> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://blog.gooey.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://blog.gooey.ai/indiafoss-2026.md).

# IndiaFOSS 2026

In a world where AI is increasingly controlled by Big Tech, AI sovereignty has become a rallying cry. Like the gift of fire to mankind, it is power in the hands of the people; power to shape and build the technology that, in turn, shapes their cultures and representation. Milton once likened ink to the “blood of the printing press”, similarly open infrastructure is what courses through the bodice of AI sovereignty.

Sovereignty shifts the focus from simply using AI to governing the infrastructure, and underlying tools behind it. Open-source ecosystems and licensing frameworks like Apache give communities and organisations the foundations to build sovereign AI. This is what makes communities like [FOSS United](https://fossunited.org/), which advance a culture of collaboration and openness, special. We were delighted to be sponsors for #IndiaFOSS 2026, as they share our vision of a sovereign and inclusive AI.

It was heartening to spend the festival connecting with the FOSS community, sharing what we’re building, and learning from the people shaping the future of open technology. It was also an amazing opportunity for our team in Bangalore to spend time together, and to meet members of the FOSS community.

![](https://3205006002-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FleYcqBx5FRZcVr3wI4f4%2Fuploads%2F7qcni2W0BksYqwSeNO3k%2Funknown.jpeg?alt=media\&token=e95fd31d-1c19-4a71-a39b-5795e7fb67d1)

Our Co-Founder & CTO, Dev Aggarwal, and Software Engineer, Milind Choudhary, hosted a Birds of Feather (BoF) session on eco-labeling, sparking conversations around sustainability and open source. The session explored questions around how we can make the environmental costs of technology more visible and think about sustainability within open-source ecosystems.

![](https://3205006002-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FleYcqBx5FRZcVr3wI4f4%2Fuploads%2FmG2gjry9UU1aY6VMDKTv%2Funknown.jpeg?alt=media\&token=811c782e-7b07-40b0-9641-bafb17b8b3c5)

Our Head of Developer Relations, Ambika Joshi, joined Ansh Arora, Programs & Partnerships Manager at FOSS United; Kailash Nadh, CTO at Zerodha; Harsh Nisar, Co-founder at Bharat Digital; and Tarunima Prabhakar, Co-founder at Tattle, for a panel on “The Future of FOSS, SWE and Technical Education.”

The conversation explored some of the biggest questions facing the software ecosystem today, from the rise of the “vibe coder” and the changing role of junior developers to open-source maintainership, technical education, and careers beyond Big Tech.

![](https://3205006002-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FleYcqBx5FRZcVr3wI4f4%2Fuploads%2Fiz0WW7WOShLo36AZQmka%2Funknown.jpeg?alt=media\&token=d7899c40-db75-4311-b941-807792172d3d)

It turned out to be busy times at our booth right from the moment the doors opened, not that we were complaining. We had a blast meeting the sharp young students thronging our booth, hearing their ideas and introducing Gooey’s work to them.

![](https://3205006002-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FleYcqBx5FRZcVr3wI4f4%2Fuploads%2FV9Ssw6rRjJ5WERq5qh8D%2Funknown.png?alt=media\&token=37501953-5c0f-4b63-9452-b3bbc8de4090)

Yet some of the best moments at IndiaFOSS weren’t on stage.

Our AI Operations Associate, Abhay V, facilitated an impromptu AI agent session for a group from NavGurukul, an amazing tech programme for underprivileged girls from Chhattisgarh. They had travelled especially for the conference. Seeing their curiosity and engagement with AI was one of the highlights of the event. It was a lovely reminder of the value of creating spaces where people can experiment, ask questions, and learn together.

![](https://3205006002-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FleYcqBx5FRZcVr3wI4f4%2Fuploads%2F46vjmArBWQViOChYX2W7%2Funknown.jpeg?alt=media\&token=65457438-db90-41b5-9cbb-409a198a3c9c)

From conversations at our booth to sessions, new connections, and unexpected moments of learning, IndiaFOSS was a wonderful opportunity to be part of the broader FOSS community.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth, joined a session, shared an idea, or took the time to talk with us. IndiaFOSS 2026 truly warmed the cockles of our hearts.

We are grateful to FOSS United for bringing the community together. Can’t wait for IndiaFOSS 2027! More power to the people :)