Blog Post: Call for Applications - Open Hardware (Fall 2026)

data/blog/call-for-applications-fall-2026.mdx

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+---
+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.
+
+<ApplyButton preTagline="for an" tagline="OpenSats grant" />
+
+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.
+
+<ApplyButton
+  prelude="Ready to"
+  cta=">_ apply?"
+  preTagline="Submit a"
+  tagline="grant proposal"
+  taglineMobile="Submit"
+  taglineMobileSub="a proposal"
+/>
+
+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