Kaneo is an open source project management and issue tracking platform built with TypeScript and React, designed as a self-hosted alternative to tools like Jira and Linear. The project emphasizes simplicity and performance, operating on the principle that the best tools should be invisible to users rather than forcing teams to adapt to complex workflows. The platform features a clean interface focused on actual work, self-hosted deployment options to keep data private, and an MIT license for open source flexibility.
The repository is written primarily in TypeScript and uses Hono as a backend framework alongside React for the frontend. It includes kanban board functionality for visual project management and issue tracking capabilities. The project provides multiple deployment options including one-click deployment via drim, Docker Compose for quick local setup, and Kubernetes support through a comprehensive Helm chart. The README emphasizes that every feature exists to solve a real problem rather than to add complexity, contrasting Kaneo with bloated project management platforms that distract from productive work.
Kaneo includes an official MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that allows AI tools like Claude and Cursor to manage tasks, projects, and labels through both HTTP endpoints and stdio clients via the npm package @kaneo/mcp. The project maintains active community engagement through Discord, GitHub issues, and comprehensive documentation at kaneo.app/docs/core.
Development setup is documented in an Environment Setup Guide covering configuration of environment variables and troubleshooting. The platform requires PostgreSQL for data storage and supports various configuration options for different deployment scenarios. The project accepts contributions across bug reporting, feature suggestions, documentation improvements, and code contributions, with guidelines available in the CONTRIBUTING.md file. Kaneo is sponsored by community members including Daniel Sada and justin randoneering, with options for additional sponsorship through GitHub Sponsors to support ongoing development.
