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Zephyr was listed among the open-source project ideas for Google Summer of Code (GSoC) 2026, with proposals involving embedded machine learning, real-time audio, and OpenPrinting. That listing describes proposed project work; it does not confirm which ideas were accepted or completed. As of September 28, 2026, the contributor application period and standard project-submission window had passed, though extended projects could continue into November.
Is Zephyr part of Google Summer of Code 2026?
Zephyr appeared on the Linux Foundation’s public GSoC 2026 ProjectIdeas listing. Google describes GSoC as a global, online program that brings contributors into open-source software development through programming projects with mentor guidance. The program is designed for projects lasting 12 or more weeks. Google’s 2026 landing page welcomed 1,141 contributors across the program; that figure is not a Zephyr participant count.
A project-ideas page is not an acceptance or results list. The available public information establishes that Zephyr proposals were listed, but does not establish which were selected, who worked on them, or their outcomes. It also does not provide a verified Zephyr-specific contributor count or success rate.
What were the Zephyr GSoC 2026 project ideas?
The Linux Foundation listing describes three substantive areas. Treat them as proposed scopes, not confirmed accepted projects. The Zephyr project-ideas listing includes:
#1 Best Overall
- Embedded machine learning: Improve real-time embedded ML support in Zephyr, including a stable, upstreamed Micro Speech example and a host-side capture pipeline.
- Real-time audio: Create a reusable sample for audio capture and playback, with possible integration of embedded ML.
- OpenPrinting: Port OpenPrinting software to Zephyr, including libraries and printing applications.
The scopes suggest different technical directions: ML and audio work center on data capture and embedded processing, while the OpenPrinting proposal concerns software portability and printing applications. The listing alone does not establish final deliverables or implementation details beyond the proposals it describes.
What should I build with Zephyr for GSoC?
For a future GSoC application, use a listed idea as a starting point, not as a complete project plan. A useful proposal should turn a broad scope into a testable contribution: identify the problem, explain the intended change, map it to a suitable Zephyr-supported target or host workflow, and define incremental deliverables that mentors can review. Discuss the scope with the relevant project community before settling on a design.
Rank #2
- Versatile Microcontroller: Incorporate the Nordic nRF52840 chip with FPU, operating up to 64 MHz, mounted multiple development ports
- Embracing Open Source: As an open source hardware, it also supports popular projects of Arduino / CircuitPython / Micropython / tinyGo / Zephyr / Meshtastic / Amazon Sidewalk / QMK / ZMK / ThingSpeak
- Wireless Capabilities: Implement Bluetooth 5.0, BLE functions with onboard antenna, also provide NFC connectivity
- Elaborate Power Design: Provide ultra-low power consumption as 5μA in deep sleep mode while supporting lithium battery charge management
- Thumb-Sized Design: 21 x 17.5mm, Seeed Studio XIAO series classic form-factor, suitable for wearable devices
Zephyr’s official documentation provides a catalog of supported development boards and shields and samples to use as starting points. The current main-tree documentation identifies itself as version 4.4.99; documentation and support can change, so confirm the version and board status relevant to your work.
Choose hardware only after checking the project
No single board is established as a universal requirement for these ideas. Before buying or borrowing a Zephyr-compatible development board, check the proposal’s target, required interfaces and peripherals, memory and processing needs, and debugging or programming access. For audio capture and playback, for example, verify that the chosen hardware supports the needed audio input and output. A board’s presence in Zephyr’s catalog does not by itself mean it fits a particular project.
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- ULTRA-LOW-POWER SoC: Powered by Nordic's nRF54LM20A with a 128 MHz Arm Cortex-M33 processor, 512 KB RAM, and 2 MB on-chip NVM.
- MULTI-PROTOCOL WIRELESS: Supports Bluetooth LE 6.0 with Channel Sounding, Mesh, Thread, Zigbee, Matter, NFC, and proprietary 2.4 GHz protocols.
- EXCEPTIONAL POWER EFFICIENCY: Deep sleep current as low as 4.76 µA and Ship Mode at just 0.33 µA for extended battery life.
- RICH I/O & CONNECTIVITY: Features 28 GPIOs, USB Type-C, 8 MB external flash, IPEX4 antenna connector, and onboard nPM1300 PMIC for battery charging.
- COMPACT & VERSATILE: Measuring just 21 x 17.8 mm, it supports nRF Connect SDK, PlatformIO, and Zephyr RTOS for wearables and IoT applications.
Can I still apply to GSoC 2026?
No. Google’s 2026 calendar set contributor applications for March 16–31, and announced accepted contributor projects on April 30. By September 28, the application period had closed. The standard final work-submission window, August 17–24, had also passed, although extended projects could still be underway. Google’s official GSoC timeline gives the full schedule.
| Milestone | 2026 date |
|---|---|
| Organization applications | January 19–February 3 |
| Accepted organizations announced | February 19 |
| Contributor discussions | February 19–March 15 |
| Contributor applications | March 16–31 |
| Accepted contributor projects announced | April 30 |
| Community bonding | May 1–24 |
| Coding period begins | May 25 |
| Standard final work submission | August 17–24 |
| Extended-project final work submission | November 2 |
| Extended-project mentor evaluations | November 9 |
Google can change its schedule from year to year. These dates describe the 2026 cycle and should not be reused as a calendar for a future edition. For detailed project-duration scheduling, see Google’s 2026 Project Dates.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- This Raspberry Pico IO shield is designed for the Raspberry Pi Pico development board. Note Raspberry Pico is Not Included!
- It also incorporates communications ports like 2 x I2C, 2 x UART, 2 x SPI, 3 x analog IO and 13 x digital IO as well as a 6.5-12V power interface.
- On board with four block building holes can assist to wire up multiple sensors or modules, which exceedingly increases more functions.
- DC input voltage: 6.5-12V ; Output voltage: DC3.3V V
- There are 26 GPIO pins, so you will be motivated to create what you want to make.
What to do next
- If you are following an existing 2026 project: check the project community’s own updates for its status; the public ideas listing does not verify acceptance or completion.
- If you want to contribute outside the application cycle: review Zephyr’s supported boards and samples, then explore the relevant project area and its current contribution guidance.
- If you are preparing for a future GSoC: monitor Google’s next program timeline, confirm that Zephyr or the relevant organization is participating, and discuss a realistic scope with prospective mentors before the application window.
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