A Free Open Source Mobile Dev Hackathon Is Coming to the Netherlands on May 16
OpenSource Science B.V., better known as OS-SCi, is a Netherlands-based institution that has a pretty specific focus. To train the next generation of developers exclusively on Free and Open Source Software (FOSS).
They run bachelor’s programs, modular courses, and student projects with partners that include LPI, UBports, the Rust Foundation, and the Python Institute.
If the outfit still sounds unfamiliar, you are not alone. OS-SCi doesn’t get a lot of coverage, even in FOSS circles. They are primarily education-focused, operating out of their Tilburg headquarters and working with universities to integrate open source into formal curricula.
They also run FOSSTech, a separate arm that delivers open source IT solutions to organizations. So it’s not purely a school; there’s a consultancy side to them too.
All that context matters, because OS-SCi is about to host something that might interest quite a few of you.
As always, independently verify event details and the organizer before attending.
Lomiri Tech Meeting
The Lomiri Tech Meeting is a two-day, free hackathon aimed at students who want to get hands-on with open source mobile development. The focus is building apps for Lomiri and Ubuntu Touch, the mobile OS maintained by UBports.
Two keynote speakers are confirmed. Mike Gabriel, the project leader behind Lomiri’s user interface, will be speaking. So will Erik Mols, who will use the event to announce the Lomiri Bounty Program, a new initiative that would offer students real-world incentives to contribute to the Ubuntu Touch ecosystem.
Every student who attends will be given free copies of Lomiri App Development Level 1 and Level 2. These are from a three-volume series that covers the platform’s foundational concepts along with advanced procedures.
Beyond the keynotes and books, the event is built around hands-on app development sessions guided by experts. The goal here seems to be that attendees leave having actually built something and not just sat through some presentations.
Event Details and Registration
The Lomiri Tech Meeting is open to students of all experience levels and will run from May 16 to 17, 2026, kicking off at 10:00 AM each day and wrapping up at 4:00 PM on the 17th.
The venue is OS-SCi’s headquarters at Spoorlaan 400, Tilburg, Netherlands. You can find it on OpenStreetMap and Google Maps.
It sits very close to Tilburg’s main train station (Station Tilburg), which makes it fairly straightforward to reach by rail. The building also appears to have some level of wheelchair accessibility, but I recommend confirming that directly with OS-SCi before making travel arrangements.
You can register for free on the official event page.
