Call for Applications: World Bank Small AI Hackathon 2026 for Young Innovators
The World Bank Group has opened applications for the Small AI for Development Hackathon Challenge 2026.
This gives young innovators an opportunity to develop practical artificial intelligence solutions for real-world challenges in developing economies.
The global competition is looking for innovators who can build “Small AI” solutions designed to work in environments where internet connectivity, computing resources and access to advanced technology may be limited.
The challenge is being organised by the World Bank Group’s Digital and AI Vice Presidency in collaboration with its Youth Summit, Development Economics Vice Presidency and Information and Technology Solutions, with Hack-Nation managing the competition platform.
What the Hackathon Offers
Participants will spend the competition weekend of October 3–4, 2026, developing a working AI solution to a development challenge.
The solutions should focus on practical applications that can operate with limited connectivity and accessible technologies such as basic phones, SMS, voice interfaces, sensors or microcontrollers.
Applicants will choose one of three sectors:
- Agriculture
- Health
- Tourism
The World Bank says the challenge is intended to encourage AI solutions that are not only technically sound but also relevant to local development needs, inclusive and capable of delivering measurable impact in constrained environments.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is open to young innovators aged 18 to 35 across World Bank member countries, with applicants from emerging economies particularly encouraged to participate.
Applicants can enter either individually or in teams of up to four people. Every team member must register individually, meet the eligibility requirements and be identified as part of the same team before registration closes.
Applications and competition submissions must be made in English.
Active World Bank Group staff, including consultants and interns, are not eligible to participate.
Opportunity for Winners
Three winning entries will be selected, with one winner from each of the three challenge sectors.
The winners will receive an opportunity to travel to Seoul, South Korea, with travel expenses, accommodation and designated event-related expenses covered subject to the organisers’ conditions.
They will also have the opportunity to present their solutions at the Global AI and Digital Summit 2026, giving them international exposure before policymakers, technology leaders and other participants in the global development and innovation ecosystem.
The organisers may also facilitate opportunities for winners to connect with investors, government representatives, private-sector stakeholders and other Summit participants, subject to availability and mutual interest.
Important Dates
- Application deadline: September 26, 2026
- Hackathon: October 3–4, 2026
- Winners notification and preparation: October 5–6, 2026
- Winners travel to Seoul: By October 18, 2026
- Global AI and Digital Summit: October 19–22, 2026
How to Apply
Interested applicants must first register through the official Hack-Nation application platform before the September 26 deadline.
Applicants should use the referral code WBGSmallAIGADS when registering.
Registration is only the first step. Accepted participants will then develop and submit their Small AI solution during the official hackathon on October 3–4, following the competition’s technical and submission requirements.
The World Bank is positioning the challenge as an opportunity for young innovators to help shape how AI can be designed for communities where conventional AI tools may not work effectively because of limited connectivity, infrastructure or access to devices.
For young developers, AI entrepreneurs and technology innovators across Africa and other emerging economies, the challenge offers an opportunity to build a solution with potential development impact while gaining international exposure through the World Bank Group’s global innovation platform.
