The World Bank Small AI Hackathon is an international challenge for young innovators who want to build practical artificial intelligence solutions for developing economies. The World Bank Group is inviting applicants aged 18 to 35 from member countries to compete in health, agriculture, or tourism. Three winning entries will receive an all-expenses trip to Seoul to showcase their solutions at the Global AI and Digital Summit.
Applications closed on 26 September 2026, so new applicants can no longer register for this 2026 challenge. The competition weekend runs on 3–4 October 2026, while winners are expected to travel to Seoul by 18 October. This guide explains the verified eligibility, benefits, requirements, application process, and key dates.
World Bank Small AI Hackathon Details
The challenge is organized by the World Bank Group Digital and AI Vice Presidency in collaboration with the Youth Summit, Development Economics Vice Presidency and Information and Technology Solutions. Hack-Nation manages the competition platform, while the World Bank Group serves as sponsor and final judging authority.
Participants build a focused “small AI” solution that can work under real constraints such as limited connectivity, local data, basic devices, SMS, voice, sensors, or microcontrollers. Entries are judged on technical merit, development relevance, design, inclusivity, and measurable value for people in developing economies.
Host | World Bank Group |
|---|---|
Challenge | Small AI for Development Hackathon |
Sectors | Health, Agriculture, Tourism |
Eligibility | Ages 18–35 from World Bank member countries |
Team size | Individual or up to 4 members |
Competition | 3–4 October 2026 |
Application deadline | 26 September 2026 |
Stay Updated with Guidance Gem
Follow Guidance Gem for verified scholarships, fellowships, internships, competitions, and international opportunities with current deadlines and official application links.
World Bank Small AI Hackathon Benefits
The World Bank Group will select three winning entries, one each from health, agriculture, and tourism. Winners receive an all-expenses trip to Seoul, South Korea and an opportunity to participate in the Global AI and Digital Summit.
The winning representatives are expected to travel to Seoul by 18 October 2026 and deliver an Ignite Talk at the summit on 21 October 2026. Beyond travel support, the challenge gives young innovators exposure to development leaders, researchers, investors, and technology practitioners working on responsible AI.
Also Check: Explore the Google Student Researcher opportunity if you are also interested in technology and research experience.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be 18 to 35 years old and come from a World Bank member country. Emerging-economy applicants are especially encouraged, and applications plus competition submissions must be completed in English.
Participants may enter individually or in a team of up to four members. Every team member must register separately and satisfy the eligibility rules, while active World Bank Group staff, consultants, and interns are not eligible to participate.
Challenge Requirements
Applicants choose one challenge sector: health, agriculture, or tourism. The proposed solution should address a real development problem and demonstrate practical value in a constrained environment rather than relying only on large-scale infrastructure.
Accepted participants must develop their solution during the official competition window and follow the technical, originality, format, team, and submission rules on the Hack-Nation platform. Each person may participate in only one competition entry, and team membership cannot change after the hackathon begins.
How to Apply for the World Bank Small AI Hackathon
The official process has two required stages: registration for the hackathon and submission of the competition entry during the event. Registration alone does not count as a competition entry or guarantee eligibility for judging. Start from the official World Bank event page.
Use the official World Bank event page to reach the application form and follow the Hack-Nation instructions. The World Bank page states that applicants should use referral code WBGSmallAIGADS when registering and complete the process before the application deadline.
World Bank Small AI Hackathon Application Deadline
The World Bank states that applications for the Small AI Hackathon had to be submitted by 26 September 2026. That application stage is now closed.
Accepted participants proceed to the competition stage separately, but a new applicant can no longer use the expired application deadline. Readers should watch the official World Bank event page for any later challenge or future edition instead of treating this 2026 call as open.
Small AI Hackathon FAQ
The questions below cover the most important verified details for applicants deciding whether to enter. Always use the official World Bank event page for last-minute changes because this competition is moving on a short timeline.
The official source should also be checked for Hack-Nation platform instructions and any technical submission requirements released to registered participants. Guidance Gem does not process applications or collect competition entries.
Who can apply for the challenge?
Young innovators aged 18–35 from World Bank member countries can apply, either individually or in teams of up to four members. Active World Bank Group staff, consultants, and interns are excluded.
What do the winners receive?
Three winning entries receive an all-expenses trip to Seoul and the opportunity to present their Small AI solution at the Global AI and Digital Summit.
When is the application deadline?
Applications close on 26 September 2026. The competition itself takes place on 3–4 October 2026, so accepted applicants should be ready to build and submit during that weekend.
Conclusion
The World Bank Small AI Hackathon is a fast-moving opportunity for young innovators who can turn AI into practical solutions for health, agriculture, or tourism. Its focus on constrained environments makes it especially relevant to applicants who understand local development problems and can demonstrate measurable impact.
The 2026 application window has closed. Accepted participants should follow the official competition instructions for the 3–4 October weekend, while new applicants should wait for a future official challenge. Review the official World Bank instructions carefully, use the required referral code, and submit only through the authorized application and competition platforms.
