World Bank Small AI Hackathon 2026 is an open call for young innovators to build AI solutions that work in constrained environments; the Small AI Hackathon focuses on practical, fit-for-purpose tools using basic phones, sensors, or microcontrollers. The challenge invites individuals or teams to develop targeted AI solutions addressing sectoral problems in health, agriculture, or tourism.
The event is organized by the World Bank Group Digital and AI Vice Presidency in partnership with the World Bank Group Youth Summit, Development Economics Vice Presidency, Information and Technology Solutions, and managed by Hack-Nation. The winners will be invited to Seoul to present at the Global AI and Digital Summit 2026 and the World Bank Group will serve as sponsor and final judging authority.
Small AI Hackathon Benefits
- The winners will be invited to Seoul, South Korea to present at the Global AI and Digital Summit 2026, co-hosted by the World Bank Group and the Government of Korea from 19 to 22 October 2026.
- Three winners (one each from Agriculture, Health, Tourism) will be featured in Seoul in relevant sessions on October 21, 2026.
- Each of the three winning entries will be featured in a High Impact Talk during the relevant sectoral breakout session during the Summit.
- Winners may be offered facilitated bilateral meetings with investors, private-sector representatives, MSMEs, government officials, or other Summit participants, subject to availability and mutual interest.
- Travel expenses will be covered in full subject to reasonable travel costs, accommodation, and designated event-related expenses, as determined by the Organizers in accordance with internal logistics guidelines.
- Visa guidance and support will be communicated directly to the winners.
Small AI Hackathon Eligibility Criteria
- The competition is open to applicants aged 18 to 35.
- Open across the World Bank member countries, with emerging economy applicants especially encouraged.
- Applications may be submitted either by an individual or by a team of up to 4 members.
- Applications to participate and hack-a-thon submissions must be all submitted in English.
- Each team member must register individually, satisfy all eligibility requirements, and be identified as part of the same team before the registration deadline.
- An individual may participate in only one competition entry. Team membership may not be changed after the Hackathon begins.
- Active staff of the World Bank Group, including Consultants and Interns, are not eligible to participate in the Competition.
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.
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.
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
How to Apply for Small AI Hackathon
- Register now via the Application form click “Request to Join” and use WBGSmallAIGADS for your referral code by September 26.
- Step 1: Apply for the Hackathon. Eligible applicants must complete the official Hack-Nation application process through the application form by September 26, 2026. Applications must be submitted in English.
- Step 2: Submit a competition entry during the Hackathon. Registered and accepted participants must develop and submit their proposed Small AI solution through the dedicated submission portal and include the referral code above during the official competition window on 3–4 October 2026.
- Both steps must be completed through the designated official channels. Registrations or entries sent by email, social media, direct outreach to World Bank Group staff, or any other method will not be accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Small AI Hackathon. These answers cover what the challenge is, who can apply, key dates, benefits, and how to register and submit entries.
What is the Global AI & Digital Summit Small AI Hackathon Challenge?
The Small AI for Development Hackathon Challenge is an open call to young innovators worldwide to build AI solutions that work in constrained environments. It focuses on targeted, use-case-driven solutions leveraging accessible devices and aims to surface practical AI applications for sectors like health, agriculture, and tourism.
When and where will the competition and summit take place?
The competition weekend will take place on 3–4 October 2026. Winners will be invited to attend and present at the Global AI and Digital Summit in Seoul, South Korea, which runs from 19 to 22 October 2026, with winner showcases on October 21, 2026.
Who can enter the Small AI Hackathon?
The competition is open to applicants aged 18 to 35 across World Bank member countries, with emerging economy applicants especially encouraged. Applications may be submitted by individuals or teams of up to four members, and all submissions must be in English.
Are World Bank Group staff eligible to participate?
Active staff of the World Bank Group, including Consultants and Interns, are not eligible to participate in the Competition. The organizers reserve the right to verify eligibility and disqualify applicants who do not meet the stated criteria.
What do winners receive?
Three winners (one each from Agriculture, Health, and Tourism) will be invited to Seoul to present at the Summit, be featured in a High Impact Talk, and may receive facilitated bilateral meetings with investors or other participants. Travel expenses will be covered subject to Organizers’ logistics guidelines.
Will travel and visa costs be covered for winners?
Travel expenses will be covered in full subject to reasonable travel costs, accommodation, and designated event-related expenses as determined by the Organizers. Visa guidance and support will be communicated directly to winners, but winners are responsible for securing and paying for their own visas.
How do I register and apply for the Hackathon?
Register via the Application form (https://luma.com/z3za7zow), click ‘Request to Join’ and use referral code WBGSmallAIGADS by September 26, 2026. Eligible applicants must complete the Hack-Nation application process; registration alone does not guarantee judging eligibility.
What are the application and submission requirements?
Applications must be submitted in English. Registered participants must develop and submit their competition entry during the Hackathon through the official submission portal and comply with all submission, format, team, originality, technical, and deadline requirements published on the Hack-Nation platform.
Can team membership change after the Hackathon begins?
No. Team membership may not be changed after the Hackathon begins. Each team member must register individually and be identified as part of the same team before the registration deadline; an individual may only participate in one competition entry.
Who manages and judges the competition?
The competition is managed by Hack-Nation, which will evaluate eligible entries and submit a shortlist to the World Bank Group. The World Bank Group will serve as the final judging authority and select the winners.
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