diff --git a/data/blog/call-for-applications-fall-2026.mdx b/data/blog/call-for-applications-fall-2026.mdx new file mode 100644 index 000000000..6b9dd8bf0 --- /dev/null +++ b/data/blog/call-for-applications-fall-2026.mdx @@ -0,0 +1,99 @@ +--- +title: 'Call for Applications: Open Hardware' +date: '2026-10-20' +tags: ['bitcoin', 'applications'] +draft: false +authors: ['arvin', 'default'] +images: ['/static/images/blog/120-call-for-applications-fall-2026.jpg'] +summary: "OpenSats is seeking grant proposals that advance open-source hardware." +--- + +Developers and contributors working on Bitcoin, nostr, and adjacent free and +open-source projects can [apply for a grant] during the first two months of +each quarter, and our board will review them on a rolling basis. + +Twice a year, in the [spring] and fall, we highlight an area where we would +like to see more applications. This fall, we're interested in funding +developers working on open-source Bitcoin hardware and the respective +firmware that runs on it. + + + +Hardware plays a critical role in Bitcoin mining and self-custody. A lot of +what is available in the market is proprietary, limiting who can inspect its +design, manufacture devices, or modify the software running on it. + +Publishing hardware designs and firmware code under [free and open-source] +licenses enable independent developers and manufacturers to build, study, +repair, and improve these devices. OpenSats has supported several projects +working to decentralize Bitcoin hardware. + +[Bitaxe] develops open-source Bitcoin mining hardware, with publicly available +board designs and firmware that individuals can use to build and operate +their own miners. + +In Kenya, the [Bitshoka] project has adapted Bitaxe designs for local +manufacturing while researching MicroBT ASICs and publishing hardware +specifications for further experimentation. + +On the self-custody side, [Krux] provides open-source firmware that turns +inexpensive and easily accessible hardware components into air-gapped Bitcoin +signers. The related [Krux-Installer] project makes it easier to install and +verify that firmware, including an update process that allows signing devices +to remain offline. + +The [256 Foundation] has also received OpenSats support for its work on an +open Bitcoin mining stack, including hashboards, control boards, and mining +firmware. Our [Open Hardware for Open Money] impact report covers the +progress of these projects in more detail, demonstrating how public +schematics, manufacturing files, and firmware can provide individuals and +small operators more options to build and maintain their own Bitcoin +hardware. + +We would like to fund more projects like those mentioned above, including new +mining and signing devices, firmware, hardware security research, improved +manufacturing and testing tools, and efforts to document or replace +proprietary components and interfaces with free and open-source ones. +Proposals that extend existing projects as well as new approaches to problems +that have not been addressed are also welcome. + +A strong application should explain the problem being solved, reference the +work that’s already completed, and what the developer intends to accomplish +during the grant period with the funds. We’re especially interested in +projects with a clear plan to publish designs, code, and documentation for +anyone to inspect, reproduce, and build upon. + + + +If you're a hardware designer, firmware developer, or researcher working on +free and open-source Bitcoin hardware, we encourage you to [submit a grant +application]. Applications go through our [standard review process], and our +[Application FAQ] covers timelines, budgets, references, and other common +questions. + +Grants supporting this type of work will be funded through our [General Fund]. +Thanks to our donors for making this funding possible. If you would like to +help us support more developers building open-source Bitcoin hardware, +please [consider making a recurring donation]. + +[apply for a grant]: /apply +[spring]: /blog/call-for-applications-spring-2026 +[free and open-source]: /topics/foss +[Bitaxe]: /blog/open-hardware-for-open-money#bitaxe +[Bitshoka]: /blog/open-hardware-for-open-money#bitshoka +[Krux]: /blog/open-hardware-for-open-money#krux +[Krux-Installer]: /blog/open-hardware-for-open-money#krux-installer +[256 Foundation]: /blog/open-hardware-for-open-money#256-foundation +[Open Hardware for Open Money]: /blog/open-hardware-for-open-money +[submit a grant application]: /apply +[standard review process]: /selection +[Application FAQ]: /faq/application +[General Fund]: /funds/general +[consider making a recurring donation]: /funds/general diff --git a/public/static/images/blog/120-call-for-applications-fall-2026.jpg b/public/static/images/blog/120-call-for-applications-fall-2026.jpg new file mode 100644 index 000000000..25744ddb0 Binary files /dev/null and b/public/static/images/blog/120-call-for-applications-fall-2026.jpg differ