So, what exactly is IndiaFOSS 2025?
IndiaFOSS is India's biggest, most vibrant festival celebrating Free and Open Source Software! It's not just a gathering; it's a celebration of software innovation and the people who make it happen. Whether you are a seasoned developer, an aspiring enthusiast, or someone with a passion for technology, IndiaFOSS invites you to be part of this vibrant community.
Who is this conference for? Am I "FOSS-y" enough?
If you love open source, want to learn, or are just curious – you belong! From seasoned engineers to students taking their first coding steps, sysadmins, designers, community managers, and everyone in between. If FOSS piques your interest, come on in!
Why should I attend IndiaFOSS 2025? What's in it for me?
To learn from the best, network with passionate folks, discover new projects, contribute to existing ones, and go through some technical workshops by the devs themselves. If you’ve never set up an open source project, the workshops are a good way to start!
IndiaFOSS 2025 will be held on 20th and 21st September, 2025 at the NIMHANS Convention Centre at Bengaluru, Karnataka. Workshops precede the main conference, and these will happen at [TBD] venue on the 19th (Tickets for workshops need to be purchased separately and will be opened soon.?).
Tickets will be available through our official website: https://fossunited.org/indiafoss/2025. Make sure you buy tickets in time; there’s usually a lot of chaos to grab tickets at the end.
Is there an early bird discount?
We have a limited number of community subsidised tickets available till 31st May at a discounted price. Grab them while you can.
I'm a student. Are there special student passes or discounts?
Yes! Discounted student tickets are available in limited quantities. Proof of active student status will be required at the venue. If you are graduating before the conference, you will not be eligible for a student pass.
What if I buy a student ticket but am unable to present a proof?
Then you won’t be allowed to enter the conference, and if you wish to enter, you will be required to pay full price of the ticket.
Is accommodation available?
While we don't provide direct accommodation, we have listed some recommended hotels and guesthouses near the venue on our website: https://fossunited.org/indiafoss/guide. Booking early is always better.
I need a visa to travel to India. Can you help with an invitation letter?
Please reach out to indiafoss@fossunited.org.
I have an amazing FOSS talk/workshop idea! Can I speak at IndiaFOSS 2025?
We'd love to hear it! Our Call for Proposals (CFP) is open and closes on 7th June 2025. Get your thinking caps on and prepare to wow us! Details are at https://fossunited.org/dashboard/cfp/apply/indiafoss/2025.
What kind of topics or tracks can I expect?
Everything FOSS! From deep dives into kernel development, cloud-native tech, AI/ML with open tools, web technologies, mobile FOSS, cybersecurity, to building and sustaining FOSS communities, open hardware, and the societal impact of open source. If it's open, it's on the agenda! This year we are excited to host six devrooms, running in parallel with the main track. Each devroom is a 3 hour community organized mini-conference, catering to various focus areas. Check out the devrooms at https://fossunited.org/indiafoss/2025/devrooms.
Will the sessions be recorded? I can't be in two places at once (yet).
Yes, all talks from the main track will be live-streamed. Recordings for the main track and devrooms will be made available in a few weeks after the conference, so you can always re-watch your favourites or explore new ones. However, the workshop sessions won’t be available online.
I'm new to FOSS. Will there be beginner-friendly content?
Definitely! We aim to have a mix of content catering to all levels. Look out for introductory talks, workshops, and community booths where you can ask all your "newbie" questions without fear. We were all beginners once!
Devrooms are half-day mini-conferences in parallel to the main conference run by independent communities and focused on specific topics related to community’s interest or other aspects of FOSS.
What are the devrooms available?
Android Open Source Project, Compilers, Programming Languages and Systems, FOSS in Science, Geopolitics and Policy in FOSS, Open Data, Open Hardware.
What are the guidelines for submitting a proposal for devrooms?
Make sure the proposal is relevant to the track and the talk pertains to FOSS. Keep the proposal descriptive and include references.
Why should you consider joining a devroom?
If you’re interested in any of the topics explored in the available devrooms, you should consider joining it to gain insights in a niche manner and connect with domain experts.
What is to be expected in a workshop?
Workshops are meant to be a hands-on session on a specific topic, involving live demo rather than talk or presentations, giving practical exposure.
What are the prerequisites for attending a workshop?
In order to have the best experience, make sure you have a basic understanding of topics covered in the workshop and bring the needed materials (laptops, peripherals, etc.) that’s mentioned in workshop guidelines.
What are the guidelines for submitting a workshop?
Ensure you describe the pre-requisites (bill of materials, participant knowledge, etc.) and the agenda of the workshop.
What are the guidelines for accepted workshops?
Accepted workshops must submit prerequisites and are advised to prepare guides or workbooks for participants to follow through.
Is there a Code of Conduct? How can I report violations?
IndiaFOSS 2025 is dedicated to providing a harassment-free and inclusive experience for everyone. You can read our Code of Conduct here: https://fossunited.org/code-of-conduct. Please reach out to coc@fossunited.org or +91 9900982939 if you need help.
How can my company sponsor IndiaFOSS 2025? We love FOSS!
That's fantastic! Supporting IndiaFOSS means supporting the entire FOSS ecosystem in India. Please check out our sponsorship prospectus at [Sponsorship Deck] or email us at indiafoss@fossunited.org.
What about food and, most importantly, Caffeine?
Fear not, weary traveler! Your registration includes lunch and refreshments on conference days. And yes, there will be coffee. It's practically a FOSS fuel.
Please email us your dietary restrictions at indiafoss@fossunited.org so we can make necessary arrangements.
I have a question that's not listed here. Who do I ping?
For any other queries, please feel free to reach out to us at indiafoss@fossunited.org or join our Telegram channel. We have a dedicated IndiaFOSS 2025 subtopic in our channel.
Where can I find updates about IndiaFOSS 2025?
Follow us on X, LinkedIn, and subscribe to our newsletter on our website! Don't be a stranger!
I bought a ticket, but I can’t attend. Can I get a refund?
The tickets for IndiaFOSS 2025 are non-refundable, so we can’t process a refund, but you can transfer your ticket to someone. Check out our refund and transfer policy here - https://fossunited.org/refund-transfer-policy
Liability of ticket transfer?
FOSS United does not bear any liability for the transfer of any ticket whatsoever. Please coordinate among yourselves to tick all the boxes, and be careful while transferring. While transferring a ticket, please enter the new email ID carefully
What if I try to re-use a transferred ticket?
We have an ownership history for each ticket and a QR based sign-in. Any attempts at forging, soliciting entry, et al will be under the purview of the conference chairs, and their decision will be final.
All this sounds great, but I can’t afford a ticket and/or travel to the conference
We do have a diversity scholarship program to help people attend the conference. The scholarship application will open in a few weeks.
Is FOSS United a Football Club?
Unfortunately not.
