From October 1–3, 2026, Prishtina became a meeting point for developers, designers, researchers, makers, artists, students and technology enthusiasts as Software Freedom Kosova (SFK) returned for its 11th edition.
Organized by the Free Libre Open Source Software Kosova (FLOSSK), SFK is one of the longest-running open-source and free software conferences in Southeast Europe. This year’s edition took place at the Palace of Youth and Sports, bringing the community together in the iconic Red Hall for three days of learning, sharing, experimenting and connecting.
Under the theme of A Murder of Crows; A Community Misnamed, SFK 2026 celebrated the power of communities built around curiosity, collaboration and the freedom to create.
More than just a technology conference, SFK created a space where ideas crossed disciplines, new connections were made and people came together to explore what technology can become when it is open to everyone.
Three Days of Talks, Workshops and Experiments
The programme featured an international and local lineup of speakers covering a wide range of topics, from open-source software, generative design to cryptography, digital rights, open hardware, data engineering and creative technologies.
Participants explored generative design with Patrik Hübner, discovered the world of SIGINT, cryptography and radio communications with Visar Hoti, and learned about the history and future of software development through talks by Mike Merrill and other contributors.
The programme also included discussions on Albanian language technologies, open-source scientific instruments, quantum computing, real-time data processing, digital freedom and the role of open-source communities in shaping technology.
Beyond the talks, workshops offered participants the opportunity to get hands-on experience, experiment with new tools and learn directly from practitioners.
More Than a Conference
SFK has always been about more than what happens on stage.
Throughout the three days, the venue transformed into a playground for experimentation, with activities that invited visitors to participate, compete and discover something new.
From lockpicking challenges and SFK Games to the SpinDown Game Jam, media corner, amateur radio activities and interactive installations, there was something happening around every corner.
One of this year’s highlights was Kosovo’s first FPV Drone Race, organized by FLOSSK in collaboration with MIGA SkyShield and Innovation Centre Kosovo (ICK). Pilots competed in a fast-paced race that brought together technology, precision and the excitement of drone flying.
Music, Community and SFK Night
On October 3, the Red Hall changed its rhythm for SFK Night.
The evening brought together music, technology and creative experimentation, featuring a live-coded performance by Timo Hoogland, followed by PANDAUDIO. With the support of Agility, the closing night gave the community another reason to stay, connect and celebrate everything that makes SFK special.
The official programme may have ended, but the SFK community wasn’t ready to call it a day.
On October 4, we moved the gathering to Prishtina Hackerspace for three extra sessions with Lis Luci, Jo Hinchliffe and Stjepan Horvat. Because sometimes the best parts of a conference happen outside the agenda.
A Community That Makes It Happen
Behind every edition of Software Freedom Kosova is a community of people who make it possible.
From speakers and workshop facilitators to volunteers, partners, sponsors and everyone who joined us, SFK 2026 was the result of many people contributing their time, knowledge and energy.
This year’s edition also brought together students and young professionals through outreach activities at universities and educational institutions across Kosovo, introducing more people to open-source technologies and inviting them to become part of the community.
We are grateful to everyone who helped make the 11th edition happen and to all those who continue to believe in the importance of free and open technologies.
Until Next Time
SFK 2026 reminded us that technology is not only about the tools we build, but also about the people who build, share and question them.
Three days, countless conversations, new ideas and a community that keeps growing.
Last year, we dreamed with androids. This year, a murder of crows took flight.
And the story doesn’t end here.
See you at the next SFK!
Learn more: https://sfk.flossk.org/
