Application is now open for $20k African blockchain bootcamp

DFS Lab and the Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) have opened applications for the second Blockchain Bootcamp for African startups, with prizes of up to US$20,000 in Stellar Lumens (XLM) awarded to the most promising solutions.

The bootcamp is a virtual three-day design sprint that allows participating companies to answer critical business questions with hands-on technical support and guidance from DFS Lab and SDF. It is designed to give early to mid-stage startups in Africa the opportunity to build on Stellar, an open-source blockchain network for financial services and products.

Companies will define a problem, create a storyboard for a solution, and create a rapid prototype of their innovation.

The most promising solutions will receive prizes ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 in XLM, Stellar’s native currency, with opportunities for follow-on funding for additional grants, including potential investment from SDF’s Matching Fund and other investors present at the demo day.

“Last year, we saw some impressive results from our Blockchain Bootcamp, with companies that participated still building on Stellar.” We’re thrilled to be able to provide this opportunity for even more startups to see how the Stellar blockchain network can help them. “We are excited to see what role blockchain can play in the future of digital commerce in Africa, from cross-border payments to financial inclusion,” said Jake Kendall, partner at DFS Lab.

Interested fintech, blockchain native, and crypto-curious companies operating in Africa and looking to advance existing services or integrate digital asset solutions into their models for the first time are encouraged to apply here before March 18.