A grassroots movement promoting open source tools for data, science and engineering.
Manifesto
Compute! is a conference series dedicated to open-source software for machine learning, AI, data, and scientific computing. We unite maintainers, researchers, engineers, and practitioners who build, use, and depend on open tools to advance discovery, understanding, and technical computing in both academia and industry.
Science aims to understand the world, yet it often depends on tools that are closed, opaque, or restricted. It is a contradiction to seek knowledge with tools we are not allowed to understand. This is why the open-source movement is even more critical for science than for other fields: transparency and reproducibility are not optional — they are the foundation of progress.
Solutions to the most pressing challenges in science emerge when disciplines and communities work in the open. The open-source collaboration model is not just effective — it is the most powerful way to innovate, share knowledge, and build trust. By removing barriers, we accelerate progress and ensure that the best ideas rise to the top.
Open-source thrives when it is free from the constraints of centralization. Concentrated control — whether in governance, infrastructure, or decision-making — creates bottlenecks, excludes voices, and stifles innovation. Decentralisation ensures that open-source projects remain resilient and adaptable, allowing communities to make decisions in a sovereign and autonomous fashion.
Compute! is built from the ground up. Every chapter, every event, and every contribution is driven by the people who use and believe in these tools. This is not just a principle; it is a necessity for a movement that seeks to empower scientists, engineers, and practitioners everywhere.
The future of open-source cannot be tied to a single country, foundation, or institution. By distributing leadership, resources, and decision-making, we ensure that no one region or entity holds disproportionate influence. This is how we build a truly equitable and sustainable ecosystem.
Compute! events can be organized in any city, as long as the organizers commit to our principles of an openly run conference.
Compute! is not about a single programming language or technology. The shared challenges of scientific computing trump these boundaries. Whether you work in R, Python, C++, or Rust, use Jupyter or RStudio, or focus on package management or shared data formats, Compute! is a space for you. Our focus is on the common questions we all face: How do we collect, process, trust, and make sense of data?
On the Compute! Conference series, we welcome content that primarily focuses on the development or intensive use of open source tools for scientific, educational and industry purposes. We accept talks around scientific computation, data analytics, data visualization, data engineering, machine learning, and related fields. We do not accept product sales pitches.
Our goal is for Compute! to grow as a grassroots movement. We are already connected with groups around the world to see chapters form in new cities. Our vision is simple:
To create a global community where open-source scientific computing thrives, where challenges are tackled together, and where everyone has a voice.
Together, we have seen how the best ideas and tools emerge when we, as a community, take the lead, ask the tough questions, and build solutions with openness and collaboration at the core.
Compute! is for everyone. We actively welcome participants of all backgrounds, identities, and experience levels, whether you are a student, researcher, maintainer, educator, or industry practitioner. Our community thrives on diversity of thought, geography, discipline, and perspective. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and accessible environment for all.
Compute! is a big tent for the open-source scientific ecosystem. We embrace communities across languages and tools — R, Python, C++, Rust, and beyond. Our events are designed to foster cross-pollination, whether through side tracks, Birds of a Feather (BoF) sessions, or companion events. If your project or community aligns with our mission, we'll find a way to include you. Together, we're stronger.
Compute! is more than a conference, it is a movement. The first edition takes place in Paris on November 25 & 26, 2026. If you wish to organise a local chapter of Compute!, feel free to reach out to us at paris@compute.events.