IBM Launches 2025 Call for Code to Harness AI for Social Good
1. A Call to Action for Developers
On March 5, 2025, International Business Machines Corp (IBM) announced the launch of its 2025 Call for Code program, inviting developers and innovators to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to create solutions addressing critical social and humanitarian issues. The initiative, in collaboration with the United Nations Human Rights and the Linux Foundation, seeks to align technology with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
2. A Legacy of Impact
Since its inception in 2018, the Call for Code initiative has mobilized developers worldwide to leverage technology for social good. David Clark, the program's creator and CEO of David Clark Cause, expressed pride in the initiative's ability to foster innovation that serves humanity. "Call for Code is a unique global tech initiative that inspires and empowers developers to innovate for social good," Clark stated. He emphasized that the collaboration with IBM and UN Human Rights has positioned technology as a catalyst for sustainability and humanitarian action.
3. Five Hackathons Planned
This year, the Call for Code Global Challenge will include five qualifying hackathons, where teams will work on original proof-of-concept solutions targeting various SDGs using technologies such as IBM's watsonx and IBM Cloud services. Each hackathon will focus on a specific theme linked to one of the 17 SDGs, providing developers with the chance to make a tangible impact.
The first qualifying hackathon is scheduled from March 20 to March 31, 2025, coinciding with UN World Water Day on March 22. Participants will be tasked with developing an AI virtual agent using watsonx.ai to address issues related to SDG6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Additionally, a hackathon focusing on SDG13: Climate Action will be held as part of the 2025 Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit.
4. Support from UN Human Rights
UN Human Rights has been a steadfast supporter of Call for Code, recognizing the potential of technology to drive positive change. Ansar Mahfoudh, head of the Innovation and Analytics Hub at UN Human Rights, remarked, "Technology—when grounded in human rights—can be a powerful force for good." He reiterated the commitment to ensuring Call for Code continues to thrive by engaging a community of socially-minded developers.
5. No-Cost Access to Leading AI Tools
IBM is providing participants with no-cost access to its enterprise-grade software, including watsonx.ai, enhancing the opportunity for developers to engage hands-on with leading AI technologies. Dinesh Nirmal, IBM Senior Vice President of Software, expressed excitement about the potential solutions participants could create to address pressing global challenges.
6. Incentives for Participation
Teams of one to five developers will compete for various prizes in each hackathon, with the top solution from each event receiving $5,000 USD and conference passes for team members to attend the IBM TechXchange Conference 2025 in Orlando. Furthermore, winning teams will have the chance to compete for the grand prizes, including a top cash prize of $50,000 USD and support for open-source projects from the Linux Foundation. The grand prize winners will be announced in December 2025.
7. Registration and Future Details
Interested developers can register for the first hackathon before March 18, 2025. Additional details regarding future hackathons will be available on the Call for Code website as the year progresses.
In a world increasingly reliant on technology, the 2025 Call for Code initiative stands as a beacon for innovation and collaboration, harnessing the power of AI to address some of humanity's most pressing issues.