Mentor Applications for Google Summer of Code 2026 open through Feb 3

The open-source ecosystem thrives on mentorship, fresh perspectives, and the constant influx of new talent. For over two decades, Google Summer of Code (GSoC) has been a cornerstone of this growth, connecting thousands of contributors with open-source organizations.

If your project is looking to expand its reach, tackle long-overdue features, or mentor the next generation of developers, the time to act is now. Mentor organization applications for GSoC 2026 officially opened on January 19th and will remain open until February 3, 2026 (18:00 UTC).

Why Participate as a Mentor Org?

GSoC isn’t just about getting code written; it’s about community building. By participating, your organization can:

• Onboard New Contributors: Many GSoC participants remain active members of their communities long after the program ends.
• Accelerate Projects: Dedicated contributors spend 12+ weeks focused on your project’s goals.
• Refine Documentation & Best Practices: Preparing for GSoC often forces projects to improve their onboarding guides and project roadmaps.

2026 Focus Areas: AI/ML and Security

While GSoC welcomes projects from every niche including cloud, data, science, medicine, and development tools this year’s program is placing a special emphasis on Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) and Security. If your project is innovating in these spaces, Google is specifically looking to showcase and support your work.

Is Your Organization Eligible?

To be accepted into GSoC 2026, your project must meet several key criteria:

1. History: You must have an established open-source project with at least 18 months of history.
2. Licensing: Your software must be released under an OSI-approved license.
3. Community: You need a robust community and a pool of mentors who are ready and enthusiastic about guiding new developers.
4. Active Engagement: The project should show regular, ongoing activity rather than infrequent updates.
5. Project Ideas: You must provide a comprehensive list of specific project ideas for contributors to choose from.

Key Deadlines to Watch

• February 3, 2026 (18:00 UTC): Mentor Organization applications close.
• February 19, 2026: Accepted Mentoring Organizations are officially announced.
• March 16 – March 31, 2026: Contributor application period (when the real magic begins!).

Tips for a Successful Application

If you are a first-time organization, the GSoC team strongly recommends seeking a referral from an experienced GSoC organization. This helps validate your project’s readiness for the program.

Additionally, make sure to:

• Review the GSoC Mentor Guide.
• Check the Org Admin Tips for advice on community preparation.
• Clearly define your goals for the 2026 cycle.

Get Started Today

Don’t wait until the last minute. Head over to the official GSoC site to start your application. Let’s make 2026 the most impactful year for open source yet!