Deadline: 26th September 2026 | Build a practical AI solution for real-world development challenges and compete for the chance to present it at the World Bank Group’s Global AI & Digital Summit in Seoul.

The World Bank Group’s Small AI for Development Hackathon Challenge invites young innovators to create AI solutions designed for environments where connectivity, computing power and access to technology may be limited. Participants will tackle challenges in health, agriculture or tourism, with three winning entries earning the opportunity to showcase their solutions at the Global AI & Digital Summit 2026 in South Korea.

Eligibility:

  • Open to applicants aged 18–35 at the time of application.
  • Applicants must be from a World Bank member country; applicants from emerging economies are particularly encouraged.
  • Individuals may apply alone or in teams of up to four members.
  • Every team member must register individually and meet the eligibility requirements.
  • Applications and competition submissions must be made in English.
  • Each person may participate in only one competition entry.
  • Active World Bank Group staff, including consultants and interns, are not eligible.
  • No team or project idea is required before applying.

Description:

The challenge focuses on “Small AI”: targeted AI applications designed to solve specific problems using accessible technologies such as basic phones, sensors, microcontrollers, SMS or voice interfaces. Solutions should be practical in constrained environments, including settings with limited connectivity or computing infrastructure.

Participants will select a challenge in health, agriculture or tourism and develop a working solution during the Hack-Nation Global AI Hackathon on 3–4 October 2026. Participation can be online, with a number of in-person hubs also available.

Applicants must first register through the official Hack-Nation application platform by 26 September 2026. When registering, participants should use the referral code WBGSmallAIGADS. Accepted participants must then develop and formally submit their competition entry during the hackathon weekend.

Entries will be assessed on more than technical performance. Judges will also consider development relevance, inclusivity, design and how effectively the proposed AI solution responds to the realities of constrained environments. Hack-Nation will shortlist eligible entries before the World Bank Group makes the final selection.

Winners are expected to be notified and prepare for the Summit on 5–6 October, with travel to Seoul taking place by 18 October. The Global AI & Digital Summit will run from 19–22 October 2026, and the winning solutions are scheduled to be showcased on 21 October.

Benefits:

  • Three winning entries will be selected, one each in agriculture, health and tourism.
  • Each winning entry will be featured during a relevant session at the Global AI & Digital Summit 2026 in Seoul.
  • Winners will have the opportunity to present their Small AI solution to an international audience of policymakers, investors, private-sector leaders, development organisations and innovators.
  • For team entries, one representative will be selected to travel and present on behalf of the team.
  • Reasonable travel, accommodation and designated event-related expenses for the selected winning representatives will be covered by the organisers.
  • Visa guidance and a supporting letter will be provided, although winners remain responsible for securing their visa and generally for visa-related costs.
  • Winners may also receive opportunities for facilitated meetings with investors, businesses, government representatives and other Summit participants, subject to availability.

Find out more and apply at the official link below:

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Apply before 26th September, 2026