Netherlands Open Source Hackathon Offers Free Mobile App Development Bootcamp for Students

TILBURG, Netherlands — The Netherlands-based open source education nonprofit OS-SCi will host a free, two-day mobile development hackathon focused on the Ubuntu Touch ecosystem on May 16–17, 2026, at its headquarters in Tilburg.The Lomiri Tech Meeting is designed for students of any skill level who want to build apps for Lomiri and Ubuntu Touch, the mobile operating system maintained by UBports. Participants will gain hands-on experience with Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) mobile development under the guidance of expert mentors.“This hackathon is about giving students a genuine opportunity to contribute to a living, open-source mobile platform,” said Mike Gabriel, project leader for Lomiri’s user interface, who will deliver a keynote address. “We want attendees to leave with working code and a deeper understanding of how open source communities collaborate.”Erik Mols, another keynote speaker, will use the event to announce the Lomiri Bounty Program, a new initiative that offers students real-world incentives for improving Ubuntu Touch apps. “The bounty program turns learning into tangible rewards,” Mols said. “It’s a structured way to encourage long-term contributions and nurture the next generation of mobile developers.”Every student attendee will receive free copies of the first two volumes of the Lomiri App Development book series, covering foundational and advanced topics. The event emphasizes active development over lectures, with guided sessions aimed at producing completed applications.<h2 id="background">Background</h2>OS-SCi (OpenSource Science B.V.) is a Tilburg-based institution focused exclusively on training developers in Free and Open Source Software. It runs bachelor’s programs, modular courses, and student projects in partnership with organizations including LPI, UBports, the Rust Foundation, and the Python Institute. The organization also operates FOSSTech, a separate arm that delivers open source IT solutions to clients, combining educational and consultancy functions.<figure style="margin:20px 0"><img src="https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2026/05/lomiri-tech-meeting-banner.png" alt="Netherlands Open Source Hackathon Offers Free Mobile App Development Bootcamp for Students" 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>Despite its focused mission, OS-SCi remains relatively unknown even within FOSS circles, as it primarily works with universities to integrate open source into formal curricula. The Lomiri Tech Meeting is one of its first public-facing student hackathons.<figure style="margin:20px 0"><img src="https://feed.itsfoss.com/content/images/size/w30/2026/01/2025-pfp-1-1.jpg" alt="Netherlands Open Source Hackathon Offers Free Mobile App Development Bootcamp for Students" 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="details">Event Details</h2><ul><li>Dates: May 16–17, 2026 (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM each day)</li><li>Location: OS-SCi Headquarters, Spoorlaan 400, Tilburg, Netherlands (near Tilburg Central Station; wheelchair access available—confirm directly with OS-SCi)</li><li>Cost: Free. Lunch and materials included.</li><li>Registration: <a href="https://os-sci.org/lomiri-tech-meeting" target="_blank">Register here</a></li></ul><h2 id="what-this-means">What This Means</h2>For students, the hackathon is a low-barrier entry point into open source mobile development. The free books, expert guidance, and potential to earn bounties reduce the typical learning hurdles. For the Ubuntu Touch ecosystem, the bounty program could accelerate app development and attract new talent that otherwise might not engage with the platform.“This is a model we hope to repeat across other open source projects,” added Gabriel. “By lowering the cost of learning and providing direct incentives, we can grow both the community and the codebase.”With over 500 million smartphone users worldwide, the mobile app economy is crowded. Open source alternatives like Lomiri offer a niche but growing space for developers who prioritize privacy, control, and community ownership over proprietary ecosystems.Editor’s note: As always, independently verify event details and organizer credentials before attending.