IE Sci-Tech Students Dive into the Future of Open Source at FOSDEM 2025
Innovation, Collaboration, and Cutting-Edge Tech at Europe's Biggest Open-Source Event.
IE University’s School of Science and Technology is all about connecting students with real-world opportunities, so it was only natural that a group of Sci-Tech students headed to the Free and Open Source Software Developer’s European Meeting (FOSDEM) at Université libre de Bruxelles. The event serves as a global hub for open-source enthusiasts, offering Sci-Tech students the chance to engage with developers, contributors, and thought leaders from around the world.
FOSDEM was packed with eye-opening talks that dove into the ever-evolving world of open-source tech. Bill Mulligan from Cilium highlighted the importance of addressing real user challenges, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how open-source projects translate into tangible business impact. Meanwhile, Lisa Driukova from JetBrains showcased how AI is transforming API documentation, simulating interactions for both beginner and expert users to enhance accessibility and efficiency.
For web developers in attendance, Robin Marx’s session on browser performance stood out as especially insightful. By comparing how Safari, Chrome, and Firefox process web pages differently, Marx shed light on the nuances that shape web performance and user experience.
Among the many takeaways from the event, Sci-Tech student Alberto Puliga found SunPeek especially fascinating, an open-source tool for monitoring large-scale solar thermal plants. “I didn’t expect to see open-source making an impact in the solar sector, but it really shows the breadth and power of these solutions,” he said. As a Django developer, Puliga also found Thibaud Colas’ talk on the framework’s evolution especially relevant, as it delved into how Django continues to thrive in a space dominated by JavaScript and other Python frameworks.
Fellow Sci-Tech student Anna Payne shared a similar perspective. “Being surrounded by a community so dedicated to knowledge-sharing and collaboration was an incredible experience. I left FOSDEM feeling more inspired than ever about the possibilities of open-source and the innovative projects emerging from this space.”
At IE School of Sci-Tech, it’s not just about learning the tech—it’s about actively engaging with the field, gaining practical experience, and becoming part of the action. Events like FOSDEM provide students with a unique opportunity to connect with industry pioneers as well as gain fresh insights - and become part of the global open-source movement shaping the future of technology.