitHub or GitLab account, and the ability to work through difficult technical concepts. You do not need Bitcoin experience, but you should want to learn and contribute.
How do I apply?
Complete the application form. It covers all four pathways.
Do I have to pay?
No. All Pathways are free.
Is there a deadline?
Self-paced learning is always open. Live cohort applications open before each cohort.
Is the program open outside Africa?
Our focus is Africa and the broader Global South. Others are welcome to apply, and we'll help where possible.
What's the difference between self-paced and live?
Self-paced is open year-round with full materials, Discord access, pacing prompts, and office hours. Live cohorts have fixed dates, teacher-led sessions, and group work. Live participation is required for Fellowship consideration.
How do I choose a pathway?
Choose based on your technical experience, Bitcoin knowledge, and goals. We may redirect you to a better fit during review.
Do I have to take all four pathways?
No. Choose the pathway that matches your readiness. We recommend taking only one live cohort at a time.
How does BOSS fit in?
BOSS is a separate, externally judged entry point run with Chaincode Labs. Top performers continue with Chaincode; others move into a Builders pathway. You can also apply directly to a pathway.
How do I get into the Fellowship?
You don't apply directly. We invite strong contributors from live Pathways based on their technical understanding, consistency, engagement, initiative, collaboration, and communication.
Does completing a live pathway guarantee Fellowship selection?
No. The Fellowship is selective and depends on the quality and consistency of your work. You can learn more on the fellowship pag
What happens after I graduate?
You join the Builders alumni community and may contribute to open source, become faculty or mentors, lead BitDevs communities, or pursue grants.
What if I'm already beyond the pathways?
If you already have significant Bitcoin open-source experience and a strong public track record, you may be better suited for direct consideration for Btrust Developer Grants. Check our website for more information
Will Btrust hire me?
No. Btrust Builders does not guarantee employment. The program helps you build a credible open-source track record and prepare for future grant opportunities.
