Women in Open Source
Following the kickoff of the Women in Open Source Network, the FZI invites you to the second network meetup on November 12, 2026.
More information
Picture: AI Generated
Open source for research and knowledge transfer
We are committed to open and collaborative research
We view Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) as a key component of open, collaborative, and responsible research: It enables us to put our research findings into practice more quickly and to further develop them together with our partners.
Openly available software facilitates collaboration, prevents duplicate development efforts, and makes solutions more accessible to science, business, and society. In this way, we support our statutory mission of knowledge transfer while also contributing to key objectives of the European Union’s open-source strategy—in particular, promoting innovation and strengthening digital sovereignty.
Added value through open source
How we work on and with open source
In our research and technology transfer projects, we assess in each case where the use, joint development, or publication of open-source software creates tangible added value.
Quality & Safety
Quality & Safety
- Throughout the entire software lifecycle, we prioritize quality, security, reliable documentation, and appropriate licenses.
Open Standards & Interfaces
- We also prioritize open standards and clearly documented interfaces so that our solutions can be easily integrated with other systems and further developed.
Continuous Improvement & Stability
- Where appropriate, we contribute our experience and improvements to existing open-source ecosystems, thereby helping to ensure their long-term stability.
In accordance with the principles of good scientific practice
Publications: independent responsibility, but in accordance with the guidelines
In doing so, we strike an appropriate balance between the legitimate protection and exploitation interests of the FZI and our partners.
- We make decisions regarding publication independently and on a project-by-project basis, in accordance with the principles of good scientific practice.
- In doing so, we take into account legal and funding regulations.
- We ensure that our contractual obligations are fulfilled and that confidential information, personal data, and intellectual property are protected.
Open source
Highlights
From robotics to cybersecurity to continuing education, these highlights show how we at the FZI are advancing open source and sharing our knowledge about it.
Robotics
ROS
We offer you our extensive expertise in the widely used, open-source, and vendor-neutral framework specifically designed for robots: the Robot Operating System (ROS).
Cybersecurity
Cave's Open Source Repository
On behalf of the BSI, we developed a modular, open-source training system that enables government agencies to deliver practical cybersecurity training through the Network Defense Training Center. The development of the CAVE platform serves as the technical foundation for this initiative.
FOSS LÄND Initiative
Learning path on the topic of open source
We provide an introduction to Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) in the form of a learning path. Topics include: the difference between freeware and proprietary software, licensing and copyright, communities and governance, FOSS strategies for businesses, and SBOM generation.
Autonomous mobility
Lanelet2 HD Card Framework
Since 2018, the open-source framework Lanelet2 has enabled the flexible modeling of high-resolution maps for autonomous driving, and with 50,000 downloads, it has made autonomous mobility accessible to researchers worldwide.
Open source
Events
Our commitment to open source is also evident in the various events we organize—whether they’re networking events or introductory meetups.
Online MeetUp – FOSS Einführung
How do companies keep track of open-source components in their products? On October 14, we’ll use freely available tools to demonstrate how SBOMs and license…
Open source
Networks
Through networks, we can collaboratively develop and maintain software, identify requirements early on, and share experiences. Questions regarding licenses, governance, security, and interfaces can also be addressed collaboratively within these networks.
Do you have questions about our commitment to open source?
Feel free to contact us!
Division Manager Software Engineering
- +49 721 9654-270
- denninger@fzi.de
- Headquarters Karlsruhe
Do you have a specific request or need advice about our services? Feel free to contact us!
Contact person for generative AI
- +49 721 9654-840
- thoma@fzi.de
- Headquarters Karlsruhe
Contact person for
direct commissioning
- +49 721 9654-840
- thoma@fzi.de
- Headquarters Karlsruhe
Ansprechperson für
Kooperationsanfragen
- +49 721 9654-000
- name@fzi.de
- Headquarters Karlsruhe