The World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp 2026 is now open for government institutions in low- and middle-income countries working on artificial intelligence solutions for governance and public administration. The fully funded program will bring selected government teams to Seoul, South Korea, for a five-day technical bootcamp from December 7 to 11, 2026. The application deadline is October 2, 2026.
The program is organized by the World Bank, the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS), and the National Information Society Agency (NIA). It is designed to help governments move from AI strategies and concepts to practical implementation. Selected teams will learn from Korean public-sector practitioners, World Bank experts, and other professionals involved in deploying AI systems.
Up to five government teams will be selected for the Seoul bootcamp. Each application must nominate a two-person team consisting of a policy leader with decision-making authority and a technical practitioner directly involved in implementing the AI initiative.
WhatsApp ChannelWorld Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp 2026 Summary
| Host Country | South Korea |
| Host Organizations | World Bank, MOIS, and NIA |
| Eligible Applicants | Government institutions in low- and middle-income countries |
| Program Type | Fully Funded Bootcamp |
| Focus Area | AI in Governance and Public Administration |
| Team Requirement | 2 people per government team |
| Selected Teams | Up to 5 teams |
| Bootcamp Duration | 5 days |
| Bootcamp Dates | 7–11 December 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 2 October 2026 |
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What Does the Fully Funded Bootcamp Offer?
Selected government teams will participate in a five-day program in Seoul. The bootcamp will combine site visits, expert sessions, peer exchange, and practical technical workshops.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Learn from Korean institutions that have implemented AI at scale
- Engage with Korean and World Bank experts
- Exchange experiences with other government teams
- Examine data, algorithmic, and infrastructure challenges
- Participate in practical coding exercises
- Develop an AI implementation roadmap
- Receive possible follow-up technical support after the bootcamp
International travel and accommodation costs for selected team members are covered by the program.
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Who Can Apply for the World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp?
The opportunity is open to government institutions in low- and middle-income countries. The applying institution must be developing, piloting, or deploying an AI tool or application that addresses a specific public-sector challenge.
Eligible areas include:
- Public financial management
- Civil service and human resource management
- Citizen services
- Civic technology and citizen engagement
- Public procurement
- Anticorruption
- Transparency and accountability
- Other public administration applications
Both concept-stage and more advanced AI initiatives can apply. However, proposals with clear institutional support, technical feasibility, and a realistic implementation plan will be prioritized.
World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp 2026 Dates
The call for proposals was launched on August 12, 2026. Important dates include:
- Application deadline: October 2, 2026
- Notification of results: October 16, 2026
- Seoul bootcamp: December 7–11, 2026
- Final roadmap submission: January 23, 2027
- Selection of follow-up support teams: February 13, 2027
How to Apply
Government institutions must submit their applications through the official online submission form before the October 2, 2026 deadline. Applicants will need to explain the public-sector problem, proposed AI solution, technical and data readiness, institutional support, implementation risks, learning objectives, and plans after the bootcamp.
Supporting documents such as endorsement letters, technical diagrams, policy documents, and budget commitments may also be submitted.
The World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp 2026 is intended for government institutions rather than individual applicants. Organizations developing practical AI solutions for public administration can use the program to gain technical knowledge, study Korea’s digital government experience, and develop a roadmap for implementing their own initiatives.
