The emergence of Free Software (FS) and Open Standards (OS) is drastically changing the economics of software development and usage. In contrast to proprietary software, FS – also referred to as “Libre Software” or “Open Source Software” – can be used, copied, studied, modified and redistributed freely. Despite an increasing demand, the lack of knowledge and expertise among IT professionals, educators and decision makers is one of the main factors that holds back its massive adoption. In order to tackle this problem, the Free Technology Academy (FTA) aims to set up a distance learning programme for upgrading knowledge and skills on FS and OS. With this purpose, the learning experience of the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (in terms of virtual campus, educational materials and methodology) will be transferred and adapted at the European level with particular emphasis on the lifelong learning of IT professionals, educators and decision makers. The FTA project will provide five main results: 1) a virtual campus run at the EU level; 2) a set of distance learning modules on FS and OS published as Open Educational Resources; 3) definition of competences, Quality Assurance (QA) procedures and recognition of certifications by the FTA partners; 4) a pilot programme to evaluate and adjust the FTA programme and campus; and 5) a network of HE institutions, vocational education and training organisations, companies and civil society organisations to encourage cooperation and connect to real market needs.This project will promote: 1) knowledge on FS and OS among strategic target groups; 2) the use of virtual campus technology based on FS and OS; 3) collaborative development and use of Open Educational Resources; 4) joint curriculum development and QA procedures to ensure virtual mobility at the EU level for both staff and learners; and 5) cooperation with educational institutions, enterprises and government. The increasing demand on FS and OS will assure the sustainability of the FTA beyond the EC funding period.