Geiser launches $10K NOSTR WALLET CONNECT GRANT to Spark Open-Source Innovation

Geiser, Bitcoin crowdfunding and grant platform, announced the NWC hackathon grant this week. This invited a project to leverage Nostr Wallet Connect (NWC), a communications protocol that allows programmable, non-custodial Bitcoin payments and seamless interaction between apps and wallets. NWC uses the NOSTR relay network as an online, encrypted messaging layer that links applications to users’ wallets, allowing apps to request payments and retrieve data without custody. This design allows Bitcoin to travel more freely between services. “We feel the timing is right. We are excited to utilize NWC for lightning strikes,” Geyser co-founder Mick Morucci highlights the momentum behind the technology.

Two Grant Trucks for Builders

The $10,000 NWC grant will be distributed in two categories. Track 1: The new NWC app focuses on fresh ideas and prototypes built from the ground up. This includes the “vibe coding” tool. Track 2: Mature NWC apps are for established projects that have not yet received investor funds. Geyser showed that there could be up to four winners per track, assessed on criteria such as impact, needs, job proof, and early potential. This initiative is not just about winnings. It comes with a workshop and mentorship support structure. Over the coming weeks (June 30th to July 11th), participants participated in educational livestreams, remote workshops and feedback sessions, leading to a livestreamed pitch day on July 8th, and the final winners announced on July 11th.

NWC unlocks new use cases

The versatility of Nostr Wallet Connect is an important motivation for grants. “We want to bring out Bitcoin from refrigerated, automated, seamless and sovereignty,” says René Aaron, developer of Alby (one of the grant sponsors), highlighting how NWC bridges lightning bolts into everyday applications (hear his interview here). By acting as an open bridge between the wallet and the app, NWC removes friction for both users and developers. The NWC is said to be a “missing link” that unlocks new Bitcoin use cases – “subscription model, non-rule flows, programmable payments, etc.” (source). This can all be built using NWC for ideas like pay-as-you-go subscriptions, IoT micropayments, Bitcoin-powered developer tools, mismatch conversion bots, and even automated credit card top-ups.

Sponsors and early applicants

The grants are supported by sponsors such as Alby, Flash, Primal, and Btccuracao. Several projects have already been applied to the program, reflecting a variety of NWC applications. These include Zapgoals. This includes the NOSTR app to fund SATs towards personal goals, Swapido – One-Click Lightning Peso Bank Transfer, Flotilla – Nostr-based community platform, and services that enable initiatives from Medical Binder – Sovereign Health Records. As the Bitcoin Builder community gathers around this open challenge, more applicants are expected.

How to participate

Geyser encourages Bitcoin or Nostrol Builders to ideas for applying for NWC grants. Applications are open on the NWC Hackathon Grant page by Monday, July 7th. The pitch day is Tuesday the 8th. With this initiative, organizers want to inspire fresh innovation and prove that Lightning is possible when they encounter Nostr’s unauthorized communication. By funding and mentoring developers, Geyser and his partners aim to accelerate the growth of the “self-robber” Bitcoin payments ecosystem, open to all.

This is a guest post by Mick Morucci. The opinions expressed are entirely unique and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.