#None #Brussels #Linux Foundation #NeoNephos #Digital Sovereignty

NeoNephos Foundation: A New Era for Cloud Technologies in Europe

On March 31, 2025, the Linux Foundation Europe unveiled the NeoNephos Foundation, a visionary initiative designed to enhance innovation in open cloud infrastructure. This development arrives at a pivotal moment when the demand for secure, scalable, and transparent cloud solutions in Europe is surging, particularly in light of the continent's commitment to digital sovereignty.

Bridging Needs with Technology

The NeoNephos Foundation stands as one of the first outcomes of the Important Project of Common European Interest on Cloud Infrastructure and Services (IPCEI-CIS) initiative, reflecting a concerted effort to align cloud technology with the European Union's ambitions for digital independence. The overarching goal is to foster collaboration among organizations, technology providers, and academic institutions, creating a robust ecosystem that champions open source solutions tailored to the unique needs of European enterprises and public sectors.

Gabriele Columbro, General Manager of Linux Foundation Europe, expressed enthusiasm for the new initiative, emphasizing that it represents a substantial progression in Europe's pursuit of cloud sovereignty through open-source frameworks. He stated, "By fostering an openly governed collaborative ecosystem, we can accelerate innovation by building and integrating with open source cloud native building blocks like Kubernetes, Sylva, and LF Networking projects. Together with our collaborators, we can leverage existing projects while ensuring compliance with regulatory and data protection mandates crucial for European stakeholders."

Core Focus Areas

NeoNephos will channel its efforts into several pivotal areas:

1. Cloud Infrastructure: Development and promotion of open and interoperable cloud technologies designed specifically for European entities.
2. Digital Sovereignty: Safeguarding the control organizations maintain over their data and infrastructure, ensuring compliance with European laws.
3. Collaboration and Innovation: Offering a neutral ground for contributors to build, deploy, and scale cloud-native solutions in support of a flourishing digital economy.

This tripartite focus aims to not only respond to the current market demands but also to predict future needs, establishing a forward-thinking framework for cloud technologies.

Joining Forces for a Common Mission

The NeoNephos Foundation is backed by a diverse coalition of founding members, including powerhouse companies and research institutions such as Clyso GmbH, Cyberus Technology, Deutsche Telekom AG, SAP SE, TNO - ECOFED, and 23 Technologies GmbH. These organizations, with their vast expertise and shared vision, are crucial to nurturing an open cloud ecosystem prioritizing transparency, security, and interoperability.

"As a longtime advocate for open source, I am thrilled about NeoNephos, which we believe is a significant advance for Europe's digital autonomy and cloud sovereignty," noted Joachim Kraftmayer, CEO of CLYSO GmbH. His comments reflect a broader sentiment shared among the members of the foundation.

A Call for Participation

NeoNephos is extending its invitation to other organizations, contributors, and collaborators eager to join this transformative movement. Interested individuals and entities can engage further by visiting neonephos.org to discover how they can participate in this initiative.

Conclusion: Looking Ahead

The launch of NeoNephos represents not merely a new organization but a foundational step toward a future where European cloud strategies are robust, secure, and sovereign. The groundwork laid by this initiative promises to drive significant advancements in how digital infrastructure is conceptualized, built, and utilized across the European landscape, ultimately aiming to ensure that Europe charts its own digital destiny.

With the collaboration of the NeoNephos Foundation’s extensive coalition, the dream of a sovereign cloud for Europe is not just an ambition but a pressing reality that is being established today.