#open source tech

An affordable, AI-assisted, wearable robotic arm? That’s not science fiction – it’s RedSnapper, an open-source prosthesis built by PAC Tech, a team of high school students from Istituto Maria Immacolata in Gorgonzola, Italy. Powered entirely by Arduino boards, their project won the national “Robot Arm Makers” title at the 2025 RomeCup – and we think it’s a perfect example of what young minds can…

India has emerged as a global leader in open-source technology, establishing a strong foundation for innovation and collaboration both domestically and internationally. Over the past decade, the country’s open-source movement has become popular with many talking about it, allowing it to address critical challenges in education, healthcare, and governance, especially in the context of limited resources making it ideal for most developing nations. Open-source technology has proven to be an effective and affordable solution, bypassing the costly constraints of proprietary software. By embracing this model, India has not only transformed its own technological landscape but has also provided significant contributions to other developing nations.

One of the most remarkable aspects in my opinion of India’s open-source journey is its export of digital public goods to developing nations, particularly in Asia and Africa. For instance, India’s Aadhaar digital identity system, which provides biometric identification to over a billion citizens, has inspired several African countries, including Kenya and Tanzania, to develop similar systems. These countries have been able to leverage open-source solutions to create their own identity frameworks, enabling millions of people to access essential services such as banking, healthcare, and government benefits. This model, which is both affordable and customizable, has greatly reduced these nations’ dependency on expensive proprietary technology, allowing them to take control of their own digital infrastructure.

Similarly, in the healthcare sector, India’s collaboration in the development of DHIS2, an open-source health information system, has revolutionized health management in over 70 countries, including several in Southeast Asia. In nations like Bangladesh and Nepal, DHIS2 has been instrumental in tracking real-time health data, improving disease surveillance, and streamlining healthcare delivery. By offering a customizable platform, this open-source solution has enabled countries with limited resources to develop robust healthcare systems tailored to their specific needs, further illustrating India’s commitment to sharing its technological expertise for global benefit.

India’s active role in empowering developing nations through open-source technology underscores its belief in the importance of affordable, flexible solutions. Open-source technology is uniquely suited for nations where financial resources are scarce but innovation potential is vast. One of the key advantages is that it eliminates costly licensing fees, which can otherwise restrict technological growth. By using and contributing to open-source platforms, developing countries can access high-quality technology without incurring burdensome expenses. In addition, the ability to customize these solutions allows nations to adapt them to local requirements, making them more relevant and effective.

India’s embrace of open-source technology has also contributed to the development of a highly skilled workforce. By fostering collaboration between developers, entrepreneurs, and public-sector entities, India has built a community of tech experts capable of solving not only domestic challenges but also global ones. This growing network of technologists represents a global shift towards collaborative innovation, where countries work together to drive shared growth rather than remaining dependent on proprietary software from multinational corporations.

Perhaps one of the most important benefits of open-source technology is the sovereignty it grants over data. In an era where data security is a growing concern, especially for developing nations, open-source technology provides a safeguard. Governments can retain control over sensitive information, rather than relying on foreign tech companies, ensuring that their data remains secure and is used in alignment with national interests. This autonomy over data management is crucial for countries that are keen to avoid tech dependency and establish digital sovereignty.

Despite India’s success with open-source technology, challenges remain. Many developing nations still face significant infrastructure gaps, such as limited internet connectivity and power shortages, which can hinder the full adoption of digital technologies. Additionally, the very nature of open-source systems, which often lack the corporate backing of proprietary solutions, requires greater government investment in education and training to build local expertise. Without addressing these gaps, it may be difficult for some countries to harness the full potential of open-source technology.

India’s open-source journey, while impressive, is only a starting point. Its success shows that open-source technology can be a powerful tool for reducing global inequality, fostering innovation, and building stronger, more self-reliant nations. However, the journey toward tech equity requires global collaboration, consistent investment, and a commitment to bridging the digital divide. If these challenges are addressed, open-source technology will undoubtedly play a central role in shaping the future of developing nations.

India’s experience with open-source technology offers a model for other countries looking to build their own digital futures. By embracing open collaboration, developing localized solutions, and investing in digital infrastructure, India has proven that technological independence is achievable, affordable, and scalable. As more nations follow in India’s footsteps, we can expect a global shift towards greater tech equity and innovation, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable digital future.