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Open Source Summit North America 2026: Shaping the Future of AI and Open Technologies

The Open Source Summit + Embedded Linux Conference North America 2026 (OSS + ELC NA) is set to take place from May 18-20 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Organised by The Linux Foundation, this event is a confluence for open source enthusiasts, professionals, and leaders in the tech industry. The conference aims to explore foundational technologies that are not only shaping our present but also paving the way for the future, focusing specifically on advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), software supply chains, and embedded Linux systems.

A Gateway to New Technologies

The OSS + ELC NA 2026 serves as an essential gathering point where innovators can unite and discuss ways to build, enhance, and sustain the open technologies critical for modern infrastructure. Attendees will have the chance to learn from industry frontrunners such as AWS, Cloudflare, Google, IBM, and more. According to Jim Zemlin, CEO of the Linux Foundation, "Open source underpins today's most critical technology shifts, from AI to cloud and beyond." This highlights how integral open source is to current tech advancements.

Key Sessions

This year’s event will showcase several sessions that cover pressing issues in AI and open-source ecosystems:

Advancing Agentic AI

A significant session will focus on the transition of AI tools from simple chatbots to self-governing agents. This transformation necessitates robust open-source frameworks to effectively develop and deploy these technologies. Participants will gain insights into essential topics, including automation in decision-making and securing communication channels between AI agents and their tools.

Operationalizing Software Supply Chain Security

As awareness about the software supply chain escalates, the demand for Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs) is growing. Sessions will delve into strategies organizations can adopt to bolster the security of their software supply chains through SBOM implementation and automated security measures.

Scaling Open Innovation in Edge Systems

Embedded Linux is respiration for a range of vital systems, influencing everything from industrial automation to the Internet of Things (IoT). Sessions will address methods to optimize performance and enhance reliability across these embedded platforms, assuring developers can deliver real-time capabilities effectively.

Sustaining the Open Source Ecosystem

The open-source community faces robust challenges as demand grows, particularly with the influx of AI-generated code. Discussions will center on effective strategies for maintaining resilient open-source communities and sustaining ongoing support for essential projects.

Community Collaboration

This year’s conference will also feature co-located events, including the Linux Security Summit, Observability Summit, and OpenSSF Community Day North America, presenting more opportunities for attendees to network and learn.

Registration Information

Registration for OSS + ELC NA 2026 is now live, with early bird pricing available until March 24, 2026. Discounts are offered for academics, government personnel, hobbyists, and small businesses, ensuring accessibility for all interested parties.

Sponsorship

The event is supported by several high-profile sponsors, such as Google and Microsoft, who are dedicated to supporting open-source innovations and technologies. Through these partnerships, they contribute to enhancing the event's outreach and effectiveness.

Conclusion

OSS + ELC NA 2026 sets the stage for dynamic discussions around innovation in the realm of open technologies. As the world increasingly turns towards open-source solutions to address complex challenges, this summit will facilitate critical dialogues and collaborations that could shape the technological landscape of tomorrow. For more detailed information about the event and registration, visit the Linux Foundation’s official site.