The applications are now open for the World Bank Small AI Hackathon 2026. Young innovators interested in Artificial Intelligence, technology, agriculture, healthcare, or tourism can apply for the Small AI for Development Hackathon Challenge 2026, organized by the World Bank Group and partners. The program invites participants aged 18–35 to develop practical AI solutions that can work in environments with limited connectivity and resources. Participants can compete individually or in teams of up to four members. Winners will be invited to Seoul, South Korea, from 3–4 October 2026. The World Bank will cover all costs, including airfare, accommodation, meals, and visa support.

Quick Overview

  • Opportunity: Small AI for Development Hackathon 2026
  • Organized by: World Bank Group and Partners
  • Hackathon Dates: 3–4 October 2026
  • Location for Winners: Seoul, South Korea
  • Deadline: 26 September 2027

Fully Funded Trip to Seoul

The winners will be invited to Seoul, South Korea, to participate in the Global AI & Digital Summit 2026.

About the World Bank Small AI Hackathon

The Small AI for Development Hackathon focuses on creating AI solutions that can work in environments where internet connectivity, computing resources, smartphones, and digital infrastructure may be limited.

Instead of building large general-purpose AI systems, participants are encouraged to create focused and practical AI solutions designed around a specific problem.

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Solutions may involve technologies such as:

  • AI models running locally
  • SMS and voice-based tools
  • Sensors
  • Microcontrollers
  • Predictive AI
  • Generative AI
  • AI agents

The competition encourages young innovators to consider how AI can be made more accessible and useful in developing economies

Challenge Categories

Participants must select one of the following sectors:

  • Health: Develop a Small AI solution that addresses a specific healthcare or health-related development challenge.
  • Agriculture: Build an AI-powered solution that addresses a practical agricultural challenge and can demonstrate measurable value.
  • Tourism: Create a practical AI solution designed to address a challenge within the tourism sector.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be 18 to 35 years old at the time of application.
  • Be from a World Bank member country.
  • Apply individually or as a team of up to 4 members.
  • Submit your application and competition entry in English.
  • Participate in only one competition entry.
  • Ensure all team members register individually.
  • Meet all eligibility requirements before participating.
  • Applicants from emerging economies are particularly encouraged to apply

What Winners Will Receive

A total of 3 winners will be selected:

  • 1 winner from Health
  • 1 winner from Agriculture
  • 1 winner from Tourism

How to Apply for the World Bank Small AI Hackathon 2026?

Eligible applicants must register through the official Hack-Nation application page before 26 September 2027. The official website link is below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the World Bank Small AI Hackathon 2026?

The World Bank Small AI Hackathon 2026 is a competition organized by the World Bank Group and partners that invites young innovators aged 18 to 35 to develop practical AI solutions that work in environments with limited connectivity and resources. Participants focus on focused, practical AI tools designed around a specific development problem.

Who is eligible for the World Bank Small AI Hackathon 2026?

Applicants must be 18 to 35 years old at the time of application and come from a World Bank member country. They may apply individually or as a team of up to four members, with all team members registering individually. Applications and competition entries must be submitted in English, and applicants from emerging economies are particularly encouraged to apply.

What challenge categories are in the World Bank Small AI Hackathon 2026?

Participants must select one of three sectors: Health, Agriculture, or Tourism. In Health, they build a Small AI solution for a healthcare development challenge; in Agriculture, an AI-powered solution for a practical farming challenge; and in Tourism, a practical AI solution addressing a challenge within the tourism sector.

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What technologies can be used in the World Bank Small AI Hackathon 2026?

Solutions may involve AI models running locally, SMS and voice-based tools, sensors, microcontrollers, predictive AI, generative AI, and AI agents. The competition encourages young innovators to consider how AI can be made more accessible and useful in developing economies with limited digital infrastructure.

What do winners of the World Bank Small AI Hackathon 2026 receive?

Three winners will be selected, one each from Health, Agriculture, and Tourism. Winners are invited to Seoul, South Korea, on October 3 to 4, 2026, to participate in the Global AI and Digital Summit 2026, with the World Bank covering all costs including airfare, accommodation, meals, and visa support.

When is the deadline for the World Bank Small AI Hackathon 2026?

The application deadline is September 26, 2026. Eligible applicants must register through the official Hack-Nation application page linked in this article before that date, submitting their application and competition entry in English.