Ontario

Waterloo to Host Free Computer Design Conference in 2026

By

James Sinclair
March 10, 2026 10:04 am

Residents and tech fans in Waterloo, Ontario, can attend a free three-day conference focused on computer hardware design starting on May 1, 2026. The event, called Latch-Up 2026, will be held at the University of Waterloo and runs until May 3.

The FOSSi Foundation is organizing the weekend, which focuses on free and open-source silicon. This means the event is dedicated to sharing the designs and tools used to create digital hardware and computer chips.

While the conference is for professional engineers and researchers, it is also attracting local hobbyists interested in vintage computing and modern hardware projects. Attendees can participate in presentations and networking sessions to learn more about how digital devices are built from the ground up.

It is free to attend the conference, though the organizers suggest a donation to help cover the costs of food and planning. The final day of the event will feature a session for hands-on workshops and collaborative projects.

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