World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp 2026 in Korea | Fully Funded Government AI Programme

The World Bank GovTech Bootcamp for AI in Governance and Public Administration 2026 is inviting applications from government institutions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) that are developing, piloting, or deploying AI-powered solutions for public administration and government services.

The five-day bootcamp will take place in the Republic of Korea in December 2026, with Seoul currently planned as the primary location. The programme 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).

Up to 5–7 countries will be selected, with one two-person government team from each selected country. International travel and accommodation for the two selected team members will be covered by the programme.

The application deadline is October 2, 2026.

World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp 2026 – Quick Overview

The World Bank states that the programme is designed to help governments move from AI strategies and concepts to practical implementation.

What Is the World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp?

The GovTech Bootcamp for AI in Governance and Public Administration is a hands-on international programme designed to help governments develop and implement AI-enabled public-sector solutions.

Rather than being a conventional conference or classroom-based training, the bootcamp focuses on real government challenges and practical implementation.

Selected teams will:

• Learn from Korean government and technology practitioners
• Visit organizations involved in public-sector AI
• Exchange experiences with other governments
• Work with World Bank and Korean experts
• Examine data, infrastructure and algorithmic challenges
• Refine their AI initiatives
• Develop a practical implementation roadmap
• Potentially receive follow-up technical support after the bootcamp

Where Will the GovTech AI Bootcamp 2026 Be Held?

The programme will take place in the Republic of Korea during the first week of December 2026.

The primary venue is tentatively planned for Seoul, although the World Bank notes that the exact location could change to Seoul, Sejong or another Korean city following consultations with the Korean government.

Tentative Location

Seoul, Republic of Korea

Programme Dates

December 7–11, 2026

Who Can Apply?

This is an important point:

Individuals cannot apply independently.

The call is specifically 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 governance or administrative challenge.

Eligible areas include:

• Public financial management
• Civil service and human resources
• Citizen services
• Civic technology
• Citizen engagement
• Government procurement
• Anti-corruption
• Transparency
• Public administration
• Other public-sector applications of AI

Who Should Be on the Two-Person Team?

Each selected country receives two participation places.

The team should consist of:

1. Policy Leader

A senior government official with genuine decision-making authority over the AI initiative.

The person should have the ability to:

• Direct resources
• Assign staff
• Advance the project institutionally
• Make or influence implementation decisions

The exact job title does not have to be “Director”; what matters is the person’s actual authority. (World Bank)

2. Technical Practitioner

The second participant should be directly involved in the technical development or implementation of the AI initiative.

This person does not necessarily have to be a programmer.

For example, the technical practitioner could be:

• Data analyst
• System administrator
• Technical project manager
• AI project specialist
• Government IT officer
• Digital transformation specialist
• Person overseeing a technical vendor

The key requirement is meaningful hands-on involvement with the technology.

Can Two Government Agencies Apply Together?

Yes.

The two participants can come from different government institutions as long as:

• Both are government agencies
• Both are directly involved in the same AI initiative
• The lead institution is clearly identified in the proposal

Multiple government agencies from the same country can submit separate applications, but only one team per country will ultimately be selected.

What Kind of AI Projects Are Eligible?

The AI initiative does not need to be fully operational.

The World Bank accepts projects at different stages, including:

• Concept
• Prototype
• Pilot
• Deployment

However, applications with a clearly defined problem, institutional backing and a realistic implementation pathway will be stronger than purely conceptual proposals.

For example, an eligible government project could involve:

• AI-assisted citizen services
• AI for tax administration
• AI for public financial management
• AI-powered government procurement
• AI for fraud or corruption detection
• AI-assisted public-service delivery
• AI for civil-service management
• AI for transparency
• AI for citizen engagement
• AI-powered civic technology

What Does the World Bank Look for in an Application?

The selection process evaluates proposals across four equally weighted criteria:

This means applicants should not simply describe an interesting AI idea.

They need to demonstrate that the project addresses a real government problem and has a credible path toward implementation.

What Is Institutional Backing?

Institutional support is a particularly important part of the application.

The World Bank wants evidence that the proposed AI initiative has real organizational and/or financial support.

Examples of supporting documents include:

• Formal endorsement from senior government leadership
• Budget allocation letter
• Documented government budget line
• Inter-agency Memorandum of Understanding
• Cabinet decision
• Ministerial decision
• Other formal institutional authorization

At least one supporting document must be attached.

What If the Project Has No Approved Budget Yet?

A project can still apply.

The World Bank says applicants can describe the current funding situation and provide a credible pathway for securing resources.

