Meet the people coding a more sustainable world

Around the world, developers are finding innovative ways to address sustainability and environmental challenges through technology. Mobile apps and games are no longer limited to entertainment or productivity - they are also becoming tools for education, conservation, and the creation of new career paths in the green economy. A recent #WeArePlay feature showcased a group of founders whose projects blend coding skills with a commitment to a healthier planet.

Meet the people coding a more sustainable world

A recent #WeArePlay spotlight featured ten new founders using coding to address some of the planet’s most pressing sustainability and environmental challenges. Their apps and games are helping build a healthier planet by creating career paths for aspiring environmentalists, preserving indigenous knowledge, and transforming nature education into an adventure for everyone.

Ariane, Flávia, Andréia, and Mayla - BoRa

Based in Sao Carlos, Brazil, co-founders Mayla, Flávia, Andreia, and Ariane met while researching environmental education and shared a passion for nature. They aimed to foster deeper connections between people and Brazil’s national parks. Their app, BoRa – Iguaçu National Park, turns a visit into an immersive experience through interactive storytelling, gamified trails, and accessibility features such as sign language. The result is a tool that helps all visitors connect more meaningfully with the natural environment.

Louis and Justin - CyberTracker

From Cape Town, South Africa, Louis recognized that animal tracking was a science but saw that many indigenous trackers’ expertise could not be recorded due to illiteracy. Partnering with Justin, he co-founded CyberTracker, an app with a simple icon-based interface that allows non-literate trackers to document biodiversity data. This approach preserves invaluable indigenous knowledge and supports conservation efforts on a global scale.

Bharati and Saurabh - Earth5R

In Mumbai, India, Saurabh was inspired to act after a cycling trip around the world exposed him to sustainable practices in diverse communities. Together with his wife, Bharati, he co-founded Earth5R. Their app delivers environmental education and career development opportunities, linking users to internships and hands-on projects. By equipping people with the skills and experience needed for work in the green economy, they aim to cultivate the next generation of environmental leaders.

These examples illustrate how digital solutions can bridge the gap between technology and environmental stewardship. From gamified park visits to preserving the skills of indigenous trackers, and from global sustainability lessons to local career-building opportunities, these projects show the wide-reaching impact of thoughtful app design. As environmental issues continue to demand action, such efforts highlight the growing role developers play in building a more sustainable future.