Google Summer of Code (GSoC)
Google Summer of Code (GSoC) is a global program focused on bringing new developers into open source software development. Since 2011, the INCF network has served as a mentoring organization that pairs GSoC candidates with developers from its community to work on 3-month programming projects. GSoC contributors are paid a stipend by Google. Between 2016 and 2026, when the program still was focused on students, INCF paired 195 students with 293 mentors.
INCF was proud to serve as a mentor organization once again during GSoC 2025, and we have curated a project list with 27 projects from 21 open-source collaborating organizations.
INCF will apply to be a mentor organization in Google Summer of Code 2026.
Important: Interested mentors need to submit their proposals to the INCF GSoC Proposal Portal. Full project descriptions need to be submitted by 1 February 2026.
We are calling for open source software development project ideas with some sort of neuro connection - fixes or extensions to big/broadly applicable or small/niche tools used by neuroscience researchers, efforts and initiatives in the broad field of computational neuroscience. If your project supports or implements INCF endorsed standards or best practices, we especially encourage you to apply.
Important links:
Google Summer of Code 2026 Timeline
GSoC discussion forum on Neurostars
Google Summer of Code FAQ
Recommendations for GSoC contributors
Google Summer of Code guides for mentors and students
GSoC 2025 successful projects
2025 was another year of successful participation by INCF-affiliated contributors. We are proud to have had 27 open source project contributors, as well as 62 mentors who oversaw the various projects.
Link to successful GSoC 2025 projects
