The Time2Build initiative, driven by Breez, incentivizes developers to seamlessly incorporate the Breez Bitcoin Lightning Network SDK into existing open-source applications. The goal is to foster sustainable adoption rather than fleeting experiments.
As announced on Tuesday, Time2Build is distinct from traditional hackathons or bounty programs, focusing on substantive contributions to projects. Only code that receives approval from project maintainers is rewarded, ensuring that enhancements truly benefit users. According to a Breez representative, eligible projects must maintain a Free Open Source Software (FOSS) license and possess an active community and genuine user base.
The intention is to promote enduring adoption over mere demos or temporary solutions.
Among the partners collaborating with Breez for Time2Build are notable players in the sector, including Lightspark, the prominent stablecoin issuer Tether, and Plan ₿ Network. The funding for this initiative comes from Breez and its partners, with additional prizes offered by DraperU and PlebLab.
The focus is on lasting adoption, not demos or short-lived hacks. (Translation: The emphasis is on sustained usage over temporary fixes.)
An Open Source Lightning Network SDK
The Breez API provides a comprehensive solution for developers aiming to integrate self-custodial Lightning capabilities into their applications, allowing control over assets without reliance on third parties.
According to Breez, the SDK is freely available for any developer and facilitates integration with the third-party Lightning service provider Spark, partnered with Lightspark.
The Lightning Network offers a solution for Bitcoin scalability, reviving its intended purpose as a payment method with rapid and nearly free offchain transactions that can eventually settle onchain.
Recent analyses suggest that the network’s robustness could allow Bitcoin transactions as far as Mars. Currently, the Lightning Network comprises approximately 1,600 nodes and 43,561 payment channels, with handling capabilities amounting to 3,869 BTC, which equals over $480 million.
Lightning Nodes Channels World Map. Source: Mempool.Space
Growing Adoption of the Lightning Network
Recently, the Lightning Network has gained traction beyond the crypto space. Reports emerged in late August that SoFi Technologies plans to become the first U.S. bank utilizing the Bitcoin network along with Universal Money Address features for seamless transactions among Americans and Mexicans.
Additionally, international grocery chain Spar has implemented Bitcoin payments via the Lightning Network in a Swiss city. The potential for further adoption is vast, as the capabilities of the Lightning Network extend beyond simple Bitcoin transactions.
