IBM launched Call for Code in 2018 with creator David Clark Cause and charitable partner United Nations Human Rights to effect change and create a better future using IBM technology. Over the past five years, it has inspired thousands of developers and problem-solvers worldwide to build solutions that address sustainability to help fight climate change. These teams have taken on food insecurity, water quality, clean energy, sustainable farming practices and recycling.

Call for Code 2023 continues to focus on sustainability and features multiple “Challenge Rounds” that offer developers more opportunities to participate, gain skills in new offerings such as IBM’s embeddable AI software portfolio, win cash prizes and launch their solutions.

Call for Code drives innovation and growth

The first Challenge round concluded in April, and the university challenge winner was submitted by Team BlueReef Foundation, who designed a new way to measure coral reef health using IBM Watson Studio, IBM Cloud Object Storage and IBM API Connect. BlueReef is just one of the impactful solutions created in Call for Code, many of which are supported by IBM Ecosystem partners such as Arrow Electronics, Persistent Systems, Samsung and EY, who help teams access the right technology and expertise to bring their ideas to life.

Winning Call for Code marks only the beginning for top Global Challenge winners as they continue to receive support and build their solutions well beyond the conclusion of each Challenge. In fact, 2020 winning team Agrolly just announced a partnership with Brazilian government agency IDR-Paraná to enhance its IBM Watson-powered app that helps small farmers use long-term weather forecasts and irrigation analysis. And 2021 winner Saafwater recently improved its water quality platform by designing a cellular communication board through a partnership with eInfochips, an Arrow Electronics company.

New challenges for startups to solve AI and sustainability needs

This year we also introduced Call for Code for Startups, a new program that connects startups and ISVs to global enterprises looking to solve pressing AI and sustainability challenges. The program provides developers with IBM Cloud credits to build their solutions, opportunities to network with VCs through IBM Ventures, and access to the IBM Ecosystem to scale their solutions.

IBM and other enterprise organizations are posting new challenge statements that will go live throughout the year, allowing startups and ISVs to pitch their solutions and reach a broad group of innovators and investors.

Time to put your problem-solving superpowers to work!

It’s not too late to participate in Call for Code! Winners of Round 2 will be announced at the end of June, and Round 3 will run from July 3 – August 11. Those interested can register now to build new skills with the latest open source, IBM hybrid cloud and AI technologies, including IBM watsonx later this year, to create projects that have the potential to drive lasting change for our planet. Answer the call to help drive lasting change through the Call for Code Challenge.