₿trust, an initiative dedicated to supporting open-source Bitcoin developers in the Global South, has announced the recipients of its Q3 Starter Grants and the new members of its ₿trust Open-Source Cohort.
The Starter Grants, which provide full-time funding to Bitcoin software engineers, aim to expand the number of open-source Bitcoin contributors from regions such as Africa, MENA, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. Each recipient receives six months of support, including a stipend paid in bitcoin, technical guidance, and support in developing proposals to join the ₿trust Open-Source Cohort with long-term funding.
The importance of ₿trust Starter Grants lies in providing financial stability to talented open-source developers, allowing them to focus on their work without financial stress. The grants also offer mentorship and support to help developers establish long-term, sustainable careers in the Bitcoin space.
According to ₿trust Interim CEO Abubakar Nur Khalil, “Through these grants, we can tangibly contribute to decentralizing Bitcoin open-source development by introducing developers with diverse perspectives to strengthen the resilience of the Bitcoin network.”
The recipients of the Q3 2024 Starter Grants include Enigbe Ochekliye, Tobechi Chukwuleta, and Kelvin Isievwore. These developers will work on various Bitcoin open-source projects to enhance the ecosystem and contribute to the community.
In addition to the Starter Grants, ₿trust has welcomed new members to its Open-Source Cohort, including Abubakar Sadiq Ismail, Duncan Dean, and Oghenovo Usiwoma. These developers will receive mentorship, professional development, and extended financial support while contributing to open-source initiatives.
Developers based in Africa, the MENA region, Southeast Asia, and Latin America can apply for ₿trust grants to support their work in the Bitcoin space. The initiative also considers developers from other regions of the Global South on a case-by-case basis.
Overall, ₿trust’s commitment to empowering talented developers from underrepresented regions in the Bitcoin ecosystem is a significant step towards decentralizing and strengthening the network. The initiative’s focus on financial support, mentorship, and community building creates a supportive environment for developers to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the open-source community.
