diff --git a/data/blog/tenth-wave-of-bitcoin-grants.mdx b/data/blog/tenth-wave-of-bitcoin-grants.mdx new file mode 100644 index 00000000..4a5e97b9 --- /dev/null +++ b/data/blog/tenth-wave-of-bitcoin-grants.mdx @@ -0,0 +1,140 @@ +--- +title: "Tenth Wave of Bitcoin Grants" +date: '2025-03-10' +tags: ['OpenSats', 'grants', 'bitcoin', 'wave'] +draft: false +authors: ['default', 'arvin', 'julian'] +images: ['/static/images/blog/71-tenth-wave-of-bitcoin-grants.jpg'] +summary: "OpenSats is funding six more open-source projects advancing the Bitcoin ecosystem." +--- + +OpenSats is pleased to announce a new wave of grants supporting six projects +advancing the Bitcoin ecosystem. + +This round includes three first-time project grants—each showcasing promising +developments in self-custody, Lightning-based financial tools, and developer +sustainability. Additionally, we're renewing our commitment to three existing +project grants that continue to push the boundaries of decentralized +infrastructure and secure bitcoin usage. + +The three first-time project grants in this wave are: + +- [Bitcoin Safe](#bitcoin-safe) +- [Stable Channels](#stable-channels) +- [Waye](#waye) + +Thanks to the generosity of our donors, OpenSats can actively support the +open-source developers and projects that are building key Bitcoin infrastructure +and helping Bitcoin flourish. + +
+ +
+ +Let's explore these projects in more detail to understand their goals, +contributions, and their role in strengthening the Bitcoin ecosystem. + +--- + +### Bitcoin Safe + +[Bitcoin Safe](https://bitcoin-safe.org/en/) is an open-source, self-sovereign +bitcoin wallet designed for secure and intuitive self-custody. By integrating +[BDK](https://bitcoindevkit.org/), [nostr], and Compact Block Filters ([BIP 158]), +it enhances privacy and reliability while reducing reliance on centralized +servers. Currently in beta, Bitcoin Safe streamlines self-custody by simplifying +single- and multi-signature storage, drawing inspiration from Electrum, Sparrow, +and mempool.space. + +One of Bitcoin Safe's standout features is "Sync & Chat", an innovative +messaging system that leverages nostr relays to route encrypted messages and +metadata between users and devices. Whenever a Bitcoin Safe Wallet sends a +[PBST](https://bitcoinops.org/en/topics/psbt/) to another Bitcoin Safe Wallet, +the transaction labels are synced between devices, and when multi-sig users +message each other concerning the status of their transaction, all of this +encrypted communication is securely relayed over nostr. + +Next steps for Bitcoin Safe include refining the "Sync & Chat" feature by +improving nostr relay reliability, transitioning to [`bdk_wallet v1.1.0`] for +improved performance and privacy, and implementing deterministic builds for +Windows and Linux. + +Repository: [andreasgriffin/bitcoin-safe](https://github.com/andreasgriffin/bitcoin-safe) +License: GPL-3.0 + +### Stable Channels + +[Stable Channels](https://stablechannels.com/) is an open-source project +introducing bitcoin-backed dollar balances to the Lightning Network, enabling +decentralized, self-custodial stable value transactions without relying on +centralized stablecoins. By matching users seeking stable USD exposure with +those desiring leveraged bitcoin positions, Stable Channels facilitates +synthetic dollar balances through frequent, price-adjusted settlements over +Lightning payment channels. This approach maintains dollar-pegged stability for +one party while providing leveraged bitcoin exposure for the counterparty. The +project has also collaborated with [Cashu](https://docs.cashu.space/protocol) to +integrate its stability mechanism into eCash mints, allowing users to mint USD +and EUR tokens backed by bitcoin. + +Looking ahead, Stable Channels will continue developing its Rust-based reference +implementation using [LDK](https://lightningdevkit.org/) and +[BDK](https://bitcoindevkit.org/), ensuring compatibility across server, +desktop, and mobile platforms. Key milestones include deploying an iOS app for +interacting with custom LSPs, launching an alpha version in early 2025, and +refining the software based on user feedback. The project also plans to release +a stable version across all platforms and develop a decentralized marketplace +using [Liquidity Ads], further enhancing Bitcoin's Lightning Network with +self-custodial, stable financial tools. + +Repository: [toneloc/stable-channels](https://github.com/toneloc/stable-channels) +License: GPL-3.0 + +### Waye + +[Waye](https://www.waye.dev/) is an initiative dedicated to supporting the +well-being of developers building open-source technologies, aiming to reduce +burnout and improve the long-term sustainability of their work. Recognizing the +unique challenges faced by grant-funded, unaffiliated open-source developers—who +often juggle engineering, project management, and community roles—Waye has +launched pilot programs to address these issues. These +[initiatives](https://www.waye.dev/initiatives) include academic research, group +coaching, and the development of scalable, openly shared frameworks. + +At the heart of their mission is [OS +Reboot](https://www.waye.dev/initiatives/os-reboot), Waye's cornerstone program, +with monthly expert-led discussions, structured group work, and reflection +periods to provide sustained, practical support for open-source developers. The +outcomes of Waye initiatives will be open-sourced, providing the broader +community with methodologies and frameworks to better support FOSS contributors. +By fostering a more resilient and diverse developer community, Waye aims to +strengthen the human infrastructure essential for advancing decentralized +technologies. If you are an open-source developer looking for support, [reach +out to Waye](mailto:waye.dev@gmail.com) + +Repository: [waye-dev/waye](https://github.com/waye-dev/waye) +License: N/A + +In addition to the above, OpenSats has also renewed project grants for +[Floresta](/blog/bitcoin-grants-september-2024-7th-wave#floresta), +[Krux](/blog/bitcoin-grants-july-2024#krux), and +[Krux-Installer](/blog/bitcoin-grants-july-2024#krux-installer). + +--- + +Bitcoin's strength lies in its open, permissionless nature—sustaining that +requires continued support for free and open-source development. Thanks to the +generosity of our donors, OpenSats can fund builders like those featured here, +working to make Bitcoin more secure, decentralized, and accessible. + +If you'd like to support open-source development, consider making a donation. +Every contribution helps sustain the people and projects shaping Bitcoin's +future. + +
+ +
+ +[nostr]: https://github.com/nostr-protocol/nostr?tab=readme-ov-file#nostr---notes-and-other-stuff-transmitted-by-relays +[Liquidity Ads]: https://bitcoinops.org/en/topics/liquidity-advertisements +[BIP 158]: https://github.com/bitcoin/bips/blob/master/bip-0158.mediawiki +[`bdk_wallet v1.1.0`]: https://github.com/bitcoindevkit/bdk/releases/tag/wallet-1.1.0 diff --git a/public/static/images/blog/71-tenth-wave-of-bitcoin-grants.jpg b/public/static/images/blog/71-tenth-wave-of-bitcoin-grants.jpg new file mode 100644 index 00000000..7199468a Binary files /dev/null and b/public/static/images/blog/71-tenth-wave-of-bitcoin-grants.jpg differ