This project aims to bring together the scanning probe microscopy (SPM) community, including both academic and industrial partners, to share and standardize hardware and software developments within the SPM field. Our overarching goal is to establish an open development ecosystem where new and existing SPM research projects can be integrated seamlessly without the need to reinvent the wheel. To achieve this, we are defining common standards that enable the integration and interoperability of various SPM modules. We are leveraging our existing open hardware atomic force microscopy (AFM) projects and their early adopters to develop an OpenSPM ecosystem. This ecosystem will include open hardware tools (encompassing both hardware and its associated software), a comprehensive knowledge base, extensive development resources, a global user community, and a sourcing platform designed to facilitate the adoption of open hardware solutions. To date, we have compiled extensive documentation for all hardware and software components. We are currently developing a Wiki webpage that will serve as a centralized hub for the community, providing user manuals, detailed information on software and hardware components, and video demonstrations. This platform will offer all the necessary guidance for constructing various AFM system components and act as a valuable template for future projects. The software is already available in a Github repository. As part of this initiative, we conducted a hands-on workshop where participants successfully assembled an AFM head, a high voltage amplifier, and an SPM controller. This workshop provided detailed explanations of the different modules, usage instructions, and guidance on component replacement when necessary. We have also successfully integrated our controller with various commercial systems, including incorporation into a commercially available product. We organized the OpenSPM 2024 conference, which showcased the evolving landscape of scientific research with a focus on integrating open science principles. A central theme of the conference was the development and sharing of custom-built SPM instruments, particularly AFMs. This topic holds significance not only within the SPM community but also addresses broader challenges in making complex and costly research instruments more accessible and shareable. The conference aimed to address the barriers to sharing custom-built SPM systems, fostering innovation, and conserving resources by promoting the OpenSPM initiative. By establishing the Open SPM initiative and forming dedicated working groups, a foundation has been created for ongoing efforts to make SPM technologies more accessible and standardized. The international steering committee, chosen during the concluding session, will lead these efforts, aiming to ensure the initiative's long-term viability and influence. Looking ahead, we are planning an open hardware workshop scheduled for March 2025, and organizing a second OpenSPM conference to further develop and strengthen our ecosystem.