The World Bank Group has opened applications for its Small AI for Development Hackathon Challenge 2026, a global competition for young innovators to build practical artificial intelligence solutions for communities facing limited connectivity, infrastructure and digital access. Three winners, one from each sector, will be invited to present at the Global AI and Digital Summit 2026 in Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Key facts
- The hackathon is scheduled for 3–4 October 2026 and will run in hybrid format with online participation and physical hubs.
- Applications must be submitted in English by 26 September 2026.
- Applicants may enter individually or in teams of up to four people.
- The challenge sectors are health, agriculture and tourism, with one winner selected from each sector.
- Winning representatives will present at the Global AI and Digital Summit 2026, set for 19–22 October in Seoul.
What does this mean for students and young innovators?
The competition gives students, founders and other young participants a chance to build AI products for real-world development problems rather than abstract technical demos. The World Bank says entries should work in constrained environments, consider accessibility and inclusion, and show measurable development value.
What is the hackathon asking participants to build?
Participants must develop a working “Small AI” solution during the competition window and submit it through the official platform. The solution must address one clearly defined challenge in health, agriculture or tourism, and it must reflect realistic conditions such as limited connectivity, affordable devices and local needs.
The World Bank describes Small AI as a targeted, use-case-driven approach that can use tools such as basic mobile phones, sensors, microcontrollers, locally operated models, SMS-based interfaces and voice-based systems. The core test is whether the technology solves a real problem in the environment where it will be used.
How do applications and team entries work?
Applications are being processed in batches, with 26 September 2026 listed as the final deadline. Participants can apply as individuals or in teams of up to four, but every team member must register individually and the team composition cannot change after the hackathon begins.
Hack-Nation is managing the competition platform and shortlisting entries for the World Bank Group, which has final judging authority. The application form requires sign-in to Google, and submissions must use the official process rather than email or unofficial channels.
What do winners receive?
Three winners will be selected, one from each sector. Each winning entry will be presented during a sector session at the Global AI and Digital Summit, and the World Bank says reasonable travel, accommodation and designated event-related expenses will be covered for the selected winner or approved team representative traveling to Seoul.
Winners may also be offered meetings with investors, government officials, private-sector representatives and other Summit participants, subject to availability and mutual interest. Participants remain responsible for visa requirements and related costs that are not covered.
Frequently asked questions
Who can apply to the Small AI for Development Hackathon?
Young people can apply individually or in teams of up to four. Applications and competition submissions must be completed in English, and applicants must choose one of the three sector challenges: health, agriculture or tourism.
When is the final deadline?
The final application deadline is 26 September 2026. The hackathon and competition-entry window then runs from 3–4 October 2026, with winners scheduled to present at the summit in Seoul on 21 October 2026.
