2026 Open Source Competition Launched
Across Germany, there are already many successful examples of smart projects in public administration that make administrative processes more efficient. They digitize workflows and improve collaboration between agencies. The goal of the Open Source Competition for Public Administration is to bring these projects to light. At the same time, it aims to promote collaboration across different levels of government. Following a successful launch last year, the Open Source Business Alliance – Federal Association for Digital Sovereignty (OSBA) has now kicked off the second round of the competition. Administrations at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as public enterprises and institutions, are eligible to participate. The competition seeks field-tested solutions that make administration more efficient, transparent, and sovereign.
Awards will be presented in a total of four categories:
- “Specialized Procedures”: Awards will be given to solutions that make administrative services more efficient and improve processes.
- “Internal Administrative Applications”: This category focuses on applications that modernize internal processes and optimize workflows.
- “Transformation”: Awards will be given to strategies and projects that drive sustainable digital change in administrative structures.
- “Artificial Intelligence”: This category recognizes open-source AI applications that expand the digital capabilities of public administration.
In each category, three projects will be selected for the finals by a panel of experts this summer. An Audience Award will also be presented. The public will vote for their favorite project in September via a Community Vote.
In 2025, 39 projects were submitted to the Open Source Competition. The Community Vote recorded 5,700 entries. For OSBA Chairman Peter H. Ganten, this is a sign that open-source solutions are gaining importance in public administration. “The competition sends a clear signal: open standards and collaborative innovation are crucial for sustainable digitalization,” says Ganten. Leonhard Kugler, Head of Platform and Development at the supporting Center for Digital Sovereignty of Public Administration (ZenDiS), also emphasizes: “Open-source software is a powerful lever for promoting digital sovereignty in public administration.”
The award ceremony for the 2026 Open Source Competition will take place as part of this year’s Smart Country Convention in Berlin. Smart City Berlin will also be present at SCCON from October 13 to 15 with a booth and an exciting program.
