Get the latest from ELISA: upcoming events, new open source standards initiative, community updates, and how you can get involved in building safer systems with Linux.
Hosted at the Linux Foundation, the ELISA Project aims to make it easier for companies to build and certify Linux-based safety-critical applications – systems whose failure could result in loss of human life, significant property damage or environmental damage.
We're seeking your input on a new initiative to create a standardized framework for assessing the quality and security of open source software (OSS) in regulated and safety-critical industries such as aerospace, automotive, and other safety-critical sectors. This initiative aims to analyze existing OSS development practices, identify key performance indicators, and develop a framework to evaluate OSS projects' alignment with safety and security standards. By participating in a brief survey, you can contribute valuable insights to shape this essential standard.
We're excited to welcome contributors from ELISA and adjacent communities to our upcoming Workshop in Lund, Sweden, May 7–9, co-hosted by Volvo Cars. The agenda features sessions on cross-community example system and interactions, requirements traceability, trustable software framework, OSS best practices standards, Rust in safety-critical applications, and special topics like Space Grade Linux, SPDX Safety Profile, and Safe Continuous Deployment. With dedicated time for networking and hallway conversations, it’s a great chance to share, connect and collaborate.
💡 In-person registration is full—join the waitlist or sign up to attend virtually.
Open Source Summit (OSS) is the premier global event where open source developers, technologists, and community leaders come together to collaborate, share insights, and drive innovation for a sustainable open source ecosystem. Rotating across major regions each year, OSS offers invaluable opportunities for in-person networking and learning.
The OSS North America schedule is now live! The Safety-Critical Software track on June 25 will focus on bridging open source with safety standards, addressing regulatory compliance, security, and safety engineering practices.
Meanwhile, OSS Europe is accepting speaking proposals, including for the Safety-Critical Software track. Submit your proposal by April 14th to be part of this vital conversation!
The ELISA Working Group Annual Updates 2025 event, held February 12-13, offered valuable insights into the progress of various working groups. Presentations covered achievements from 2024, ongoing initiatives, and upcoming opportunities for collaboration. The event also provided a chance for participants to learn about onboarding resources and how to get involved with the project.
The ELISA Workshop at NASA Goddard in December 2024 launched the Space Grade Linux (SGL) initiative, bringing together experts from NASA, Red Hat, Sony, and others to address Linux’s role in space-grade applications. Discussions focused on topics like OS verification, containerization with Podman, and lessons from the automotive industry. Attendees emphasized the need for collaboration and long-term sustainability in space software development. Videos and session materials are available online for those who missed the event.
There are many ways to get involved with ELISA, and we’d love for you to be part of the community! Our tools and infrastructure are open by default, making it easy to jump in—introduce yourself, ask questions, and share ideas. We've also launched a resource directory with materials from working group updates, previous workshops including the NASA Workshop, and conferences including the "OSS in safety critical application" presentation by Philipp Ahmann at Embedded World Conference, to help newcomers learn and contribute. It’s a work in progress, and we hope it becomes a valuable learning hub for anyone interested in building safer systems with open source.
