Call for Proposals: Code for Earth Programme 2026

The Code for Earth Programme, led by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), seeks innovative open-source solutions to address challenges in handling large-scale data and transforming it into meaningful information. The programme offers financial contributions and support for developing technologies in Data Visualisation, Machine Learning, and Software Development, with a specific focus on Africa. Applications are open from 24 February 2026 to 9 April 2026.

Overview of the Programme

The Code for Earth Programme by ECMWF aims to foster the development of innovative open-source software that addresses the challenges related to managing large datasets and transforming them into actionable insights. The programme encourages collaboration and invites participants to contribute to solutions involving data visualisation, machine learning, and software development.

The initiative offers opportunities for cloud processing and financial support, helping participants to build solutions with access to European Weather Cloud resources provided by ECMWF and EUMETSAT.

Key Focus Areas

• Data Visualisation: Create solutions that visually represent complex data for easier understanding and decision-making.

• Machine Learning: Develop algorithms to process and analyse large datasets, enhancing predictive capabilities.

• Software Development: Build software solutions to handle, process, and optimise weather-related data.

• Africa Stream: Focus on challenges related to the African continent, with tailored support for innovations impacting Africa’s climate and weather forecasting needs.

Financial Support

• EUR 5,000 is offered to each team selected under the Data Visualisation, Machine Learning, or Software Development Streams.

• EUR 2,000 is awarded for successful teams under the Africa Stream.

• Payment is made per Deliverable, not based on the number of participants in the team.

Eligibility Criteria

Participants Must:

• Be at least 18 years old or meet the legal age requirement in their country of residence.

• Hold a bank account in their country of tax residence.

• Possess the necessary hardware and software to submit proposals and develop solutions.

• Have software development experience, demonstrated through platforms like GitHub or LinkedIn.

National and Residency Eligibility:

• ECMWF Funding is available to nationals and residents of ECMWF Member States and Co-operating States.

• EU Funding applies to nationals of EU Member States and certain associated countries like Iceland, Norway, Turkey, Ukraine, etc.

Restrictions:

• Participants applying for EU-funded challenges must confirm they are not under EU restrictive measures.

• Applicants may apply for multiple challenges, but they can participate in only one challenge if selected for multiple.

Programme Phases and Timeline

1. Registration Phase

• Start: 24 February 2026 (09:00 CET)

• End: 9 April 2026 (23:59 CET)

• Proposals must be submitted online within this period.

2. Evaluation Phase

• Start: 10 April 2026

• End: 20 April 2026

• ECMWF reviews all submitted proposals and selects the teams.

3. Selection Announcement

• Date: 29 April 2026

• Teams selected will be notified.

4. Coding Phase

• Start: 1 May 2026

• End: 31 August 2026

• Participants develop their software and solutions.

5. Presentation of the Project

• Date: September 2026

• A hybrid event in Bologna, Italy.

• Travel costs will be covered for selected teams, within specified limits.

How to Apply

• Step 1: Register and submit a Proposal between 24 February and 9 April 2026.

• Step 2: Ensure all required documentation is included in the Proposal.

• Step 3: If selected, participate in the Coding Phase to develop and submit the software by 31 August 2026.

• Step 4: Attend the Presentation of the Project in September 2026.

Key Documents and Requirements

• Proposal: Written description of the open-source solution to the ECMWF challenge.

• Personal Information: Complete and accurate personal details with proof of experience (GitHub, LinkedIn).

• Team Representative: One representative must register the team on behalf of all members.

FAQs

1. What is the Code for Earth Programme?
It is a programme by ECMWF focused on developing open-source software solutions for large-scale data challenges in the weather and climate sectors.

2. What are the funding amounts for selected teams?
Selected teams under the Data Visualisation, Machine Learning, and Software Development Streams receive EUR 5,000. Teams in the Africa Stream will receive EUR 2,000.

3. Who is eligible to apply?
Participants must be at least 18 years old and have experience in software development. They must be residents of ECMWF Member States or EU-associated countries.

4. Can I apply for more than one challenge?
Yes, but you can only participate in one if selected.

5. Is there any funding provided for travel?
Travel costs for the final presentation event in Bologna, Italy, will be covered for selected teams.

6. What are the key dates for this programme?

• Registration: 24 February 2026 – 9 April 2026

• Evaluation: 10 April – 20 April 2026

• Selection Announcement: 29 April 2026

• Coding Phase: 1 May – 31 August 2026

• Presentation: September 2026

7. How are proposals selected?
Proposals will be evaluated based on their innovation, technical feasibility, and impact on solving the announced challenges.

Conclusion

The Code for Earth Programme offers a unique opportunity for developers and innovators to contribute to solving global weather and climate challenges through open-source software. With funding, access to cloud processing resources, and a clear path for development, this programme supports individuals and teams in addressing the urgent need for data solutions in climate forecasting and related fields.