10 Key Insights into the Lomiri Tech Meeting: A Free Open Source Mobile Dev Hackathon in the Netherlands

<p>If you're passionate about free and open source software (FOSS) and mobile development, mark your calendar for May 16–17, 2026. The Netherlands-based organization OpenSource Science B.V. (OS-SCi) is hosting a free two-day hackathon focused on building apps for Lomiri and Ubuntu Touch. Whether you're a seasoned coder or a curious beginner, this event offers hands-on experience, expert guidance, and a chance to contribute to a thriving open ecosystem. Here are ten essential things you need to know about the Lomiri Tech Meeting.</p> <h2 id="item1">1. The Organizer: OS-SCi – A FOSS Education Pioneer</h2> <p>OS-SCi, short for OpenSource Science B.V., is a Netherlands-based institution dedicated to training the next generation of developers exclusively on free and open source software. Based in Tilburg, they offer bachelor's programs, modular courses, and student projects in partnership with organizations like LPI, UBports, the Rust Foundation, and the Python Institute. They also run FOSSTech, a consultancy arm that delivers open source IT solutions. This unique blend of education and real-world application makes OS-SCi the perfect host for a hackathon that blends learning with doing.</p><figure style="margin:20px 0"><img src="https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2026/05/lomiri-tech-meeting-banner.png" alt="10 Key Insights into the Lomiri Tech Meeting: A Free Open Source Mobile Dev Hackathon in the Netherlands" style="width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:8px" loading="lazy"><figcaption style="font-size:12px;color:#666;margin-top:5px">Source: itsfoss.com</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="item2">2. What Is the Lomiri Tech Meeting?</h2> <p>Referred to interchangeably as the Lomiri CodeFest or Lomiri Hackathon, this two-day event is a free, hands-on hackathon aimed at students who want to dive into open source mobile development. The focus is on creating applications for <strong>Lomiri</strong> (the converged UI formerly known as Unity 8) and <strong>Ubuntu Touch</strong>, the mobile operating system maintained by UBports. Attendees get to work directly on real-world projects, guided by experts.</p> <h2 id="item3">3. Why Lomiri and Ubuntu Touch Matter</h2> <p>Lomiri and Ubuntu Touch represent a unique corner of the mobile ecosystem: fully open source, privacy-respecting, and community-driven. They run on a range of devices, from phones to tablets, and offer a true alternative to proprietary systems. By developing for these platforms, students gain experience with emerging technologies and contribute to a growing movement for digital freedom. The hackathon is a gateway to becoming part of that community.</p> <h2 id="item4">4. Keynote Speaker: Mike Gabriel – The Mind Behind Lomiri’s UI</h2> <p>Mike Gabriel, the project leader responsible for Lomiri's user interface, will deliver one of the keynote addresses. He'll share insights into the design philosophy and technical challenges behind building a convergent UI that works across form factors. His talk will provide context for the day's development sessions and inspire attendees to think creatively about open source mobile experiences.</p> <h2 id="item5">5. Keynote Speaker: Erik Mols and the Lomiri Bounty Program</h2> <p>Erik Mols will use the hackathon to announce the <strong>Lomiri Bounty Program</strong>, a new initiative offering real-world incentives for students who contribute to the Ubuntu Touch ecosystem. While specific details are under wraps, the program aims to reward meaningful contributions with tangible benefits. This keynote is a must-attend for anyone looking to turn their hackathon project into a long-term contribution with financial or career perks.</p> <h2 id="item6">6. Free Learning Materials: Two Books on Lomiri Development</h2> <p>Every student who attends will receive free digital copies of <em>Lomiri App Development Level 1</em> and <em>Level 2</em>. These books, part of a three-volume series, cover foundational concepts and advanced procedures for building apps on the platform. They serve as both a pre-event primer and a post-event reference, ensuring that learning continues long after the hackathon ends.</p><figure style="margin:20px 0"><img src="https://feed.itsfoss.com/content/images/size/w30/2026/01/2025-pfp-1-1.jpg" alt="10 Key Insights into the Lomiri Tech Meeting: A Free Open Source Mobile Dev Hackathon in the Netherlands" style="width:100%;height:auto;border-radius:8px" loading="lazy"><figcaption style="font-size:12px;color:#666;margin-top:5px">Source: itsfoss.com</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="item7">7. Hands-On Development Sessions Guided by Experts</h2> <p>The core of the event is not lectures but <strong>practice</strong>. Attendees will work in small groups or individually on app development, with experienced mentors available to guide them. The goal is for every participant to leave having built a functional application—or at least a solid prototype. This practical approach bridges the gap between theory and real-world coding, making it ideal for students eager to grow their portfolio.</p> <h2 id="item8">8. Venue and Location: Easy Access via Tilburg Train Station</h2> <p>The event takes place at OS-SCi's headquarters: <strong>Spoorlaan 400, Tilburg, Netherlands</strong>. It's a short walk from Tilburg's main train station (Station Tilburg), making it easy to reach by rail. The building is reported to have wheelchair access, but organizers recommend confirming directly with OS-SCi before traveling. For navigation, you can find the location on OpenStreetMap or Google Maps.</p> <h2 id="item9">9. Who Should Attend? Students of All Levels Welcome</h2> <p>The Lomiri Tech Meeting is open to students of any experience level—from complete beginners to seasoned developers. No prior knowledge of Lomiri or Ubuntu Touch is required; the books and mentors will bring you up to speed. What's needed is a willingness to learn, a laptop, and curiosity about open source mobile development. If you're studying computer science, design, or just hacking as a hobby, you'll fit right in.</p> <h2 id="item10">10. How to Register – It’s Free!</h2> <p>Attendance is completely free, but spots are limited. You can register on the <a href="https://example.com/register" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">official event page</a>. The hackathon runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on both days. Don't wait—registration is open now, and the event is expected to fill up quickly.</p> <p>The Lomiri Tech Meeting is a unique opportunity to learn, network, and contribute to the open source mobile world—all without spending a dime. Whether you're aiming to build your first app, meet like-minded developers, or explore a potential career path, this hackathon delivers. Head to the registration page, and get ready for two days of coding, creativity, and community.</p>