Btrust Builders & Chaincode Labs Partner Again for the 2026 BOSS Challenge

Following a landmark 2025 cohort that saw several alumni become grantees supported by Btrust, the collaboration between Btrust Builders and Chaincode Labs continues for another year.

Together, we’re inviting talented African developers, new and experienced alike, to take part in one of the most impactful programs for Bitcoin open-source contribution.

Applications are open until December 31, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to join the next generation of ₿OSS contributors.

What Is the ₿OSS Challenge?

The ₿OSS Challenge, created by Chaincode Labs, is a structured, hands-on program designed for developers serious about beginning a career in Bitcoin open-source software.

The challenge starts with one fully guided month of coding exercises and learning, offering participants clear direction and support from active Bitcoin contributors.

After completing this first month:

• Top performers are invited to continue for two additional months of advanced mentorship with Chaincode Labs, working on proof-of-concept projects and collaborating directly with established Bitcoin and Lightning projects.
• The rest of the cohort transitions into partner-supported activities, like the Btrust Builders pathways, where participants continue building their skills, contributing to exercises, and engaging with the broader open-source community.

This refined structure provides every participant, whether new or experienced, with approachable guidance at the start, followed by personalized tracks for ongoing growth.

The program is fully remote, free, and designed to help developers become confident, independent ₿OSS contributors.

A Proven Path to Funded Bitcoin Development

The 2025 ₿OSS Challenge proved how transformative this opportunity can be. Several Btrust Builder participants from the program have since become Btrust-funded grantees, continuing their journey as full-time open-source contributors after just a few months of focused work and mentorship.

The ₿OSS Challenge is intentionally rigorous. It’s meant to spark lasting growth and connect motivated developers to a global network of contributors and maintainers. Those who show initiative and technical skill can open doors to sustainable, funded careers in Bitcoin development.

A Shared Mission: Decentralizing Bitcoin Development

Btrust Builders and Chaincode Labs share a common mission; to decentralize Bitcoin development by empowering a new generation of engineers.

By creating pathways into ₿OSS, the partnership expands the cultural and geographical diversity of Bitcoin contributors, ensuring that the network’s technological and social resilience continues to grow.

“Our alumni from the 2025 ₿OSS Challenge have proven what’s possible when access meets ambition,” said Stephanie, Btrust Builders Program Lead. “We’re proud to see them become funded contributors, and we’re excited to bring that same opportunity to even more developers in 2026.”

What to Expect

Participants can look forward to a balance of self-guided learning, active mentorship, and collaborative engagement within the ₿OSS network.

The ₿OSS Challenge offers:

• Hands-on Bitcoin & Lightning development focused on real-world open-source contribution.
• Technical mentorship from Bitcoin Core and ecosystem developers.
• Collaborative development challenges that strengthen your coding fundamentals in Rust, C/C++, or Python.
• A learning structure that encourages self-motivation, curiosity, and resilience, qualities essential for any open-source contributor.

Participants should plan to dedicate at least 10 hours per week, and all challenges are conducted in English.

Why Apply

Joining the ₿OSS Challenge through Btrust Builders gives developers from across Africa:

• Access to world-class open-source mentorship.
• A pathway into funded Bitcoin development through Btrust and community grants.
• The chance to contribute to Bitcoin Core, Lightning, BDK, and related open-source projects.
• A vibrant community of peers dedicated to learning, building, and growing together.
• And as always, participation is completely free.

Key Dates

Applications Close: December 31, 2025

Program Start: Week of January 12, 2026

Applicants who pass the preliminary challenge will be admitted to the cohort and begin their journey toward becoming part of the ₿OSS contributor ecosystem.

Apply Now

If you’re a developer ready to take your first real step into Bitcoin open-source development, apply to the 2026 ₿OSS Challenge. Learn more about the program and apply here.

About the Partners

Btrust Builders

Btrust Builders is Btrust’s comprehensive engineering program dedicated to training and funding African software developers to contribute to Bitcoin and Lightning open-source projects. The Builders program provides technical mentorship, community support, and pathways to sustainable Bitcoin development careers.

Chaincode Labs

Chaincode Labs is a Bitcoin research and development center, based in New York, dedicated to advancing the Bitcoin protocol and supporting the broader open‑source ecosystem. The organization’s mission is to strengthen the Bitcoin network through research, education, and long‑term support for open‑source development.