Linux Foundation to Launch Open Health Stack Software Foundation for Digital Health Innovation

The Linux Foundation announced in a press release its intent to launch the Open Health Stack Software Foundation, a new organization to support open source software used to build digital health applications enhanced by AI. The foundation will provide a neutral, community-led environment for developing interoperable health tools.

Google will contribute the existing Open Health Stack project, including all code and assets, to the new foundation, along with a $3 million grant from Google.org. The project, developed in collaboration with the World Health Organization, is already used globally by developers and health organizations.

The foundation will focus on three technical areas: HL7 FHIR foundations, the OHS Player multiplatform toolkit for local deployments, and AI Commons, a model-agnostic space for safe and effective AI in health. Over 20 organizations, including Microsoft, PATH, Medtronic Labs, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, have expressed support for the initiative.

To encourage participation by developers from low- and middle-income countries, the foundation is introducing an Implementer Program that allows small firms and startups to join without financial barriers. The foundation is now open for membership and contributions.