From a Hobby Open Source Project to a Startup : XenevaOS

We would like to talk about our Open Source Startup, "Xeneva," and share insights into its development. We're building XenevaOS, which is an XR-Native Operating System written on top of a custom kernel we built from scratch. It currently has support for both x86-64 and ARM64 architecture. We're focusing specifically on the world of XR(AR/VR) and are currently working on releasing the Beta Version for the XR Platform.

Our custom Kernel is specifically designed with XR devices as target hardware in mind and our goal is to bring Smartphone+PC capabilities to XR devices that are of the form factor of every day wear glasses. Our kernel prioritizes efficiency and optimization in mind.

As of now, we have a working model on the x86 architecture, however since XR is our current focus - our development has shifted to the ARM architecture and all our progress is now being reflected there. In the span of next three months, we should have a working demo on the XR platform as well.

What exactly we want to showcase through our talk is how it was for us to start an Open Source project and fully commit to it. Shedding some light on topics like -

- All the technical hurdles and challenges that we faced, and how we tackled them.

- How we (Manas & Ayushmaan) came to the conclusion that the both of us became ready to choose this project as our career.

- How a corporate side to the project had appeared before us as we transitioned from a Hobby Project to a Startup.

- How we received support as an independent, Student-run Open Source project/Startup to grow and take our venture further.


We had made our public debut at IndiaFOSS 2025 in September, which had been a great accelerator for our growth as it gave us a platform to showcase ourselves to the right audience and to make the right connections. We got our first financial support in the form of a grant by Zerodha and this was all possible as we were able to pitch ourselves to them at the event. We would like to highlight to throw some light there as well.

1. XenevaOS and its development.

2. Technical challenges and hurdles of building completely from scratch.

3. Devoting commitment to an Open Source Project.

4. Open Source as a career.

5. Corporate side of the Open Source community .

6. An Open Source Startup : Good side of corporate while removing the bad.

7. Receiving Support and growing as a Student-run Startup.