Applications are currently being accepted for The World Bank Group Small AI Hackathon 2026 in South Korea. Interested applicants are encouraged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and apply for it.
About The World Bank Group Small AI Hackathon
World Bank Small AI Hackathon 2026 is an open call for young innovators to build AI solutions that work in constrained environments; the Small AI Hackathon focuses on practical, fit-for-purpose tools using basic phones, sensors, or microcontrollers. The challenge invites individuals or teams to develop targeted AI solutions addressing sectoral problems in health, agriculture, or tourism.
The event is organized by the World Bank Group Digital and AI Vice Presidency in partnership with the World Bank Group Youth Summit, Development Economics Vice Presidency, Information and Technology Solutions, and managed by Hack-Nation. The winners will be invited to Seoul to present at the Global AI and Digital Summit 2026 and the World Bank Group will serve as sponsor and final judging authority.
Benefits of The World Bank Group Small AI Hackathon
- The winners will be invited to Seoul, South Korea to present at the Global AI and Digital Summit 2026, co-hosted by the World Bank Group and the Government of Korea from 19 to 22 October 2026.
- Three winners (one each from Agriculture, Health, Tourism) will be featured in Seoul in relevant sessions on October 21, 2026.
- Each of the three winning entries will be featured in a High Impact Talk during the relevant sectoral breakout session during the Summit.
- Winners may be offered facilitated bilateral meetings with investors, private-sector representatives, MSMEs, government officials, or other Summit participants, subject to availability and mutual interest.
- Travel expenses will be covered in full subject to reasonable travel costs, accommodation, and designated event-related expenses, as determined by the Organizers in accordance with internal logistics guidelines.
- Visa guidance and support will be communicated directly to the winners.
The World Bank Group Small AI Hackathon Requirements
- The competition is open to applicants aged 18 to 35.
- Open across the World Bank member countries, with emerging economy applicants especially encouraged.
- Applications may be submitted either by an individual or by a team of up to 4 members.
- Applications to participate and hack-a-thon submissions must be all submitted in English.
- Each team member must register individually, satisfy all eligibility requirements, and be identified as part of the same team before the registration deadline.
- An individual may participate in only one competition entry. Team membership may not be changed after the Hackathon begins.
- Active staff of the World Bank Group, including Consultants and Interns, are not eligible to participate in the Competition.
Application Date and Process
- Register now via the Application form click “Request to Join” and use WBGSmallAIGADS for your referral code by September 26.
- Step 1: Apply for the Hackathon. Eligible applicants must complete the official Hack-Nation application process through the application form by September 26, 2026. Applications must be submitted in English.
- Step 2: Submit a competition entry during the Hackathon. Registered and accepted participants must develop and submit their proposed Small AI solution through the dedicated submission portal and include the referral code above during the official competition window on 3–4 October 2026.
- Both steps must be completed through the designated official channels. Registrations or entries sent by email, social media, direct outreach to World Bank Group staff, or any other method will not be accepted.
Application Deadline
26 September, 2026
Opportunity Application
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The World Bank Group Small AI Hackathon
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