diff --git a/setup.py b/setup.py
index 772ee7c91..e915c9430 100644
--- a/setup.py
+++ b/setup.py
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@
 # when compiled outside of the git repo we must set the version
 # manually. Also note that these must be unique per upload to PyPi
 # so be sure to use an 'rcX' for testing
-teca_version = "4.0.0"
+teca_version = "4.1.0"
 
 class CMakeExtension(Extension):
     def __init__(self, name, sourcedir=''):