International Coding League (ICL)

Code for a Better World. Compete. Collaborate. Create Legacy.

Welcome to ICL 2025 - the ultimate global coding battleground where young innovators turn ideas into impact. Whether you're a beginner or a coding prodigy, this is your chance to solve real-world problems, showcase your skills, and join a movement of tech changemakers!

This season, ICL features two major categories:

  • 🎮 Game Development Challenge(Open Source)
  • 📱 App Development Challenge (Open Source)

Our Sponsors

What Will I Win?

Best Game

Win Prizes, Scholarships, Certificate of Participation & many other goodies!

Who Can Join?

Juniors (6-10)

New to coding? Start with Scratch or Blockly!

Seniors (11-18)

Ready for advanced tools like Unity, Python, or app development? This is your stage!

Seniors (11-18)

Ready for advanced tools like Unity, Python, or app development? This is your stage!

What Is The Theme Of This Competition?

Game Development Challenge(Open source)

Space Colonization – Mission to Mars & Beyond

Theme 2025: "Pioneer the Future: Build, Survive, and Thrive in the Cosmos!"

Calling all visionary coders! This year’s challenge takes you beyond Earth—design games that simulate humanity’s next giant leap: colonizing space! Whether it’s building a Martian city, mining asteroids for rare minerals, or negotiating peace with alien civilizations, your game will inspire players to think like interstellar explorers.

Game platforms/tools: Scratch, Unity, Godot, Roblox Studio, Python, JavaScript, etc.

App Dev Challenge (Open Source)

Theme 2025: "Tech for Good"

Build apps that tackle global issues—health, education, climate, or social justice. Open-source = more collaboration, more innovation!

Tech Stack: Flutter, React Native, Firebase, Android Studio, GitHub, etc.

Why Compete?

  • 🏅 Global Recognition: Certificates, trophies, and featured on ICL’s hall of fame.
  • 💻 Tech Prizes: Gadgets, scholarships, and exclusive developer merch.
  • 🌍 Real Impact: Your project could inspire real change!
  • 🔗 Open-Source Legacy: Contribute to a collaborative tech future.

How to Submit?

  1. Demo Video (3–5 min): Showcase your project’s magic.
  2. Source Code + Docs: Upload to GitHub/GitLab and share the link.
  3. Theme Alignment: Ensure your project fits the challenge.
Submit via ICL Portal before the deadline!

Why Join the International Coding League?

  • ✅ Global Network: Connect with coders from 50+ countries.
  • ✅ Portfolio Boost: Add a standout project to your resume.
  • ✅ Mentorship: Get feedback from tech experts.
  • ✅ Future Skills: Learn teamwork, problem-solving, and cutting-edge tech.

🌿 Eco-Friendly Exploration: Embark on a Green Adventure! 🌍

Get ready to dive into the lush world of sustainability and embark on an "Eco-Friendly Quest" for this year's game development competition! We're thrilled to see how your creativity can intertwine with eco-conscious practices to create an unforgettable gaming experience. Here are some hints and ideas to guide you on this green adventure.

Theme Overview:

In the "Eco-Friendly Exploration," your mission is to develop a game that not only entertains but also educates players on the importance of sustainability. Think of it as a journey through a virtual world where eco-conscious decisions, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship are central to the gameplay.

Hints and Ideas:

  • 🌳 Green Landscapes: Design vibrant game environments with lush greenery, eco-friendly cities, and sustainable communities.
  • ♻️ Resource Management: Implement gameplay mechanics that challenge players to wisely manage resources, reduce waste, and make environmentally friendly choices.
  • 🌊 Ocean Conservation: Explore underwater realms and address issues like plastic pollution, overfishing, and the importance of preserving marine ecosystems.
  • 🌞 Renewable Energy Challenges: Integrate quests that involve harnessing renewable energy sources, and promoting solar, wind, or hydropower in the game world.
  • 🌐 Global Collaboration: Create opportunities for players to collaborate globally, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental efforts on a larger scale.
  • 🚴 Sustainable Transportation: Incorporate eco-friendly modes of transportation, such as bicycles or electric vehicles, encouraging players to explore the game world sustainably.

Game Mechanics Tips:

  • Include interactive elements that reward players for making sustainable choices.
  • Introduce challenges that emphasize the impact of climate change and the importance of addressing environmental issues.
  • Design quests that involve reforestation, wildlife conservation, and initiatives to protect endangered species.

Remember, the goal is to inspire players to think about their ecological footprint and their positive impact on the virtual and real worlds.

Submission Guidelines:

  • Submit a gameplay demo that showcases how your game aligns with the "Eco-Friendly Exploration" theme.
  • Provide a brief overview of how your game promotes sustainability and eco-conscious decision-making.
  • Use your login details to access the portal and upload your game files before 01-Mar-2024.

We can't wait to see the incredible worlds you'll create and the positive impact your games will have on players. Let the Eco-Friendly Exploration begin!

Best of luck, and happy coding! 🌿🎮

Timeline (Tentative)

  • 25 April 2025
    Registration Ends
  • 27 April 2025
    Theme Deep-Dive Webinar
  • 1 June 2025
    Submission Deadline
  • 15 June 2025
    Winners Announced

Judges Panel

Previous Season's Champions

Senior

Junior

About STEM LAB

Powered by STEM LAB Trading LLC, a global STEM education leader with 150+ school partnerships. We organize the International Robotics Olympiad, Innovathon, and now ICL - shaping the next generation of tech visionaries.

FAQ's

ICL is a premier global coding competition where young innovators (ages 6-18) develop open-source games or apps addressing real-world challenges. This year features:

  • Game Development Challenge: "Space Colonization - Mission to Mars & Beyond"
  • App Development Challenge: "Tech for Good" (solving global issues)

Registration Ends : 25 April 2025
Theme Deep-Dive Webinar: 27 April 2025
Submission Deadline: 1 June 2025
Winners Announced: 15 June 2025
Dates are tentative and subject to change.

Yes! Two categories:

  • Juniors: Ages 6-10 (Block-based coding like Scratch)
  • Seniors: (Script-based coding like Python/JavaScript)

Students should work individually on projects, teamwork is not allowed.

  1. Visit www.codingleague.org
  2. Click Register Now
  3. Select your category (Game Dev/App Dev)
  4. Complete the form (No registration fee)

Login to your account and upload your presentation video along with your code.
Required materials:

  • 3-5 minute demo video (show functionality)
  • Complete source code (uploaded to GitHub/GitLab)
  • Documentation (PDF/markdown explaining your project)
  • Theme alignment statement
Submit via the ICL portal before 1 June 2025.

Judges (including Dr. Frithi Herbert) will assess:

  • Creativity & Innovation (30%)
  • Technical Implementation (25%)
  • Theme Relevance (20%)
  • User Experience (15%)
  • Documentation Quality (10%)

No restrictions! Use any language/tool:

  • Game Dev: Scratch, Unity, Godot, Python, JavaScript, etc.
  • App Dev: Flutter, React Native, Android Studio, etc.
  • All projects must be open-source

No restrictions! Use any language/tool:

  • 🏆 Trophies & global recognition
  • 💻 Tech gadgets & scholarships
  • 📜 Certificates of excellence
  • 🌟 Featured on ICL's official platforms
  • 🚀 Mentorship opportunities

ICL is powered by STEM LAB Trading LLC, a global STEM education leader with 150+ school partnerships across UAE, USA, and India.