Small AI for Development Hackathon Challenge 2026

The Small AI for Development Hackathon Challenge 2026 is a competition for young innovators to develop practical artificial intelligence solutions for development challenges in constrained environments. Participants are encouraged to design targeted AI solutions for agriculture, health, or tourism that can function with limited connectivity and basic devices. The hackathon takes place 3–4 October 2026, and winning entries will be invited to present at the Global AI and Digital Summit 2026 in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Winning representatives will travel to Seoul to present at the Global AI and Digital Summit 2026; travel expenses, accommodation and event-related costs covered for winners; winners may gain opportunities to connect with investors, private-sector representatives, government officials and MSMEs.

Innovators aged 18 to 35 from World Bank member countries; applicants must register and submit in English.

Applicants register and submit competition entries in English; applicants registering through Hack-Nation may use a referral code; submissions lead to selection of winners by the World Bank Group judging panel.