The new free-electron laser (FEL) source FERMI@Elettra seeded at 260 nanometers with an external laser has produced the first coherent emission from the FEL-1 undulator chain tuned at wavelengths of 65 nanometers (fourth harmonic of the seed laser) and 43 nanometers (sixth harmonic). This marks the first successful operation of FERMI@Elettra in its planned configuration, i.e., as a next-generation seeded free-electron laser source. Over the coming months the commissioning team will continue to improve the overall performance of the system and the light will be provided to the first experimental programs. In the meantime the construction of the FEL-2 will be completed and the commissioning started. Here I will present the scientific program for the first experiments along with the strategic road map for the commissioning of the entire facility and future upgrades.