GovTech AI Bootcamp 2026 in Korea | Fully Funded

The call is open to government agencies from low- and middle-income countries as classified by the World Bank’s income group methodology. The applying institution must be developing, piloting, or deploying an AI tool or application for the public sector that addresses a specific governance or administrative challenge. Upper-middle-income countries are classified as LMICs and are eligible. Only government institutions may apply, not NGOs or international organizations.

Yes. Upper-middle-income countries are classified as low- and middle-income countries under the World Bank’s income group methodology and are therefore eligible to apply. The application must come from a government institution, and the proposed AI initiative must target a specific public sector governance or administrative challenge. One team per country will be selected for the bootcamp.

No. Only government institutions may apply. The proposal must be led by and submitted on behalf of a government agency with direct institutional authority over the initiative. NGOs or international organizations cannot apply on behalf of a government. Each application should nominate a two-person team from the relevant government institution or institutions, with the lead institution clearly identified.

Each selected country is allocated two participation slots. The team must include a policy leader with decision-making authority over the AI initiative and a technical practitioner directly involved in implementation. The policy lead should be able to direct resources, assign staff, and advance the initiative; the technical practitioner may be a data analyst, system administrator, or project manager with deep technical familiarity.

No. Initiatives at any stage, including concept, prototype, pilot, or deployment, are eligible. What matters is the quality and specificity of the proposal and the credibility of the institutional commitment behind it. Proposals that demonstrate concrete institutional backing and a specific, actionable plan will be prioritized over purely conceptual submissions. Proposals with confirmed funding will score higher on the institutional support criterion.

Proof of institutional backing means documented evidence that the initiative has real organizational or financial support. Acceptable forms include a formal mandate or endorsement letter from senior leadership, a budget allocation letter or documented budget line, an inter-agency MOU or agreement, or a cabinet or ministerial decision. At least one supporting document must be attached to the application.

The selection committee is composed of World Bank GovTech specialists, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS), and the National Information Society Agency (NIA) of Korea. Proposals are assessed on four criteria equally weighted at 25 points each: public value and impact, specificity of problem definition, technical feasibility and data availability, and risk management and governance arrangements. The total is 100 points.

Yes. International travel and accommodation costs for the two selected team members will be covered by the program. The five-day bootcamp in Seoul is fully funded, and further details on travel arrangements will be provided to selected teams upon confirmation. Visa support includes official invitation letters and coordination with Korean authorities, though final visa decisions rest with Korean immigration.

Yes. The bootcamp will be conducted in English with Korean-English interpretation. Simultaneous interpretation support will be provided during sessions to ensure language does not limit participants’ ability to engage with Korean civil servant demonstrators and practitioners. Korean language ability is not required. Participants should be comfortable taking part in English-language discussions and workshops.

After the bootcamp, all participating countries are expected to submit a final AI initiative implementation roadmap within 3 to 4 weeks of the bootcamp close. Some limited follow-up technical feedback may be provided, but no direct financial support is given. Up to three countries may be selected for additional support such as remote technical advisory, in-country visits by the World Bank GovTech team, and progress monitoring.