OurSQL Foundation launches to support MySQL users, developers, and companies

The OurSQL Foundation officially launched on May 27, 2026, as an independent, open organization dedicated to supporting the MySQL community. Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, the non-profit aims to provide a collaborative space for users, developers, and companies invested in MySQL’s success. It will facilitate knowledge-sharing, feedback on future developments, and transparent discussions about the database’s evolution, working alongside key players like Oracle. As a 501(c)(6) non-profit, the foundation represents companies deploying MySQL, independent software vendors, and consultants who support its use. Its mission includes fostering a vendor-neutral governance model, where participation is based on merit, allowing diverse stakeholders to contribute to MySQL’s ecosystem. The foundation will also steward shared community assets, such as a public bug database, open-source tool portals, and transparency logs for security patches. Collaboration will extend to organizing virtual and physical events focused on MySQL’s future, ensuring the community’s voice drives innovation. Education and training initiatives—including certification programs and academic partnerships—will target the next generation of developers to maintain MySQL’s relevance amid competing technologies. The founding board includes Vadim Tkachenko (Percona, President), Matt Lord (PlanetScale, Secretary), Sunny Bains (PingCAP), Tomas Ulin (VillageSQL, Treasurer), Zongzhi Chen (Alibaba), Jean-François Gagné (Independent Consultant), and Peter Zaitsev (Percona). These leaders aim to address challenges like developer interest and talent retention, ensuring MySQL remains a scalable, competitive choice for businesses and applications. The foundation’s launch marks a step toward decentralizing MySQL’s development, balancing corporate influence with community-driven priorities. By providing neutral resources and fostering healthy competition among complementary products, it seeks to strengthen MySQL’s role in the open-source database landscape.