However, proposals with confirmed funding are likely to score more strongly on institutional support.

Is the World Bank GovTech Bootcamp Fully Funded?

Yes, the programme provides substantial financial support for selected participants.

The World Bank confirms that:

International Travel

International travel costs for the two selected team members will be covered.

Accommodation

Accommodation costs for the two selected participants will be covered.

Visa Support

The GovTech team will provide official invitation letters and coordinate with relevant Korean authorities to facilitate the visa process.

The final visa decision remains with Korean immigration authorities.

Therefore, this opportunity can accurately be described as a fully funded international government bootcamp for selected teams.

Do Participants Need to Know Korean?

No.

The bootcamp will be conducted in English, with Korean-English interpretation available during sessions.

Korean language ability is not required.

What Happens During the Seoul Bootcamp?

The programme consists of several practical components.

Phase 1: Call for Proposals

Government institutions submit proposals explaining:

• The public-sector challenge
• Proposed AI solution
• Technical readiness
• Data readiness
• Institutional support
• Implementation risks
• Learning objectives
• Future implementation plans

The application deadline is October 2, 2026.

Phase 2: Seoul Bootcamp

December 7–11, 2026

The programme begins with direct exposure to Korea’s public- and private-sector AI ecosystem.

Participants will engage with Korean institutions and practitioners involved in designing, operating and scaling AI solutions in government.

The second part focuses on hands-on work.

Participants will work with:

• Korean AI practitioners
• World Bank experts
• Government technology specialists

They will refine their own approaches and develop technically grounded implementation roadmaps.

What Will Participants Learn?

The programme focuses on the practical challenges of implementing AI in government.

Key areas include:

AI Implementation

How governments can move AI projects from concepts and pilots toward deployment.

Data

Understanding data requirements, availability and management challenges.

Infrastructure

Identifying the infrastructure needed to support AI applications.

Algorithms

Understanding algorithmic considerations and technical bottlenecks.

Governance

Addressing responsible AI, institutional governance and implementation risks.

Procurement

Understanding approaches to acquiring and deploying technology in government.

Institutional Coordination

Learning how different government institutions can collaborate to implement AI systems.

Scaling

Understanding how successful AI solutions can be expanded across public-sector institutions.

Why Is South Korea Hosting the Bootcamp?

South Korea has developed large-scale digital government and public-sector technology systems.

According to the World Bank, Korea has implemented AI and digital systems across areas including:

• Public financial management
• Tax administration
• Citizen services
• Social welfare
• Other core government functions

The bootcamp therefore gives participating governments an opportunity to learn directly from institutions that have practical experience designing and scaling public-sector technology.

What Happens After the Bootcamp?

The programme does not necessarily end when participants return home.

Participating countries are expected to develop a final AI initiative implementation roadmap after the bootcamp.

The roadmap is expected within approximately 3–4 weeks after the bootcamp.

The World Bank may also provide limited follow-up technical support to selected teams.

Possible support can include:

• Remote technical advice
• In-country visits
• Technical feedback
• Progress monitoring

However, post-bootcamp support is not guaranteed.

Up to three countries may be selected for additional support based on the quality of their final roadmap and institutional commitment.

World Bank GovTech Bootcamp 2026 Timeline

How to Apply for the World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp

Applications must be submitted through the official World Bank submission form.

The applying institution should prepare information about:

1. The government institution
2. The public-sector challenge
3. The proposed AI solution
4. Current project stage
5. Technical readiness
6. Data readiness
7. Institutional support
8. Implementation risks
9. Learning objectives
10. Post-bootcamp plans

Supporting materials may also be submitted, including:

• Endorsement letters
• Technical diagrams
• Policy documents
• Budget commitments
• Other relevant supporting documents

How to Write a Strong GovTech Bootcamp Proposal

1. Start With the Government Problem

Do not begin with the AI technology.

First explain the problem.

For example:

“The Ministry currently processes thousands of citizen applications manually, resulting in long processing times and significant administrative workload.”

Then explain how AI could address the problem.

2. Explain Why AI Is Appropriate

Clearly demonstrate why AI is better suited to the problem than a conventional digital solution.

3. Demonstrate Data Readiness

Explain:

• What data exists
• Where it is stored
• Whether it is digitized
• How it can be accessed
• What data-quality challenges exist

4. Demonstrate Institutional Commitment

Include official evidence that the government institution supports the initiative.

5. Be Realistic

Avoid describing an enormous national AI transformation project.

Focus on one specific and actionable use case.

6. Explain What You Want to Learn From Korea

A strong proposal should identify which Korean experience would be most relevant to your project.

