Will the next valuable electronics companies be open source?
Summary
Both companies, together with Arduino, are making a strong shift from DIY and academic-focused products into industrial applications, where demand for flexible, open approaches to hardware is rapidly expanding. Unlike Apple and other major brands that limit independent repairs and software updates, Fairphone enables users to swap out batteries, cameras, and other parts, extending the devices lifespan. This collective approach accelerates development cycles and drives industry-wide improvements, allowing even small teams to achieve breakthroughs that were once the exclusive domain of large, well-funded research institutions. Projected to reach $68.44 billion in revenue in Europe by 2025 (Statista), the industry’s growth is being fuelled by the increasing demand for customisable components that can adapt to evolving technological needs. By eliminating vendor lock-in and allowing companies to design custom chips without licensing fees, RISC-V is driving a wave of innovation across industries – from AI accelerators to embedded computing.