The Challenge
Our world is facing numerous, interconnected humanitarian and social issues, many of which are caused or exacerbated by climate change. Now more than ever, we need the global Call for Code community of students, developers and problem solvers to bring fresh ideas and new tech-for-good solutions to address these issues. For 2025, we’re broadening the scope of the Global Challenge, with more themes and more chances to be recognized throughout the year so that you’ll have more opportunities to address the issues you’re most passionate about solving, and grow your generative AI skills in the process. The 2025 Global Challenge will ask:
How can innovative, generative AI technology solutions address social and humanitarian issues to make a real difference for communities around the world?
Several qualifying hackathons throughout the year will each include a Call for Code-themed challenge. Each one will address a different theme selected from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and you’ll be asked to build a fresh generative AI solution with IBM technology to address the given goal. Teams of 1-5 people can compete for prizes awarded in each hackathon. You can compete in as many hackathons as you like throughout the year, as long as the project you create is new and unique and built exclusively during that hackathon. More details about each hackathon will be shared as the year progresses. At the end of the year, eligible Call for Code winning projects from each qualifying hackathon will be judged for the 2025 Call for Code Global Challenge Grand Prizes.
Prizes
Teams of 1-5 people can compete for the following prizes:
Qualifying Hackathons
Global Challenge Grand Prizes
*Eligibility rules apply. Tickets are non-transferable and travel/lodging not included.
2025 Global Challenge Timeline
Sign up for any of five qualifying hackathons throughout the year. More details will be provided as each event approaches. Check back for more information.
Who should participate?
There are many ways you can build a great team, but the most successful teams often bring together diverse skill sets to design unique and impactful solutions. Consider problem-solvers with varied experience when assembling your team.
Builders
The tech mastermind of your team. The builder is the methodical, digital-obsessed teammate who brings the technical know-how to help ground your solution in what’s possible.
Designers
Your UX expert who ensures the solution is user-friendly and visually appealing. Designers bring creative vision to technical problem solving, making what you build sleek and easy-to-consume.
Communicators
Good communicators make complex ideas simple and inspiring. Your team’s calculating hustler is essential in articulating the problem and succinctly defining how the solution can make a difference in a profound, unique, consumable way.
Humanitarians
Altruistic thinkers who understand the complex problems at hand in a truly human way and are committed to finding a solution to make a demonstrable difference. This inspirational lead of your team considers the communities in need, while also thinking like the individual user.
Judging criteria
