We’re pleased to share that the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF) has once again been selected as a mentoring organization for the 2026 edition of Google Summer of Code (GSoC). Our first selection was back in 2017, and we have been supporting and mentoring cloud native technologists ever since.
What is GSoC?
Google Summer of Code is a global program that introduces new contributors to open source communities through structured, mentored projects. Each year, selected participants work closely with experienced maintainers to design, build, and deliver meaningful technical contributions. For many, GSoC is the beginning of a long-term journey in open source.
CNCF’s participation reflects our ongoing commitment to growing sustainable communities around cloud native technologies. Open source thrives when new contributors feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to make an impact. Through GSoC, contributors have the opportunity to engage deeply with CNCF-hosted projects and collaborate directly with the maintainers who steward them.
The next important phase for prospective contributors runs through March 15, 2026. During this period, candidates are encouraged to actively engage with mentoring organizations, discuss potential project ideas, and begin drafting their proposals. This is a critical time to connect with project communities, ask thoughtful questions, and refine ideas in collaboration with mentors.
Important Dates and timeline
While the full program timeline can be found on the official GSoC website, here are a few key milestones:
- February 19 – March 15, 2026: Contributors discuss ideas with mentoring organizations
- March 16, 2026 : GSoC contributor application period opens
- March 31, 2026: GSoC contributor application period closes
Be sure to check the GSoC website regularly for the most up-to-date information on deadlines and program details. We encourage all interested contributors to carefully review the official timeline and program guidelines to ensure they meet eligibility requirements and submission deadlines.
How to get started
If you’re interested in participating as a mentee:
- Explore project ideas: Using our Project Ideas page, identify projects that spark your interest.
- Connect with Mentors: Reach out using upstream issues listed in each project description (don’t reach out directly to mentors via email). Introduce yourself, discuss the idea, and ask questions.
- Draft Your Proposal: Once applications open, submit a clear, concise proposal outlining your approach, timeline, and goals.
- Stay Informed: Follow the official GSoC timeline and guidelines. Watch for announcements on the GSoC website and the CNCF communication channels.
We strongly encourage interested contributors to begin participating early. Successful proposals are typically shaped through discussion, iteration, and demonstrated engagement with the project community.
CNCF is home to a diverse ecosystem of open source projects across areas such as platform engineering, observability, runtime, security, and cloud native infrastructure. GSoC projects span a range of technical domains, and contributors are matched with mentors who guide them through structured milestones and regular feedback cycles.
If you are a project maintainer and are considering mentoring during the GSoC 2026 cycle, please submit your ideas using this template available on GitHub.
Strengthening the future of cloud native
Open source innovation depends on sustained community investment. By participating in GSoC 2026, CNCF projects continue building mentorship pathways that welcome new voices and perspectives into the cloud native ecosystem.
If you’re ready to deepen your open source experience, collaborate with experienced maintainers, and make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to start engaging with CNCF project communities today.
We look forward to seeing your ideas.