Applications are open for the Small AI for Development Hackathon Challenge 2026, organized by the World Bank Group and partners.
The competition is open to young innovators aged 18 to 35 from World Bank member countries who can develop practical artificial intelligence solutions for challenges in health, agriculture or tourism.
The hackathon will take place online over October 3–4, 2026. Three winning entries will be selected, with one winner from each category. Winners will be invited to Seoul, South Korea, to showcase their solutions at the Global AI & Digital Summit 2026.
The application deadline is September 26, 2026.
World Bank Small AI Hackathon 2026 Overview
- Organiser: World Bank Group and partners
- Competition: Small AI for Development Hackathon Challenge
- Age requirement: 18–35
- Eligible countries: World Bank member countries
- Application deadline: September 26, 2026
- Hackathon: October 3–4, 2026
- Location: Online competition
- Winner destination: Seoul, South Korea
- Global AI & Digital Summit: October 19–22, 2026
- Winner showcase: October 21, 2026
- Categories: Health, Agriculture and Tourism
- Application language: English
What Is the Small AI Hackathon?
The competition focuses on developing practical AI tools that can work in environments where internet connectivity, computing power, smartphones and other digital infrastructure may be limited.
Instead of requiring large and complex AI systems, participants are encouraged to create targeted solutions designed to solve specific problems.
Solutions can use technologies such as:
- Locally running AI models
- SMS-based tools
- Voice technology
- Sensors
- Microcontrollers
- Predictive AI
- Generative AI
- AI agents
The World Bank is particularly interested in solutions that can provide practical value in developing economies and communities with limited digital resources.
Challenge Categories
Participants must choose one of three sectors.
- Health: Develop a Small AI solution that addresses a specific healthcare or health-related development challenge.
- Agriculture: Create an AI-powered solution that responds to a practical agricultural problem and demonstrates measurable value.
- Tourism: Develop an AI solution that addresses a specific challenge within the tourism sector.
Participants should focus on one clearly defined problem rather than attempting to build a broad, general-purpose AI system.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to young innovators who:
- Are between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application
- Are from a World Bank member country
- Can submit their application and competition entry in English
- Apply individually or as part of a team of up to four people
- Participate in only one competition entry
Every member of a team must register individually and satisfy the eligibility requirements.
Applicants from emerging economies are particularly encouraged to participate. Active World Bank Group staff, including consultants and interns, are not eligible.
How the Competition Works
The competition has two main stages.
First, eligible applicants must register through the official Hack-Nation application process before the September 26 deadline.
Accepted participants will then take part in the two-day hackathon on October 3 and 4, 2026. During the competition, participants will develop and submit their Small AI solution according to the technical and submission requirements provided through the official platform.
Entries will be evaluated by Hack-Nation and shortlisted for final judging by the World Bank Group.
What Winners Receive
Three winning entries will be selected:
- One winner from Health
- One winner from Agriculture
- One winner from Tourism
The winners will be invited to Seoul, South Korea, to present their solutions during the Global AI & Digital Summit 2026.
The Summit is scheduled for October 19–22, 2026, with the winning innovators expected to participate in relevant sessions on October 21.
Fully Funded Trip to Seoul
The World Bank states that travel expenses for the selected winners will be covered, subject to reasonable travel costs, accommodation and designated event-related expenses.
Visa guidance and support will be communicated directly to the winners.
For a winning team, the team must nominate one representative to travel to Seoul and participate in the Summit on behalf of the team.
What Winners Will Do in Seoul
Winning innovators will have the opportunity to showcase their Small AI solutions at the Global AI & Digital Summit.
The Summit brings together governments, development organisations, private-sector leaders, researchers, investors and innovators to discuss how AI and digital technologies can support economic growth, jobs, productivity and access to services.
The winning entries will be featured in high-impact presentations during relevant sector sessions.
Winners may also have opportunities for facilitated meetings with investors, businesses, government representatives and other Summit participants, depending on availability and mutual interest.
How to Build a Strong Hackathon Entry
Applicants should focus on a clearly defined development problem and explain how their Small AI solution addresses it.
A strong entry should demonstrate:
- A clearly identified problem
- A practical AI-based solution
- Relevance to the selected sector
- Ability to operate within resource constraints
- Potential development impact
- Inclusivity and accessibility
- A realistic implementation approach
The World Bank states that entries will be considered not only for technical merit but also for development relevance, design and inclusivity.
Application Process
There are two required steps.
Step 1: Apply for the Hackathon
Eligible applicants must complete the official Hack-Nation application by September 26, 2026.
Step 2: Submit the Competition Entry
Registered and accepted participants will develop their Small AI solution during the October 3–4 hackathon and submit it through the designated competition platform.
Registration alone does not constitute a competition entry. Participants must complete the official submission process during the competition period.
Important Dates
| Milestone | Date |
| Application Deadline | September 26, 2026 |
| Hackathon | October 3–4, 2026 |
| Winners Notification and Preparation | October 5–6, 2026 |
| Winners Travel to Seoul | By October 18, 2026 |
| Global AI & Digital Summit | October 19–22, 2026 |
| Winner Showcase | October 21, 2026 |
Why This Opportunity Matters
The Small AI for Development Hackathon focuses on AI solutions that can work under real-world constraints.
For young developers, entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators, the competition provides an opportunity to build a solution around a development challenge and potentially present it to an international audience in Seoul.
The three winning solutions will be showcased alongside discussions involving global leaders working on AI and digital development.
Official Application
Applications must be completed through the official Hack-Nation process. The World Bank’s official competition page provides the application information, eligibility requirements, competition rules and registration instructions.
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY
Applicants should use the referral code WBGSmallAIGADS when instructed on the official application form.
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