The Festival of Free Knowledge, OpenFest 2025, now has its complete program for October 18 and 19 at the John Atanasoff Forum in Sofia Tech Park. This year, the event offers a unique mix of topics that go beyond traditional programming, focusing on legislative, social, and technical challenges.
View the full program here!
Focus: Legislation, Technology, and Innovation
- The AI Law is on the Table: Among the main principles is the presentation of the draft law on the Use and Development of Artificial Intelligence by Bozhidar Bozhanov. A key debate is expected on the regulation of open models and the future of AI in Bulgaria.
- Technical Deep Dive: For the deep technical audience, experts from Storpool will reveal absurd operational mysteries and unexpected system challenges, proving that not everything in the IT world follows the rulebook.
- Security “on the Edge”: The program also includes the already familiar Open Organisation Of Lockpickers (TOOOL), who will host an interactive booth/workshop on lockpicking of various locks, demonstrating how Open Source principles apply to physical security as well.
- Innovation and Future: From rocket engineering to volunteer projects that pave the way to Space—these sessions show how Open initiatives drive science and technology forward.
The program includes dozens of other diverse and international experts whose lectures will surprise you.
Community and Development
- New Track: The Future of IT Talent. The track for beginners, students, and pupils provides fundamental knowledge and mentorship for a successful start in the IT world. This track is entirely aimed at people who are just entering the field and will offer practical workshops and introductory lectures that serve as technical groundwork for building a career.
- Social Engagement: OpenFest provides a platform for discussing social challenges with a workshop on the “Collective Fight Against Crime” and generating ideas for tackling issues like domestic violence.
- Skills Development: Through workshops like “Speak Geek”, OpenFest helps technical specialists refine their skills for confident communication and presenting.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the full program!
It contains many more new, interesting, and unexpected lectures and workshops that are worth visiting.