Can Upper-Middle-Income Countries Apply?

Yes.

The World Bank states that upper-middle-income countries are classified as LMICs under its income-group methodology and are therefore eligible.

Applicants should nevertheless verify their country’s current World Bank income classification when preparing the application.

Can NGOs Apply?

No.

The application is specifically for government institutions.

An NGO or international organization cannot apply on behalf of a government institution.

The proposal must be submitted by a government agency with direct institutional authority over the initiative.

Can International Organizations Apply?

No, not as the applying institution.

The initiative must be led and submitted by an eligible government institution.

Does the AI Project Need to Be Completed?

No.

Projects can be at:

• Concept stage
• Prototype stage
• Pilot stage
• Deployment stage

However, a specific problem, institutional commitment and actionable implementation plan will strengthen the application.

Can a Technical Team Member Be a Non-Programmer?

Yes.

The technical practitioner does not have to be a software developer.

A data analyst, system administrator, technically experienced project manager or government official overseeing a technical vendor can qualify, provided they have substantive involvement in the AI solution.

Do Participants Have to Pay for Their Travel?

For selected teams, international travel and accommodation costs are covered by the programme.

Is Visa Support Available?

Yes.

The World Bank GovTech team will provide official invitation letters and coordinate with relevant Korean authorities to facilitate the visa process.

However, the final visa decision remains with Korean immigration authorities.

Does the Programme Provide Follow-Up Funding?

No direct financial support is provided after the bootcamp.

Some selected countries may receive limited technical follow-up support, subject to resources and the quality and viability of their initiatives.

Important Note for Applicants

This is not a general youth fellowship, student programme or individual scholarship.

It is a highly specialized opportunity for government institutions and government teams working on real AI initiatives.

Therefore, individual applicants should approach their relevant government ministry, department or agency rather than applying personally.

For example, a government institution in Nepal working on:

• Digital public services
• AI-enabled citizen services
• Tax administration
• Public procurement
• Anti-corruption technology
• Digital identity
• Public financial management
• Government HR systems

could potentially explore whether its AI initiative fits the call.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp 2026?

It is a five-day international technical bootcamp designed to help governments in low- and middle-income countries develop and implement AI solutions for governance and public administration.

Where is the bootcamp?

The bootcamp will be held in the Republic of Korea, with Seoul tentatively planned as the primary venue.

When is the bootcamp?

December 7–11, 2026.

What is the application deadline?

October 2, 2026.

How many countries will be selected?

The World Bank says 5–7 countries will be selected.

How many people can each country send?

Each selected country receives two participation slots.

Is the programme fully funded?

International travel and accommodation for the two selected team members are covered.

Who can apply?

Government institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries developing, piloting or deploying AI solutions for public-sector challenges.

Can individuals apply?

No. The application must come from an eligible government institution.

Can NGOs apply?

No. Only government institutions can apply.

Does the programme cover accommodation?

Yes, accommodation costs for selected team members are covered.

Is visa support available?

Yes. Official invitation letters and visa facilitation support will be provided.

Do I need to speak Korean?

No. The programme is conducted in English with Korean-English interpretation.

Does the AI project have to be operational?

No. Concept, prototype, pilot and deployment-stage projects can apply.

Is coding experience required?

The technical team member must have substantive technical involvement, but does not necessarily have to be a programmer.

World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp 2026 – Key Facts

• Programme: GovTech Bootcamp for AI in Governance and Public Administration
• Organizer: World Bank
• Korean Partners: Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) and National Information Society Agency (NIA)
• Target: Government institutions
• Eligible Countries: Low- and middle-income countries
• Team: 2 government officials
• Selected Countries: 5–7
• Location: Republic of Korea
• Tentative City: Seoul
• Dates: December 7–11, 2026
• Duration: 5 days
• Travel: Covered
• Accommodation: Covered
• Visa Support: Available
• Language: English
• Interpretation: Korean-English
• Application Deadline: October 2, 2026
• Results: October 16, 2026
• Final Roadmap: January 23, 2027

Conclusion

The World Bank GovTech Bootcamp for AI in Governance and Public Administration 2026 is a highly specialized opportunity for governments seeking to turn AI ideas into practical public-sector solutions.

Selected government teams will travel to Korea for an intensive five-day programme combining site visits, expert exchanges, technical workshops and implementation planning. The programme also provides international travel and accommodation support for selected two-person teams.

For governments in developing and emerging economies, this is an opportunity to learn directly from Korea’s experience in digital government and public-sector AI, while developing a concrete roadmap for their own AI initiative.