A new framework from NCAR, called CREDIT (Community Research Earth Digital Intelligence Twin), is making it easier for researchers to develop and test AI-based weather prediction models. Introduced in this paper , CREDIT supports flexible model design and training, helping address key challenges in AI-based forecasting. Using this platform, researchers introduced WXFormer, a novel model that outperforms traditional forecasting systems like ECMWF’s IFS on 10-day forecasts, while being much more computationally efficient. CREDIT aims to accelerate innovation and collaboration in AI-driven weather prediction. William Chapman and Judith Berner contributed to this research.