The Challenge

Basic necessities like clean water and safe, affordable housing, or opportunities in education and fair government representation are not equally accessible to all people. Climate change exacerbates the challenges that many people but especially women and historically underserved communities face as resources are strained and climate change protections are often inadequate. Generative AI has great potential to address these issues and reduce inequality, improving people’s lives.

Be a part of a new era in responsible AI. For the 2024 Call for Code Global Challenge, we’re calling on students, developers, and problem-solvers from universities and companies around the world to build innovative AI tech solutions with IBM watsonx that address specific challenges of equitable access to essential needs. Help show the world that AI can be trusted and used responsibly.

How can generative AI technology improve equitable access to essential resources and opportunities for all people?

Prizes

Teams of 1-5 people can compete for the following prizes:

Grand prize winners

Grand prize

$50,000 USD

Option for solution implementation support from the Call for Code ecosystem

Opportunity for open source support from The Linux Foundation

First runner-up

$25,000 USD

Opportunity for open source support from The Linux Foundation

Second runner-up

$10,000 USD

Opportunity for open source support from The Linux Foundation

University grant

$30,000 USD

total to the top scoring university team’s school(s)

Any university students in the top 3 winning teams are also eligible for:

Exploration of IBM job opportunities
Option to be matched with an IBM mentor

In addition to prizes, participants can grow their AI, cloud, and other emerging tech skills through access to expert technical mentors, training resources, and events.

See the 2024 Call for Code Global Challenge Participation Agreement when you register for more details.

2024 Timeline

Open now!

2024 Call for Code Global Challenge registration

8 March

Challenge start date

17 October

Challenge submissions due

December

Challenge winners announced

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

Each submission will be scored based on the following criteria with a minimum score of 0 and maximum score of 20 points, with the final score being the average of the judges’ scores.

Completeness and transferability

(5 points)

Effectiveness and efficiency

(5 points)

Design and usability

(5 points)

Creativity and innovation

(5 points)

Registration is now open!

Answer the call: Find more competition details. Get exclusive access to expert resources and free watsonx courses from IBM to propel your career goals and grow your generative AI skills. Assemble your team and start building your solution.