Software for Good - project lines open to new teams

Software for Good organises its development fronts into five project lines. Each line delimits a field of social impact and guides the choice of problem, partner and software scope.

The new call is open from 14 to 20 October 2026. There is room for students who want their final thesis to serve someone after it is handed in, faculty from any field, professionals willing to give a few hours of their experience, and institutions with a real social need and no one to turn it into technology. The programme’s rule is non-negotiable: the solution reaches the end user at no cost.

The five lines

Technology solutions for direct social assistance, the provision of basic needs and the structuring of solidarity networks. The focus is to support initiatives such as collection campaigns and shelter centres, which work on raising, controlling and distributing material and financial resources. Software optimises these institutions’ operations — internal organisation, fundraising and distribution logistics — so that help reaches those who need it most quickly and in an organised way.

Beyond modernising day-to-day management, projects in this front strengthen the ties between social projects and society. Technology removes red tape from solidarity work and makes it easier to connect with volunteers, donors and partners. By promoting transparency and accessible information, the goal is to create digital ecosystems that build credibility, lower barriers for those who want to contribute, and sustain community engagement with social causes.

2. Education, inclusive sport and the protection of children and young people

Ideation and development of solutions that support educational initiatives, socially oriented sports projects and programmes dedicated to the protection and integral development of children and young people. The focus is to strengthen the work of institutions, educators and volunteers with tools that enhance inclusion, engagement and the creation of safe, welcoming environments, especially for vulnerable groups.

In this front, software acts as a cross-cutting enabler. The scope ranges from systems for managing and following up participants in social projects to interactive platforms that encourage learning and widen access to educational and sporting opportunities. By streamlining processes and easing communication, technology allows these organisations to extend their reach while keeping the focus on care, human development and changing realities.

3. Health, well-being and gender equity

Solutions dedicated to promoting health, well-being and gender equity, to confront inequalities and widen access to information, services and opportunities. The goal is to explore how software development can contribute to the prevention and monitoring of health conditions, ease access to specialised services, and produce tools that account for different needs and realities.

Projects in this front use technology as an instrument of inclusion and of confronting gender, racial and social inequalities. Solutions may support the identification of needs, the dissemination of reliable information, and the connection between people, support networks and specialised services — covering physical and psychological well-being, safety, and the prevention of violence and discrimination. The expected outcome is stronger support networks, greater autonomy, and safer, more welcoming environments.

4. Socio-environmental action and local development

Solutions dedicated to environmental preservation, the responsible use of natural resources and the strengthening of local communities. Projects may support associations, producers, cooperatives, schools and community initiatives working on waste management, environmental education, sustainable agriculture and the development of each territory’s potential. The goal is to turn local information and needs into actions that are better organised, better informed and capable of producing lasting benefits.

In this context, software supports the monitoring of environmental activities, communication among participants, data recording and the dissemination of sustainable practices. Management platforms, informational apps and mapping tools bring people closer to the decisions that affect their daily lives and make processes more transparent — uniting economic development, environmental responsibility and community participation.

5. Culture, citizenship and institutional strengthening

Solutions that value cultural expression, widen access to information and encourage civic participation. The focus is to support collectives, public institutions, social organisations and communities that preserve memory, strengthen identities and promote the exercise of rights. Projects may involve cultural outreach, collection management, community communication and initiatives that bring people closer to spaces and services for social participation.

Beyond giving visibility to these initiatives, technology strengthens the management and sustainability of the institutions involved. Communication systems, internal organisation platforms, transparency channels and mobilisation tools ease the dialogue with volunteers, partners and communities — producing organisations that are more accessible, more connected and better prepared to defend culture, widen citizenship and generate collective impact.

How to apply

Applications are made exclusively through the call form, open from 14 to 20 October 2026:

Application form — Software for Good

In the form you state who you are, which project line interests you most and what you would like to do. Institutions may present directly the social need they want to turn into technology.

Questions about the programme may be sent to the coordinator, Prof. George Marsicano Corrêa (georgemarsicano@unb.br) — but an application is only registered through the form.

Learn more

Software for Good page — fronts, goals and projects in detail.
Software for Good is calling — and there is a place for you — the news item announcing the call.