The European Open Source Academy (EOSA) was established to unite distinguished individuals and organisations who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing Open Source Software and Hardware across Europe. By recognising and celebrating excellence, the Academy serves as a platform for thought leadership, policy engagement, and community development in the Open Source Software and Hardware domains.
Founded with initial funding from the European Commission, the Academy is currently in a transitional phase toward becoming an independent non-profit entity (ASBL) incorporated in Belgium in the first half of 2026. This structure will ensure close alignment with European institutions while supporting the Academy’s long-term sustainability and governance.
The Academy’s mission is centred on Public Recognition — elevating and acknowledging outstanding contributions to Open Source Software and Hardware through a transparent, merit-based selection process led by its Members. In doing so, the Academy promotes excellence, fosters collaboration, and advocates for the societal and economic value of Open Source and Open Hardware technologies.
In its work, the Academy pursues four strategic goals:
Excellence and Achievement: Celebrating outstanding contributions within the European Open Source Software and Hardware communities.
Business and Impact: Supporting entrepreneurship and sustainable ecosystems grounded in Open Source Software and Hardware principles.
Advocacy and Awareness: Representing European interests in global Open Source Software and Hardware dialogue and policy.
Skills and Education: Empowering future generations through education, training, and outreach around Open Source Software and Hardware.
Through initiatives such as the annual European Open Source Awards, the Academy plays a central role in fostering recognition, impact, and visibility for Europe’s Open Source leaders across industry, policy, and society.
Becoming a Knowledge Partner of the European Open Source Academy allows organisations to support its activities on an ongoing basis while gaining valuable engagement opportunities with Europe's leading open source community. It is specifically designated for scientific, academic, cultural, and civil society institutions, particularly those that operate on a not-for-profit basis.
As an EOSA Partner, your organisation will be acknowledged through:
● Invitations to the biannual EOSA Partner Forum, and any additional EOSA Partner-related events, including the Partner Forum in Brussels on the day of the European Open Source Awards and the online forum in early autumn
● Inclusion on the EOSA Partner mailing list, providing regular updates and opportunities to engage with the EOSA community
● Inclusion on the EOSA Website.
The most valuable contribution that Knowledge Partners give to EOSA is their expertise and their experts' time. Knowledge Partners are expected to take an interest in the activities of the Academy and identify opportunities for supporting them on an ongoing basis, as is feasible and complementary to the existing work of their organisations.
The biannual EOSA Partner Forums provide opportunities to discuss potential strategies and actions, convening leading voices on open source policy and strategy in Europe, including representatives from the European Commission. To get the most out of being a Knowledge Partners, it is important to attend these meetings, as they are also an opportunity to build strong relationships between partners and their representatives.
It is important to note that EOSA is not a trade association. Being a Knowledge Partner does not grant any influence over the Academy's governance, awards, or membership. EOSA is independent and does not speak for its Knowledge Partners or paying Subscribers. However, in cases where EOSA and its Knowledge Partners Subscribers have shared policy interests, there are often opportunities to collaborate on advocacy efforts.
Becoming a Subscriber of the European Open Source Academy allows organisations to contribute to and support its activities on an ongoing basis while gaining valuable engagement opportunities with Europe's leading open source community.
What Subscribers Receive
As an EOSA Subscriber, your organisation will be acknowledged through:
● Logo on all official EOSA materials (online and print)
● Dedicated sponsor page on the EOSA website (company description + links)
● Subscriber announcement post across EOSA social channels (LinkedIn, Mastodon, Bluesky)
● Standing invitation to biannual EOSA Partner Forum
● Inclusion on the EOSA Partner mailing list
● Free EOSA magazine subscription
Includes all other benefits prescribed in the general terms, as well as:
● One (1) guaranteed invitation to the annual EOSA Awards
● One (1) dedicated social media post on a topic of joint interest (lower-effort format, e.g., a highlight or short insight)
● One (1) joint content piece co-produced with the partner – e.g., Q&A, short interview, or editorial format – featured across EOSA channels
● Feature in EOSA's ongoing sponsor series
Includes all other benefits prescribed in the general terms, as well as:
● Two (2) guaranteed invitations to the annual EOSA Awards
● Two (2) dedicated social media posts per year (more developed format)
● Two (2) joint content pieces co-produced with the partner – e.g., Q&A, short interview, or editorial format – featured across EOSA channels
● Feature in EOSA's ongoing sponsor series
● Expanded content collaboration opportunities
Includes all other benefits prescribed in the general terms, as well as:
● Three (3) guaranteed invitations to the annual EOSA Awards
● Four (4) dedicated social media features across all active EOSA channels
● Three (3) joint content pieces co-produced with the partner – e.g., Q&A, short interview, or editorial format – featured across EOSA channels
● Feature in EOSA's ongoing sponsor series
● Expanded content collaboration opportunities
● Dedicated long-form interview with joint promotion on all channels
● Priority placement in EOSA magazine