The Small AI for Development Hackathon Challenge 2026, organized by the World Bank Group in collaboration with the World Bank Group Youth Summit and Hack-Nation, invites young innovators to develop practical artificial intelligence solutions for real-world development challenges.
The competition focuses on Small AI, an approach that uses targeted, practical AI solutions designed to work in environments with limited connectivity and resources. Participants will develop solutions addressing challenges in health, agriculture, or tourism during a two-day hackathon on 3–4 October 2026.
The competition is open to young people aged 18 to 35 across World Bank member countries, with applicants from emerging economies particularly encouraged to participate. Individuals can apply alone or as part of a team of up to four members.
At a Glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organizer | World Bank Group |
| Competition Partner | Hack-Nation |
| Opportunity Type | AI Hackathon / Competition |
| Focus Areas | Health, Agriculture, Tourism |
| Eligible Age | 18–35 |
| Eligible Countries | World Bank member countries |
| Application Language | English |
| Participation | Individual or team of up to 4 |
| Application Deadline | 26 September 2026 |
| Competition Dates | 3–4 October 2026 |
| Location for Winners | Seoul, Republic of Korea |
| Global AI & Digital Summit | 19–22 October 2026 |
| Winners | 3, one from each sector |
| Winner Benefit | Travel to Seoul and opportunity to present at the Summit |
About the Small AI for Development Hackathon
Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to address development challenges, but many AI systems depend on reliable internet connectivity, smartphones and advanced digital infrastructure.
The Small AI for Development Hackathon challenges young innovators to think differently by developing solutions that can work under more constrained conditions. The organizers describe Small AI as a targeted, use-case-driven approach that can use accessible devices such as basic phones, sensors or microcontrollers and operate with limited connectivity.
Participants will spend one weekend developing a working AI solution that responds to a real development challenge. The competition will focus on whether the proposed solution provides clear value in a constrained environment, rather than simply relying on the complexity or size of an AI model.
Challenge Areas
Applicants must select one of three sector challenges:
Health
Participants can explore AI solutions that address practical health and healthcare challenges, particularly where connectivity and other resources may be limited.
Agriculture
Participants can develop AI solutions addressing challenges in agriculture and rural development, with an emphasis on practical and measurable impact.
Tourism
Participants can develop technology solutions that use AI to address challenges and opportunities within the tourism sector.
The proposed solution should demonstrate a clear value addition and take into account the conditions required for technology to work effectively in the selected sector.
Who Can Apply?
The competition is designed for young innovators aged 18 to 35.
Applicants must be from a World Bank member country, and young innovators from emerging economies are particularly encouraged to participate.
You can apply:
- As an individual
- As a team of up to 4 members
Each team member must register individually and meet the eligibility requirements. All applications and competition submissions must be made in English.
Active World Bank Group staff, including consultants and interns, are not eligible to participate.
What Do Winners Receive?
Three winners will be selected, with one winner from each category: Agriculture, Health and Tourism.
The winners will be invited to Seoul, Republic of Korea, to participate in the Global AI and Digital Summit 2026, taking place from 19–22 October 2026.
Each winning entry will be featured during a relevant sectoral session at the Summit on 21 October 2026.
Winners may also have opportunities to participate in facilitated meetings with investors, private-sector representatives, government officials, MSMEs and other Summit participants, subject to availability and mutual interest.
Travel and Accommodation for Winners
For a winning team, the team must nominate one representative to travel to Seoul and participate in the Summit on behalf of the team.
Travel expenses for the selected winner representative will be covered, subject to reasonable travel costs, accommodation and designated event-related expenses determined by the organizers.
The organizers will provide visa guidance and support to winners. However, winners remain responsible for securing their visas and paying visa-related costs unless otherwise expressly approved. A support letter will be provided to assist with the visa application process.
How the Competition Works
Participation involves two required steps.
Step 1: Register for the Hackathon
Eligible applicants must complete the official Hack-Nation application process by 26 September 2026.
Registration alone does not constitute a competition entry or guarantee eligibility for judging.
Step 2: Develop and Submit Your Solution
Registered and accepted participants will develop their Small AI solution during the official competition period on 3–4 October 2026.
The completed competition entry must be submitted through the designated competition platform during the official competition window and must comply with the technical, format, originality and submission requirements provided by Hack-Nation.
Applications and competition entries must be submitted in English.
Important Referral Code
When registering through the official application form, participants should click "Request to Join" and use the following referral code:
WBGSmallAIGADS
The organizers specifically instruct applicants to use this code when registering for the Hackathon.
How to Increase Your Chances
Before the hackathon begins, applicants should think carefully about the development problem they want to solve.
A strong concept should clearly explain:
- What problem are you addressing?
- Who experiences this problem?
- Why is the problem important?
- Why is AI appropriate for the solution?
- How can the solution work with limited connectivity or resources?
- What measurable benefit could it create?
- How could the solution eventually be scaled?
The organizers emphasize development relevance, design and inclusivity in addition to technical merit. Solutions should therefore consider both the technology and the real-world environment in which people will use it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Registering without completing the required competition process.
- Waiting until the final day to register.
- Submitting a solution outside the official competition window.
- Applying with a team whose members have not registered individually.
- Changing team membership after the hackathon begins.
- Submitting in a language other than English.
- Developing a solution without considering connectivity and resource limitations.
- Focusing only on technical complexity without demonstrating development impact.
Team membership cannot be changed after the Hackathon begins, and an individual may participate in only one competition entry.
Key Dates
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications | Open |
| Application Deadline | 26 September 2026 |
| Hackathon | 3–4 October 2026 |
| Winners Notification & Preparation | 5–6 October 2026 |
| Winners Travel to Seoul | By 18 October 2026 |
| Global AI & Digital Summit | 19–22 October 2026 |
| Winner Presentations | 21 October 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply individually?
Yes. Applicants can participate individually or form a team of up to four members.
What sectors can I choose from?
You must choose one of three areas: Health, Agriculture or Tourism.
What age must I be?
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.
Do I need to live in South Korea?
No. The competition is open across World Bank member countries. Only the selected winners will travel to Seoul for the Global AI and Digital Summit.
How many winners will there be?
There will be three winners, with one selected from each of the three challenge categories.
Will the winning team travel together?
No. If a team wins, the team must nominate one representative to travel to Seoul and represent the team at the Summit.
Final Advice
This hackathon is an opportunity for young innovators to move beyond simply discussing artificial intelligence and demonstrate how practical AI can address real development challenges.
If you have an idea related to health, agriculture or tourism, focus on developing a solution that is practical, inclusive and capable of working in environments where connectivity and digital resources may be limited.
Make sure you complete the Hack-Nation registration before the 26 September 2026 deadline and use the required referral code.
Ready to Apply?
Application Deadline: 26 September 2026
Competition Dates: 3–4 October 2026
Referral Code: WBGSmallAIGADS
Official Organizer: World Bank Group
APPLY NOW
