Contests, Challenges and Awards

IBM COVID-19 Call for Code Global Challenge 2020

29th March 2020

The 2020 Call for Code Global Challenge has expanded its focus to tackle the effects of COVID-19. Technology solutions can help reduce the impact this pandemic has on our daily lives and the world. We have the tools. You have the talent.

Now in its third year, the Call for Code initiative is the largest technical challenge of its kind. The 2020 Call for Code Global Challenge asks the world’s developers to build solutions for COVID-19 and climate change. The world is facing unprecedented, interconnected challenges and we believe technology can help.

Application Deadline: 27th April 2020

Eligible Countries: International

About the Award: COVID-19, which is caused by the novel coronavirus, has revealed the limits of the systems we take for granted in a very short period of time. Whether it’s the massive increase in demand for information during a time of crisis, educating children when schools are closed, or helping communities best distribute limited resources, technology has a pivotal role to play. Through Call for Code, you can see your idea deployed by a global partner ecosystem.

Explore all IBM resources related to COVID-19

In addition to Call for Code, IBM is marshaling resources and bringing together the right communities of experts to address the COVID-19 global pandemic. Clients, governments, scientists, partners, academic institutions, health agencies and IBMers are applying data, knowledge, computing power, and insights to solve difficult problems.

Type: Contest

Eligibility:

Submissions –
Submissions must use one or more IBM Cloud services or IBM Systems. Use of sponsor or affiliate APIs and open source libraries is also encouraged.
Team size –
Teams of up to five (5) participants, each at least 18 years old, are allowed.
Joining teams –
A participant may not be part of multiple teams.
Participation agreement –
All team members must have accepted the 2020 Participation Agreement at the time they submit to be eligible.
Application standards –
Applications must be new and built for the 2020 competition, but they may use code that was open-sourced and publicly available to all other participants as of February 26, 2020.
Winners –
Winning teams will be subject to a code review after submissions close.

Selection Criteria: Submissions will be judged equally across 4 primary criteria which evaluate whether the solution solves a real-world problem and uses technology effectively.

Completeness and transferability: How fully has the idea been implemented? Can it achieve an impact in the field? Can it be transferred elsewhere?
Effectiveness and efficiency: Does the solution address a high priority area? Does it achieve its goal effectively and efficiently? Can it scale?
Design and usability: How good is the design, user experience, and ease of use of the solution? How quickly can it be put to use?
Creativity and innovation: How unique was the approach to solving a long-standing or previously intractable problem?

Number of Awards: Not specified

Value of Award:

Grand Prize