​​​​​​​Code for Earth launches 2026 climate and weather data challenges

ECMWF

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Code for Earth group photo

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Credit: Gianni Di Maria, COMMpla.

ECMWF is throwing down the gauntlet on a brand-new set of data challenges waiting to be solved as part of its Code for Earth programme.

Improving rapid decision-making during wildfires, exploring flood forecast data from 10,000 stations globally and detecting implausible behaviour in machine learning are just some of the aims of this year’s challenges.

Every year the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) invites individuals or groups to deliver solutions to given problem statements, so called challenges, that may improve how we use, visualise and interpret Earth science data. The ultimate aim is to help address today’s most pressing environmental and climate challenges.

“We’re excited to announce this year’s round which as usual contains a whole variety of opportunities”, said Athina Trakas, ECMWF Innovation Actions and Partnerships Coordinator and lead of the Code for Earth Coordination Team.

“Code for Earth is all about innovation, collaboration and open-source coding and each year we look forward to meeting the participants and discovering the innovative solutions they bring. As well as the chance to explore new ideas and support ECMWF’s development needs, a big part of Code for Earth is the opportunity to network with like-minded people and build new partnerships”.

The challenges are organised by ECMWF with support from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), Destination Earth and Strengthening Early Warning in Africa (SEWA). They come under four streams: data visualisation, machine learning and software development, and for the first time this year, an additional stream, focusing specifically on joint challenges with African partner organisations.

Teams will co-develop open-source tools and services that support stronger early warning systems, build regional innovation capacity, and help address key challenges in weather and climate, and, in the fourth stream, climate change resilience and digital transition in Africa, defined by local or regional challenge partners.

“Having this additional stream in Code for Earth will also support African young talent through the opportunity to work on real world challenges in the region, bring new innovation to ECMWF, and build on engagement between European meteorological community, and the African WMO Regional Climate Centres,” says Stijn Vermoote, Head of Partnerships and Engagement Section at ECMWF.

Eligibility details for all streams can be found in the FAQ page on Code for Earth’s website.

After the Call for Participation, selected applicants work individually or in teams, guided by experienced and expert mentors from ECMWF and partner organisations, to solve real-world challenges with applied data science, computing and open source software coding. All individuals or teams that complete their project successfully will be recognised for their achievements.

Code for Earth has run since 2018. Last year, successes included making meteorological charts for visually impaired scientists, an interactive platform visualising the impact of extreme weather events on energy systems and an application enabling you to zoom into your hometown and see how a local sandstorm or forest fire affects air quality.

The deadline for this year’s applications is strictly 23:59 Central European Time (GMT+1) on 9 April 2026.

For details on how to apply, and terms and conditions, see the Code for Earth website.

Notes to editors

ECMWF Media contact:

For further information, please contact: pressoffice@ecmwf.int.

About ECMWF 

The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) is a world leader in numerical weather prediction, providing high-quality data for weather forecasts and environmental monitoring. As an intergovernmental organisation, ECMWF collaborates internationally to serve its 35 Member and Co-operating States and the wider community with global weather predictions, data, and training. ECMWF’s research and operational center operates 24/7, focusing on medium- and long-range forecasts, and maintains one of the world’s largest meteorological data archives, including ERA5, funded by the EU Copernicus programme. 

Our mission: Deliver global numerical weather predictions focusing on the medium-range and monitoring of the Earth system to and with our Member States.

  

Code for Earth - Call for participation image.

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ECMWF

 

Code for Earth Fire Front Radar Project Image

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Marina Caporlingua, George Begkas, Lucy Colley.