Time2Build Could Pay Developers to Add Bitcoin Lightning to Open‑Source Apps, Rewarding Maintainer‑Accepted Code

• Paid integrations, not hackathons: Time2Build rewards accepted code contributions to FOSS projects that add Lightning features.

• Partners include Breez, Lightspark, Tether, Plan ₿ Network, with extra residencies from DraperU and PlebLab.

• Lightning Network metrics: ~1,600 nodes, 43,561 channels, capacity ~3,869 BTC (~$480M) per 1ML and mempool.space data.

Breez Lightning SDK integration funding: Time2Build pays devs for maintainer‑accepted Lightning features; learn how to participate today.

What is the Breez Lightning SDK initiative?

Breez Lightning SDK is an open‑source toolkit that enables developers to add self‑custodial Bitcoin Lightning Network payments to apps. Time2Build funds contributions that integrate the SDK into active FOSS projects and pays only for code accepted by project maintainers.

How does Time2Build pay developers to add Lightning features?

Time2Build offers monetary rewards and residency prizes for completed pull requests that are merged by the target project’s maintainers. Eligible projects must have a free and open‑source license, an active community, and an existing user base to ensure features reach end users.

Lightning Nodes Channels World Map. Source: Mempool.Space

Why integrate the Lightning Network into existing apps?

Integration returns Bitcoin to a payments role by enabling near‑instant, low‑fee off‑chain transactions that settle onchain later. Using the Breez Lightning SDK simplifies developer work while preserving user custody of funds.

Which partners and resources support Time2Build?

Backers and partners named in the initiative include Breez, Lightspark, Tether, and Plan ₿ Network, with additional support from DraperU and PlebLab. Official program documentation from the initiative outlines eligibility and payout mechanics (announcement shared with news outlets in October 2025).

Frequently Asked Questions

How can developers qualify their open‑source project for Time2Build?

Projects need a free and open‑source license, active maintainers and community engagement, and a real‑world user base. Time2Build pays for contributions that are merged by project maintainers, not for unmerged experiments.

Will integrating Breez SDK change custody of user funds?

The Breez SDK is designed for self‑custodial Lightning integrations, so users retain control of their funds. It also supports optional interoperability with third‑party Lightning providers for use cases that choose that path.

Key Takeaways

• Program model: Time2Build funds maintainer‑accepted contributions, focusing on lasting adoption rather than demos.
• Technical benefit: Breez Lightning SDK enables self‑custodial Lightning payments with reduced integration overhead.
• Action: Developers should target active FOSS projects with a user base and submit PRs that maintainers will merge to qualify for rewards.

Conclusion

Time2Build uses targeted funding to accelerate real‑world Lightning Network integrations via the Breez Lightning SDK, paying only for maintainer‑accepted work. Developers who prioritize durable, user‑facing features in active open‑source projects are best positioned to receive rewards and help scale Bitcoin payments.

Published: October 7, 2025