European Open Source Awards 2026: The Continent’s Finest Innovators Crowned in Brussels

In a glittering ceremony held on January 29, 2026, in the heart of Brussels, the European Open Source Academy unveiled the luminaries of the open-source world, honoring those whose tireless efforts have propelled the movement to new heights. Backed by the European Union, this annual celebration is more than a mere awards show—it’s a testament to the power of collaboration, transparency, and the shared belief that technology should belong to everyone.

The night’s marquee event, the Prize for Excellence in Open Source Software, was bestowed upon Greg Kroah-Hartman, a name synonymous with stability and reliability in the Linux kernel community. For decades, Kroah-Hman has been the quiet guardian of the kernel’s stable releases, ensuring that millions of devices—from smartphones to supercomputers—run smoothly and securely. His work on core subsystems has made him a linchpin of the open-source ecosystem, and this accolade cements his legacy as a true steward of the digital commons.

Next, the spotlight turned to Frank Karlitschek, the visionary founder and CEO of Nextcloud, who took home the Special Recognition for Business & Impact. Karlitschek’s journey is a masterclass in marrying open-source ideals with commercial success. Under his leadership, Nextcloud has become a beacon for data sovereignty and privacy, offering individuals and organizations a self-hosted alternative to Big Tech’s walled gardens. His achievement demonstrates that ethical business models and open-source principles are not only compatible but can thrive together.

The Academy also shone a light on those who champion open-source values beyond code. Jenny Molloy was honored with the Special Recognition for Advocacy & Awareness, in recognition of her tireless efforts to embed open-source principles in research, policy, and open science hardware. Molloy’s work has democratized access to scientific tools and knowledge, ensuring that innovation is not the privilege of a few but a right for all.

Matthew Venn, founder of TinyTapeout, received the Special Recognition for Skills & Education. Venn’s groundbreaking initiatives have shattered barriers in open silicon design education, making the once-esoteric world of chip design accessible to students and hobbyists alike. His contributions are sowing the seeds for a new generation of hardware innovators.

Finally, the Academy recognized the monumental work of Roberto Di Cosmo and Stefano Zacchiroli, the founders and directors of Software Heritage. Their joint award for Special Recognition for Community Impact celebrates their creation of a vast, public archive of source code—a digital library preserving the world’s software heritage for posterity. In an age where digital obsolescence is a constant threat, their project stands as a bulwark against the erasure of our collective technological memory.

The European Open Source Awards 2026 not only spotlight individual excellence but also underscore the collaborative spirit that defines the open-source movement. From the kernel to the classroom, from business boardrooms to the archives of code, these honorees are shaping a future where technology is open, inclusive, and resilient.

For those eager to learn more about the awardees and their groundbreaking work, visit the European Open Source Academy’s awards page.

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