GSoC 2025 Project #10 GENN :: Conda packaging for GeNN (175h)

Mentors: Jamie Knight <J.C.Knight@sussex.ac.uk> and Thomas Nowotny <t.nowotny@sussex.ac.uk>

Skill level: Intermediate

Required skills: Conda, Python, C++

Time commitment: Full time (175 hours)

Forum for discussion

About: GeNN is a C++ library that generates code for efficiently simulating Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) using GPUs. In order to compile this generated code, it requires a compiler and development versions of backend requirements such as CUDA. Because of this, GeNN must currently be installed from source which puts off some users.

Aims: For this project, you will develop a conda (forge) package for GeNN which will handle the installation of the required dependencies and ease installation for end users.

Project website: GitHub - genn-team/genn: GeNN is a GPU-enhanced Neuronal Network simulation environment based on code generation for Nvidia CUDA.

Tech keywords: Conda, Python, C++

1 Like

I hope this finds you well. I am quite interested in working on the GeNN Conda Packaging project for GSoC 2025. My objective of streamlining the installation process for GeNN through Conda best suits my skills and experience.

I have experience with Python, C++, and dependency management in machine learning projects, and I am especially interested in this project because it is about optimizing software distribution for GPU-based neural network simulation. I look forward to contributing to developing a Conda (forge) package that enhances accessibility and usability for the GeNN framework.

Please let me know if there are any microtasks or initial contributions that I can work on to start. I eagerly await your instructions and the chance to contribute to this project!

Best regards,
Harsh Gupta
GitHub: 4444Harsh (Harsh) · GitHub

Hi Harsh,

Thanks for your interest in our project. It sounds like you have just the sort of skillset we’re looking for. If you’d like to make some initial contributions, there are several issues tagged with “good first issue” on our github

Regards

Jamie

Respected Sir(Jamie, GSoC Mentor),
Thank you for your reply and for directing me to the “good first issue” issues on GitHub. I thank you for the chance to begin making contributions to the project.

I will work through the issues which are tagged, get familiar with the codebase, and start making an initial contribution. If I do need any questions clarified when I’m getting the environment up and running or tackling the issues, I will seek clarification.

Looking forward to working on this innovative project!

Best regards,
Harsh Gupta
GitHub: 4444Harsh (Harsh) · GitHub