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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Zephyr appeared on the public Google Summer of Code (GSoC) 2026 project-ideas listing through three proposed areas: embedded machine learning, real-time audio, and OpenPrinting software. The listing describes possible projects; it does not prove that any particular idea was accepted or completed. Contributor applications closed March 31, 2026, and the standard final-work window ended August 24. As of September 28, extended projects could still be underway, with final work due November 2.
Is Zephyr part of Google Summer of Code 2026?
Zephyr was included in a publicly accessible Linux Foundation GSoC ProjectIdeas listing. That establishes that Zephyr-related proposals were presented for the program, not that every proposal became an accepted project. Google’s 2026 landing page welcomed 1,141 contributors across the program; that figure is program-wide and is not a Zephyr participant count. Google describes GSoC as a global, online program that brings new contributors into open-source development through programming projects with mentor guidance. Google Summer of Code
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What were the Zephyr GSoC 2026 project ideas?
The Linux Foundation listing describes three substantive project areas. They are proposals and scopes, not a confirmed record of selected work or final results. Linux Foundation GSoC 2026: Zephyr project ideas
Embedded machine-learning support
One proposal focused on improving real-time embedded machine-learning support in Zephyr. Its scope included stabilizing and upstreaming a Micro Speech example and building a host-side capture pipeline.
#1 Best Overall
Real-time audio capture and playback
A second idea proposed a reusable Zephyr sample for real-time audio capture and playback, with possible integration of embedded machine learning.
Porting OpenPrinting software
The third area involved porting OpenPrinting software to Zephyr, including work on libraries and printing applications.
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
What should you build with Zephyr for GSoC?
If you were considering these areas as a starting point, choose a defined problem that matches the project scope and discuss it with the relevant maintainers or mentors. The public listing is useful for understanding proposed directions, but it does not establish which ideas were selected, the final implementation requirements, or who completed them. Do not treat the proposal list as a current application opening or a confirmed set of active projects.
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Choose hardware only after checking the project
Zephyr’s documentation provides a catalog of supported boards and shields, as well as samples to use as starting points. The documentation currently identifies its main-tree version as 4.4.99. Zephyr supported boards and shields and Zephyr samples
Rank #3
- 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.
A Zephyr-compatible development board can be useful for firmware work, but no single model is established as a universal requirement for these ideas. Before choosing one, check the specific target board and its Zephyr support, interfaces, memory, processing resources, debugging and programming access, and—where relevant—audio input and output. Match those needs to the project rather than buying hardware based only on the broad project title.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you still apply to GSoC 2026?
No. Google’s 2026 contributor application window ran from March 16 through March 31, and accepted contributor projects were announced April 30. The standard final-work submission window was August 17–24. As of September 28, 2026, those milestones had passed, although projects on the extended schedule could still be in progress. Google set extended-project final work submission for November 2 and mentor evaluations for November 9. Google Summer of Code timeline
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.
| 2026 milestone | 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 begins | May 25 |
| Standard final-work submission | August 17–24 |
| Extended-project final work submission | November 2 |
| Extended-project mentor evaluations | November 9 |
These are dates for the 2026 cycle, not a calendar to assume for a later year; Google notes that the timeline can change. For future participation, check Google’s current program dates and the relevant organization’s project listing when that cycle is announced. The 2026 schedule shows contributor discussions before applications opened, making early contact and preparation part of the process.
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