Kedesh-Haven, February 2026: Strengthening Collaboration and Engagement

From February 23–27, 2026, we gathered in Kedesh-Haven, Australia, for a week-long face-to-face meeting with colleagues from Bouncy Castle and cryptlib.

Our objective was to drive measurable improvements in how we collaborate in person, accelerate cross-project alignment, and build stronger professional relationships that deliver greater impact within and beyond the OpenSSL Corporation.

Although we collaborate remotely throughout the year, we recognise that face-to-face interaction remains the most valuable form of engagement. Meeting in person allows us to exchange ideas more openly, resolve questions more efficiently, and build the trust that supports long-term cooperation.

A Week of Structured Discussion

Each day followed an agenda covering strategic, organisational, and technical topics. We reflected on the history and development of the OpenSSL Corporation, reviewed our current direction, and explored how we can continue to grow sustainably and transparently.

Meeting with all face-to-face participants

We also dedicated time to the upcoming OpenSSL Conference in Prague this October. Together, we explored themes, potential contributions, and ways to ensure strong representation from cooperating projects. Our goal is to make the conference not only technically valuable but also a space for meaningful cross-community dialogue.

Technical discussions formed a central part of the week. By bringing OpenSSL Corporation members together with leaders of the Projects in the same room, we were able to explore shared challenges, identify areas for closer alignment, and discuss how our respective roadmaps can complement one another.

Project Insights and Open Exchange

The meeting provided an opportunity to better understand how each project operates.

David Hook introduced Bouncy Castle and explained its structure, governance model, and development approach. This session gave us clearer insight into how Bouncy Castle supports its global user base and how we can align where appropriate.

Megan Woods presented her work on the Jostle project, offering a valuable perspective on related initiatives within the wider ecosystem.

Peter Gutmann from cryptlib shared updates on his current work and technical focus areas. He also led a collaborative brainstorming session in preparation for his upcoming talk at the OpenSSL Conference in Prague. By inviting input from everyone in the room, we were able to refine ideas and ensure the session would resonate with a targeted audience.

Continuing the Momentum

Beyond the formal agenda, the time spent together at Kedesh-Haven strengthened our professional relationships. Informal conversations, shared meals, and spontaneous discussions helped us better understand one another’s priorities and long-term objectives.

We left the meeting with a shared understanding that regular in-person engagement is essential for maintaining strong cooperation between the OpenSSL Corporation, Bouncy Castle, and cryptlib. To build on this progress, we are planning another face-to-face meeting in May 2026.

We continue to develop and maintain critical open-source cryptographic infrastructure, and we remain committed not only to technical excellence but also to transparency, collaboration, and strong cross-project relationships.

To learn more about the OpenSSL Corporation’s initiatives and upcoming events, visit our websites or our LinkedIn.
Don’t forget you can always get involved via the OpenSSL Communities.