Why DevConf 2026 Brings Together FOSS Leaders in Pune and Inspires the Community
What role does open source software play today in shaping the future of technology, and how is the Indian IT community reshaping global trends? DevConf 2026 is already attracting not only professionals but also enthusiasts, students, and entrepreneurs who dream of being at the center of the most relevant industry discussions. Its unique openness, free participation, and powerful professional community turn the event into an important platform for knowledge sharing and the development of new initiatives.
What DevConf Is and Why It Matters
DevConf is an annual conference organized by the international company Red Hat, one of the recognized global leaders in the field of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS). Since 2017, the event has brought together thousands of participants across India and beyond, providing a space for knowledge exchange, discussion of new projects, and joint creation of products that influence the digital future.
Red Hat actively supports the development of FOSS, placing a strong emphasis on inclusivity and collaboration. As noted by Hemant Singh, Director of Development at Red Hat Asia Pacific: “DevConf proves that open source software today is not just a tool, but a whole philosophy of technological cooperation.” Thanks to such initiatives, India has become a leader in the number of young professionals involved in the development of open technologies and is now setting new industry standards. The event stimulates the development of IT education, helps form new project teams, and defines the direction of the country’s digital transformation.
When and Where the Conference Will Take Place
DevConf 2026 is scheduled for February 13 and 14. The conference will be held at MIT World Peace University (MIT WPU)—one of the most prestigious technological universities in India, located in Pune. This city has long been considered a national center of science and education, and the MIT WPU campus is known for its modern laboratories and active IT environment.
Key technical events by Red Hat and other international communities have already taken place in Pune. Such cooperation strengthens the city’s status as a destination for professionals and companies working with FOSS, note the DevConf organizing committee representatives. Participation in the conference is free, but prior registration is required for admission to the venue. This creates maximum accessibility of the format and ensures transparency in the selection process.
Main Program Tracks
Each year, the DevConf program reflects the most pressing challenges facing global IT. In 2026, five thematic tracks have been highlighted, each covering key areas of the industry:
AI, Data Science & Emerging Tech—discussion of the application of artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analysis, language models, quantum computing, augmented and virtual reality. Here, the future of automation is explored, as well as the impact of AI on digital products and the emergence of innovations that go beyond traditional solutions.
Cloud, Edge & Sustainable Computing—the development of cloud infrastructures, edge computing, Kubernetes, OpenShift, platform as a service, and energy-efficient architectures. Here, participants share practical cases on implementing hybrid clouds and discuss how modern approaches help reduce enterprise costs and energy consumption.
Cybersecurity & Compliance—a detailed analysis of current information security issues: Zero Trust, vulnerability management, encryption, cloud system protection, legislative aspects, threat modeling. The topic of digital sovereignty and compliance challenges is coming to the forefront for the first time.
User Experience & Design Engineering—a track for specialists in user interface design, inclusivity, and digital service prototyping. Here, it is revealed how design directly influences product development and shapes the competitiveness of companies.
Open Track—a general track that allows for the presentation of unique interdisciplinary, experimental, or leadership initiatives. Last year, projects such as agricultural automation using Linux solutions or new approaches to organizing urban IT communities were presented here.
The topics of the tracks are selected taking into account global industry trends and always reflect the needs of the community, notes the DevConf program committee.
A variety of speakers from different companies are expected to present, but many of them have not yet been confirmed. Among those confirmed are engineers from the Indian Jet X website, thanks to which the list of online casinos for playing JetX can be find here.
How to Participate and Submit an Application
Anyone can become a participant of DevConf, regardless of professional level or field of activity. Free registration on the official event website is required for attendance, which opens closer to the conference dates. There is an option to submit an application for your own presentation: the organizers are waiting for talks, practical reviews, demonstrations, or research that strengthen the FOSS ecosystem.
The Call for Proposals (acceptance of talk applications) will be open until November 21, 2025. The requirements are simple: the presentation should be informative, practically oriented, and address important industry challenges. Joint projects, examples of new technology implementation, and analytics on changes in the Indian or global FOSS ecosystem are especially welcome.
Workshops and hackathons, where teams solve real problems or master new tools under the guidance of experts, are very popular. Fresh details, as well as the registration and talk submission forms, are available on the official DevConf website.
History and News of the Organization
DevConf is constantly evolving and expanding its audience. In 2025, the event gathered more than 2,500 participants for the first time, which is 30% more compared to the previous year. Key news is accompanied by the publication of photo and video materials, as well as the launch of new thematic areas.
The organizers regularly inform participants about the preparation process: on September 20, 2025, the dates and venue of DevConf 2026 were announced, and already on October 3, 2025, the call for talk proposals began. Video recordings and presentations from previous years allow newcomers to quickly get a feel for the spirit of the event.
Each year, the number of regional initiatives and educational programs presented increases, which, according to experts, has a significant impact on the development of the professional community and the promotion of FOSS values throughout the country.
Where Participants Can Stay
Various accommodation options are offered for conference guests near the MIT WPU campus. Premium hotels such as JW Marriott are located within 4–5 km of the venue. For those who want to save money, budget accommodation options are available—for example, Tarawade Clarks Inn or Hotel Centro, located 6–7 km from the university.
It is recommended to book accommodation in advance: high demand for the event dates traditionally leads to quick booking. Participants are advised to check routes in advance and use city transport or taxis for easy navigation around Pune. The organizers also publish recommendations on safety, food, and infrastructure on the website so that every participant feels safe and comfortable in an unfamiliar city.
