We are thrilled to announce that HDR Global Trading Limited (operator of the BitMEX cryptocurrency exchange) and OKCoin will each provide a $75,000 grant to Bitcoin Core developer **[Amiti Uttarwar](https://blog.bitmex.com/grants/amiti-uttarwar/)**, totaling $150,000 over 12 months. HDR's portion follows an open-source grant agreement template. As staunch supporters of Bitcoin Core and open-source development, both BitMEX and OKCoin recognize the pivotal role of Amiti’s work in advancing the Bitcoin network.
Amiti Uttarwar’s Contributions to Bitcoin Core
Amiti’s protocol improvements strengthen Bitcoin’s foundational technology, with a focus on the peer-to-peer (P2P) layer. Her work enhances privacy and security while refining the trust model that underpins decentralized transactions.
"Bitcoin introduces a new trust model with transparent rules accessible to all. Strangers can achieve consensus without mutual trust—a paradigm shift in human interaction. This potential captivated me from day one."
— Amiti Uttarwar
Key Achievements:
- Privacy Enhancements: Identified how nodes leak sensitive data (PR #18038) and reduced wallet rebroadcast frequency to obscure transaction origins.
- P2P Layer Testing: Expanded test coverage to simulate diverse node connections, improving codebase robustness (#16698).
👉 Learn how Bitcoin’s P2P network ensures decentralization
Why This Grant Matters
Industry Perspectives:
- Hong Fang, CEO of OKCoin:
"Supporting independent developers like Amiti aligns with Bitcoin’s long-term success. Her work reinforces Satoshi’s vision of a secure, private electronic cash system." - Sam Reed, CTO & Co-Founder of HDR:
"This collaboration signals our shared commitment to Bitcoin’s future. Amiti’s privacy-focused innovations exemplify the progress needed for global adoption."
Historical Support:
- OKCoin previously funded developers like Fabian Jahr and BTCPay Server.
- HDR backed MIT DCI, Bitcoin Core maintainer Michael Ford, and researcher Gleb Naumenko.
Amiti’s Vision for Bitcoin’s Future
"With only 30-40 full-time Bitcoin Core contributors, we’re building a global currency against immense odds. This grant fuels my mission to make Bitcoin more reliable, private, and accessible."
— Amiti Uttarwar
Beyond coding, Amiti engages in education via blog posts, illustrations, and public speaking.
FAQ: Bitcoin Development Grants
Q1: How do grants benefit Bitcoin’s ecosystem?
A: Grants empower developers to focus full-time on critical protocol upgrades, preventing talent drain to corporate roles.
Q2: Why is P2P layer optimization crucial?
A: It ensures transaction privacy and network resilience—cornerstones of decentralization.
Q3: How can exchanges support open-source development?
A: By funding independent contributors, exchanges invest in the infrastructure their businesses rely on.
👉 Explore Bitcoin’s evolving technology landscape