The World Bank Group Small AI for Development Hackathon Challenge 2026, organized in partnership with Hack-Nation, invites young developers, creators, and innovators to build practical AI solutions for real-world challenges in resource-constrained environments.
The challenge focuses on “Small AI”—lightweight, targeted AI solutions that can work with limited connectivity and accessible technologies.
Quick Facts
- Opportunity Type: AI Hackathon & Global Innovation Challenge
- Host Organization: World Bank Group & Hack-Nation
- Location: Online, with selected in-person hubs
- Duration: October 3–4, 2026
- Age: 18–35 years
- Nationality: Citizens of World Bank member countries
- Degree Required: No specific degree required
- Work Experience: Not required
- Mode: Online
- Team Size: Solo or teams of up to 4
- Stipend / Prize: Winners receive a fully funded trip to Seoul, South Korea, including eligible airfare, accommodation, and designated event expenses
- Application Fee: $0
- Application Deadline: September 26, 2026
What Is the Small AI Challenge?
The hackathon challenges participants to build AI solutions that are practical, lightweight, and designed for environments where computing power, connectivity, or digital infrastructure may be limited.
Projects could use technologies such as local sensors, basic phones, SMS, voice interfaces, or lightweight AI models to solve development challenges.
Participants can choose from three focus areas:
1. Health
Develop AI solutions addressing healthcare challenges in environments with limited connectivity or resources.
2. Agriculture
Build practical AI tools that can help farmers, agricultural businesses, or rural communities.
3. Tourism
Create AI-powered solutions addressing real-world challenges in the tourism sector.
What Do Winners Receive?
Three winning solutions—one from each challenge sector—will be selected.
Winners receive an opportunity to attend the Global AI & Digital Summit 2026 in Seoul, South Korea, taking place from October 19–22, 2026.
The winner package includes:
- Fully funded travel to Seoul
- Eligible airfare and accommodation
- Designated event expenses
- Opportunity to present the solution on an international stage
- Networking with policymakers, investors, businesses, and development experts
- Potential mentorship and ecosystem connections
The Seoul opportunity is therefore fully funded for selected winners, rather than being a fully funded trip available to every hackathon participant.
Is the Hackathon Free?
Yes. Registration and participation are free, with no application fee.
However, participants should distinguish between the hackathon itself and the winner travel package. While winning participants receive funded travel and accommodation, visa application costs may remain the participant’s responsibility.
Who Can Apply?
You can apply if you:
- Are 18–35 years old
- Are a citizen of a World Bank member country
- Have an AI, technology, development, or innovation idea relevant to one of the three challenge areas
- Can participate individually or as part of a team
- Are willing to develop and present your solution during the hackathon
No specific university degree is required.
Teams can include up to four members, and each member must register individually.
Active World Bank Group staff, consultants, and interns are excluded.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: September 26, 2026
- Hackathon: October 3–4, 2026
- Global AI & Digital Summit: October 19–22, 2026
- Winning Solutions Showcase: October 21, 2026
Could a small, practical AI solution be enough to take you from a weekend hackathon to an international stage in Seoul? Explore the opportunity and see what you could build.
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