THE MAD BOTTER EARTH DAY OPEN SOURCE CHALLENGE

Code for Climate 2027

Build something that helps the planet.

Calling K–12 and college students: turn an environmental problem into an open-source project. Code for Climate is back for 2027, with prizes from The Mad Botter and a call for experienced engineers to help the next generation build.

Competition updates now open
Get competition updates Become a mentor

Official rules and registration details are coming in the weeks ahead. Join the update list to hear when they’re ready.

The Mad Botter robot holding a globe among green leaves

// why we’re doing it

Real problems. Working code. A chance to make a difference.

The students in our previous challenge showed what happens when young developers get a real-world problem and room to experiment. For 2027, we’re inviting the next round of student teams to explore climate and environmental challenges through open-source software.

Build something others can inspect, learn from, and improve. Teachers can help students connect classroom skills to a practical project, and experienced engineers can help teams work through the difficult parts.

// prizes

Build your idea. Compete for tools to keep building.

1st place

Custom System76 Thelio workstation

A Linux workstation for the next project, and the one after that.

2nd place

One year of Warp

A year of the developer tool, provided by The Mad Botter.

3rd place

One year of Warp

A year of the developer tool, provided by The Mad Botter.

Prize configuration and subscription details will be included in the official rules.

// find your part

Students, educators, and engineers: there’s a place for you.

Students

Start with an environmental problem you care about. Find teammates, explore what already exists, and think about what you could build. Join the update list to hear when the rules and registration are ready. K–12 students should ask a parent, guardian, or educator to sign up on their behalf.

Get student updates

Educators

Bring a practical open-source project into your classroom, club, or capstone planning. We’re announcing early so you have time to plan and help students develop their ideas.

Get educator updates

Mentors

Help student teams think through their ideas, review code, and make sound engineering decisions. We’re looking for experienced developers and engineers interested in contributing their time.

This records interest, not acceptance or assignment to a team.

Express mentor interest

// inspiration, not requirements

Start with a problem worth solving.

These are examples to spark ideas, not required categories or judging criteria.

  1. Make environmental data easier to understand.

  2. Help people spot and reduce waste.

  3. Explore tools for tracking energy or water use.

  4. Build an application that helps a community understand a local environmental issue.

// the path from here

What happens next.

  1. Now

    Start thinking and join the update list.

    Students can explore ideas; educators and prospective mentors can express interest.

  2. In the coming weeks

    Rules and registration.

    We’ll publish the official rules, submission guidelines, and registration details here.

  3. Earth Day

    April 22, 2027.

    The challenge is organized around Earth Day. Confirmed submission and award dates will be provided in the official rules.

// get involved

Be part of Code for Climate 2027.

Get the official rules, registration announcement, and competition updates. Educators and prospective mentors are welcome to join now.

Adults only

This form is for adults. If you’re under 18, ask a parent, guardian, or educator to submit their contact details on your behalf. Please don’t include a child’s personal information.

Enter the adult contact’s institution or organization only. Do not add a student’s name or other personal details.

This is an interest list, not competition registration. We’ll use your details for Code for Climate communications. You can ask to stop updates at any time. Privacy notice.

// common questions

Straight answers for the announcement phase.

Who is the challenge for?

Code for Climate is intended for K–12 and college students. The official rules will explain eligibility and how to enter. Parents, guardians, educators, and adult college students can join the update list now.

Is registration open?

Not yet. We’re collecting interest and will publish the official rules, submission guidelines, and registration details in the coming weeks.

What should students build?

An open-source project addressing climate or environmental sustainability. Specific submission requirements will be included in the official rules.

Can I volunteer as a mentor?

Yes. Select the mentor option in the interest form. We’ll follow up with information about how mentoring will work.

Where will the rules and dates be posted?

On this page. Join the update list to hear when they’re available.

// media and organizer

Covering the challenge?

Code for Climate 2027 is The Mad Botter’s annual Earth Day Open Source Challenge for K–12 and college students. It invites students to build open-source projects addressing climate and environmental sustainability and is organized around Earth Day on April 22, 2027.

Michael Dominick · Founder, The Mad Botter · Host, Coder Radio

Contact Mike

// contact

Tell us what's in the way.