The Stellar Development Foundation (SDF) and DFS Lab have launched applications for the second Blockchain Bootcamp for African startups, with prizes of up to US$20,000 in XLM up for grabs for 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 an opportunity to build on Stellar, an open-source blockchain network for financial services and products.
A problem will be defined, a solution will be storyboarded, and a quick prototype of the innovation will be developed. The most promising solutions will be awarded prizes ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 in Stellar’s native currency, XLM, and there will be options for extra grant funding, including potential investment from SDF’s Matching Fund and other investors present at the demo day.
“We saw some impressive results from our Blockchain Bootcamp last year, with companies that participated in the bootcamp still building on Stellar. We’re excited to offer this opportunity for even more startups to see where the Stellar blockchain network can benefit them. From cross-border payments to financial inclusion, we are interested to see what role blockchain can play in the future of digital commerce in Africa,” said Jake Kendall, partner at DFS Lab.
Fintech, blockchain, and crypto-curious companies operating in Africa who want to improve existing services or integrate digital asset solutions into their models for the first time are encouraged to apply here before March 18.