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Programs

Programs & Support

Upstream Labs offers multiple pathways to support open-source projects at every stage—from intensive training camps to ongoing mentorship, from ecosystem grants to global conferences. We've developed diverse models because different projects need different kinds of support.

Upstream Labs Programs

Our Programs

Comprehensive support for every stage of your open-source journey

Training Camps

Intensive cohort-based programs combining online learning with in-person bootcamps. Participants learn open-source principles, sustainable business models, and community operations while working on real projects. Recent examples: Upstream 2025 Winter Camp.

GOBI Conference

Global Open Source Business Innovation Conference connecting developers, businesses, and policy partners to explore sustainable paths from source to industry.

Ecosystem Grants

Financial support up to 100,000 RMB for teams that complete our innovation camp. Funding covers community programs, content creation, partnerships, and governance design.

Project Incubation

Hands-on support for promising open-source projects. We pair projects with mentors and resources to accelerate their development and community growth.

Mentorship Network

Access to academic, community, industry, and government mentors who provide guidance across technology, operations, and business development.

6-Month Fellowship

Top-performing teams receive extended support including ongoing mentorship, inclusion in our knowledge network, and connections to government incubation partners.

Our Training Approach

Combining rigorous learning with hands-on project work, guided by experienced mentors

Foundation Building

Learn open-source principles, governance models, and the civic value of public goods. Master technical collaboration and community operations fundamentals.

Growth & Sustainability

Explore sustainable business models, AI-driven content strategies, and ecosystem development. Design pathways that balance mission and momentum.

Real-World Application

Work directly with active open-source projects, applying learned frameworks to real challenges. Develop comprehensive growth and governance strategies.

Long-Term Support

Top participants receive ongoing mentorship, ecosystem grants, and inclusion in our knowledge network for sustained impact.

Immersive Bootcamps

Multi-day in-person experiences where teams work intensively with mentors, refine their strategies, and showcase to partners

Day 1: Inception

Kick off onsite, meet mentors, align on shared purpose, and match teams with open-source projects.

Day 2: Amplify

Prototype communication assets, run AIGC storytelling sprints, and polish demos for public launch.

Day 3: Showcase

Present ecosystem roadmaps, gather cross-sector feedback, and celebrate outstanding collaborations.

What Participants Say

" The Upstream program gave me a completely new perspective on open source. It's not just about code—it's about building communities and sustainable impact. The mentorship network was invaluable. "


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Open Source Developer

AI Infrastructure Project

" Learning AI-driven content creation and community operations transformed how we approach our project. The hands-on bootcamp was intense but incredibly rewarding. "


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Community Manager

Robotics Framework

" The ecosystem grant and ongoing mentorship helped us turn our open-source project into a sustainable initiative. We're now reaching users we never thought possible. "


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Project Lead

Protocol Development

Ready to Get Involved?

Whether you're building an open-source project, want to mentor the next generation of ecosystem builders, or explore partnership opportunities—we'd love to hear from you.