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The World Bank Group Small AI for Development Hackathon Challenge 2026 sends its winners on an all-expenses-paid trip to Seoul, South Korea. Winners present their solution at the Global AI and Digital Summit 2026, with travel, accommodation, and event costs covered.
You build a small, practical AI solution for one of three areas: agriculture, health, or tourism. It is open to young people aged 18 to 35 across World Bank member countries, and you can enter alone or in a team of up to four. There is no application fee.
Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Provider | World Bank Group |
| What you win | Fully funded trip to Seoul to present at the Global AI and Digital Summit 2026 |
| Theme | Small AI solutions for agriculture, health, or tourism |
| Who can apply | Ages 18 to 35, from World Bank member countries, individually or in a team of up to 4 |
| Application fee | None |
| Summit dates | 19-22 October 2026, Seoul |
| Deadline | 26 September 2026. See the Deadline section. |
What is the Small AI for Development Hackathon?
The World Bank runs this challenge to find young people building useful, low-cost AI tools that solve real problems in developing countries. “Small AI” means practical, efficient solutions that work with limited data and resources, not giant models.
You pick one of three tracks, agriculture, health, or tourism, and build a solution for it. The strongest entries win a funded trip to Seoul to present at the World Bank’s Global AI and Digital Summit, in front of an international audience.
What you get
- An all-expenses-paid trip to Seoul, South Korea for winners
- Travel, accommodation, and event-related costs covered
- A stage at the Global AI and Digital Summit 2026 to present your work
- Exposure to the World Bank network and other young AI builders
Who can apply
- You are aged 18 to 35, in line with the UN definition of youth.
- You are from a World Bank member country. Most African countries are members, so check that yours is on the list.
- You apply on your own or in a team of up to four people.
- You submit your application in English.
- You enter only one competition entry.
The three tracks
- Agriculture: tools that help farmers, food systems, or supply chains.
- Health: solutions that improve access to care or health outcomes.
- Tourism: ideas that grow local tourism and the jobs around it.
Is there an age limit?
Yes. You must be between 18 and 35. If you are in that range and from a member country, you qualify to enter.
Do I need to be a professional developer?
You need a working solution and a clear idea, not a fancy title. Students, recent graduates, and self-taught builders all enter hackathons like this. If you can build or prototype a small AI tool and explain the problem it solves, you have a case. Team up with someone who covers the skills you do not have.
What to prepare
- Your AI solution or working prototype for one track
- A clear description of the problem and how your tool helps
- Your team details, if you enter as a group
- Anything else the official application form asks for
How to apply, step by step
- Open the official Global AI and Digital Summit page on worldbank.org and read the full challenge rules.
- Pick your track: agriculture, health, or tourism.
- Build your small AI solution, alone or with a team of up to four.
- Register through the official application form, using the referral code WBGSmallAIGADS.
- Submit in English before the deadline, and keep a copy of everything.
Selection process
The World Bank reviews entries by track and picks the strongest solutions in the agriculture, health, and tourism categories. Winners are funded to travel to Seoul and present at the summit in October 2026.
Deadline
26 September 2026.
This is close, so if you have an AI idea for agriculture, health, or tourism, register now and submit before the date. The summit itself runs 19 to 22 October 2026. Confirm the exact deadline and rules on the official World Bank page before you submit.
Have a question?
Drop your question in the comments and we will help. If you are looking for a team or a track, tell us your skills and we will point you.
Related reading
More funded opportunities to explore on the site:
- UNDP Digital, AI and Innovation Internship 2026
- Green Climate Fund IT Internship 2026 (South Korea)
- NextGen2030 Youth and AI Summit 2026
- IRENA Youth Forum 2027 (Abu Dhabi)
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