Launchpad for serious Bitcoin contributors across Africa & Global South
The Open Source Fellowship helps strong contributors move from learning to sustained open-source work. For ten weeks, Fellows work full-time on real Bitcoin projects with experienced mentors, a peer group, and a monthly stipend.
The Fellowship is invitation-only. We select outstanding contributors from live pathways based on the quality and consistency of their work
How you get in
You don't apply directly. We invite contributors from live Pathways based on:
The path to Fellowship starts with a live cohort. Self-paced performance can help you enter one, but Fellowship invitations require live cohort completion.
Consistency
You show up regularly, stay engaged, and finish what you start.
Technical Understanding
You demonstrate a solid grasp of the technical concepts and can apply what you've learned.
Engagement
You actively participate in discussions, study sessions, and peer reviews
Initiative and Preparation
You come prepared, take ownership of your learning, and go beyond the minimum requirements.
Collaboration
You contribute to your cohort's collective work, and support others along the way.
Communication
You ask good questions and can clearly explain your ideas, work, and learning process.
What you get
Monthly Stipend
Receive a monthly stipend throughout the ten-week Fellowship, enabling focused, meaningful contributions to open-source Bitcoin development.
Real Projects
Contribute to actively used Bitcoin projects through meaningful tasks matched to your skills, experience, and continued technical growth.
Expert Mentorship
Learn directly from senior contributors, many of whom are Btrust grantees and alumni who have successfully navigated the same journey.
Recognition
Showcase your work through Demo Day, technical writing, and the Fellowship alumni network while connecting with ecosystem builders.
Public Portfolio
Build a public GitHub track record showcasing your contributions to maintainers, employers, and the wider open-source ecosystem.
Future Opportunities
Unlock pathways to Btrust grants and funded open-source opportunities through consistent, high-quality contributions and demonstrated long-term impact.
Explore Bitcoin Open-Source Projects
One of the most exciting parts of the Fellowship is the opportunity to contribute to real Bitcoin open-source projects used by developers, businesses, and communities around the world.
Fellows are matched to projects based on their skills, experience level, and the needs of maintainers. While project assignments are ultimately determined during the Fellowship, these are some of the projects that Btrust Builders Fellows and grantees have contributed to in the past, and where new contributors are often welcome.
Bitcoin Core
The reference implementation of the Bitcoin protocol and the software that powers the Bitcoin network
Learn more
Libsecp256k1
A highly optimized cryptographic library for elliptic curve operations on secp256k1, the cryptography that underpins Bitcoin.
Learn moreRust Bitcoin
A collection of Rust libraries implementing Bitcoin protocols and functionality for developers building Bitcoin applications
Learn moreExplore Bitcoin Open-Source Projects
One of the most exciting parts of the Fellowship is the opportunity to contribute to real Bitcoin open-source projects used by developers, businesses, and communities around the world.
Fellows are matched to projects based on their skills, experience level, and the needs of maintainers. While project assignments are ultimately determined during the Fellowship, these are some of the projects that Btrust Builders Fellows and grantees have contributed to in the past, and where new contributors are often welcome.
Bitcoin Core
The reference implementation of the Bitcoin protocol and the software that powers the Bitcoin network
Learn moreLibsecp256k1
A highly optimized cryptographic library for elliptic curve operations on secp256k1, the cryptography that underpins Bitcoin.
Learn moreRust Bitcoin
A collection of Rust libraries implementing Bitcoin protocols and functionality for developers building Bitcoin applications
Learn moreWhat you leave with
By the end of the Fellowship, you'll have tangible proof of your growth and contributions.
The Fellowship may last ten weeks, but the relationships, experience, and opportunities it creates can continue long after the program ends.
01
A public proof-of-work portfolio
A record of real contributions to Bitcoin open-source projects that demonstrates your skills, commitment, and ability to collaborate openly.
02
A technical writing portfolio
Articles, documentation, and walkthroughs that showcase not only what you've built, but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly.
03
A pathway to developer grants
Fellows whose work demonstrates sustained impact may be well-positioned for future opportunities, including Btrust developer grants.
04
Membership in the Builders alumni network
You'll join a growing community of contributors, mentors, and builders across the Bitcoin ecosystem, creating lasting relationships.
05
Opportunities to give back
Many alumni continue their journey by returning as mentors, faculty members, BitDevs organizers, or contributors to other ecosystems.
Building on the 2025 Open Source Bootcamp
The 2026 Open Source Fellowship builds on the foundation of the Open Source Bootcamp we ran in 2025.
0
DEVELOPERS
38 developers participated across seven countries.
0
CODE SUBMISSIONS
103 code submissions were completed during the 2025 Bootcamp.
0+
PULL REQUESTS
50+ pull requests opened across major Bitcoin open-source projects.
0
MERGED PR
12 pull requests merged, including three accepted into Bitcoin Core.
0+
DEVELOPERS FOR GRANT
15+ developers identified for Btrust's developer grant watchlist after the program.
0
BUILDERS
Seven Builders progressed directly into Btrust developer grants the same year.
Indicate your interest
The Fellowship has no traditional application process. If you're in or have completed a live cohort, fill in the interest form to be considered for the next Fellowship. Indicating interest does not guarantee selection. Your pathway work remains the primary basis for invitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Open Source Fellowship?
A ten-week, full-time program for developers contributing to real Bitcoin open-source projects. Fellows receive mentorship, a stipend, project experience, and support with technical writing and public presentation.
How do I get into the Fellowship?
We invite strong contributors from live Pathways based on consistency, technical understanding, engagement, initiative, collaboration, and communication.
What are the learning pathways?
The current Pathways are Mastering Bitcoin, Learn Bitcoin from the Command Line, Rust for Bitcoiners, and Language Clubs. You can learn more about the pathways on our Apply page
Why is the Fellowship selective?
The Fellowship is small and highly supported. Each Fellow receives mentorship, project guidance, peer support, and a stipend.
Do I need to complete all four pathways?
No. You need to complete at least one live pathway and demonstrate strong, consistent work.
Is the stipend paid for all ten weeks?
Yes.
What projects can Fellows work on?
Fellows are matched with projects based on their skills, readiness, and maintainer needs. Past Builders have contributed to Bitcoin Core, BDK, LDK, LND, BTCPay Server, BlueWallet, Polar, Rust-Payjoin, Stratum V2, rust-bitcoin, and LDK Server.
What happens after the Fellowship?
Fellows present their work at Demo Day and join the Builders alumni network. Strong contributors may progress to grants and other funded opportunities. Alumni also become mentors, faculty, BitDevs organizers, and long-term contributors.
How many Fellows do you take?
Cohort size varies based on available mentorship and project support.
Can I do the Fellowship more than once?
No. The Fellowship is a one-time intensive experience. Alumni can continue through contribution, grants, mentorship, and community leadership.
I already have significant Bitcoin open-source experience. Should I join a pathway?
Maybe not. If you already have a strong contribution record, you may be better suited for direct consideration for Btrust Developer Grants.
