Build real tools for the green economy.
Code for the Planet is a one-day hackathon series where students build with agentic AI, GIS, environmental data, and Arduino-based hardware to tackle real climate and conservation challenges.
Three technical tracks, one shared mission.
Data visualization
Dashboards and public-facing tools that turn field data into decisions partners can act on.
Hardware & GIS data
Sensor pipelines, spatial datasets, and map layers for reforestation, wildlife, and watershed work.
Data training pipelines
AI/ML workflows that classify species, imagery, and satellite scenes for conservation partners.
of participants secure a role, internship, fellowship, or paid technical opportunity within three months of completing a project pathway.
Green jobs are becoming technical jobs.
- 24M
- U.S. green jobs projected by 2030
- 31,300
- projected GIS openings from 2024–2034
- 78M
- net new jobs globally by 2030
Code for the Planet helps students build the stack behind those roles: agentic AI, GIS, environmental data, and field hardware.
From environmental agencies to Fortune 500 engineering teams.
What happens at a hackathon
One day. Real tools. Real environmental challenges.
- 01
Present conservation projects
Students start with five challenges in water, land, biodiversity, climate resilience, and community-led conservation.
- 02
Choose what you'll build
Pick your technical track and go deep with mentors from environmental partners.
- Agentic AI · copilots, workflows, research agents
- GIS + Environmental Data · maps, dashboards, watershed tools
- Hardware · Arduino sensors, field monitoring, data pipelines
- 03
Pick teams and hack
Join a team around the project you care about and build with AI agents, real datasets, and real use cases.
- 04
Ship demos and prizes
Submit a working prototype. Pitch to reps and receive feedback. Prizes reward completion, accessibility, and impact.
Upcoming Code for the Planet Hackathons
Oakland Tech Week
Build tools for local climate resilience, environmental monitoring, and community-led conservation.
NYC Environmental Agent-a-thon
Students build AI agents for public-sector environmental data alongside sponsors and NY State agencies.
DC AI Week
Build responsible AI tools for public-sector and environmental challenges.
What we've shipped
“I am beyond blessed, excited, and overwhelmed with emotions to announce that I have landed my FIRST role in #tech at a fantastic company called HiBob. How can I begin to express my gratitude and appreciation to all the people who have helped me along my journey? A single post could never suffice but I will never forget all the advice I have received, the tech #meetups I attended, and the highs and lows it's taken to get to this point. Shoutouts to Matt Kuras, Lori Palmieri, Glenn Piludu, Maye Jesuorobo, Judy Jam, Yire Morlans, Matthew Sanabria, Enmanuel Cruz, Leon Huynh, Najwana N., Leon Noel, 100Devs, ProgramEarth, thank you for everything...”
A student shared how ProgramEarth helped shape their path into a first tech role.
“When I first tipped my toes into Data Visualization and exploration, I was ever so lucky to be introduced to using data for good through organizations like DataKind and ProgramEarth. Both organizations go beyond applications that are shiny and new and consider both the ethics and scale of tech when solving challenges that affect people in real ways without doing harm.”
A participant described how they first connected data visualization to real-world impact.
“Proud to share my verified achievement badge from ProgramEquity; an open source village that gave me practical experience collaborating with a software development team. I'm incredibly thankful for the opportunity to have been introduced to topics around Al, API management, and cybersecurity. Thank you to my mentors and peers for the wonderful experience! I strongly recommend fellow juniors seeking hands-on experience to apply for the next cohort, running April 8th-June 27th 2024!”
A participant highlighted a ProgramEarth-issued credential on their professional profile.
Want to prepare before the hackathon?
Open Earth Academy is built to help you succeed — a self-paced path through the exact stack you'll use on hackathon day.
Start the 12-week course →- →12-week self-paced course
- →Agentic AI workflows
- →GIS + environmental data
- →Arduino-based hardware labs
- →Optional university microcredential