The World Bank, in partnership with the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS) and the National Information Society Agency (NIA), has opened applications for the GovTech Bootcamp for AI in Governance and Public Administration.
This is a fully funded, intensive five-day technical program designed for government teams from low- and middle-income countries that are advancing AI solutions in the public sector.
What Is the World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp?
Artificial intelligence is transforming public administration, but many governments struggle to move from strategy documents to real-world implementation. This bootcamp addresses that gap through hands-on learning, peer exchange, and direct exposure to Korea’s advanced public-sector AI systems.
Up to five government teams comprising of a two-person team per selected country) will travel to Seoul for a fully funded program running December 7–11, 2026. Participants will:
- Learn from Korean practitioners who design, operate, and scale AI systems across public financial management, tax administration, citizen services, social welfare, and other core government functions.
- Engage with World Bank and Korean experts.
- Develop practical, technically grounded implementation roadmaps tailored to their own initiatives.
- Participate in site visits, exchanges, and hands-on workshops focused on algorithmic, data, and infrastructure challenges.
Selected teams may also receive follow-up technical support and feedback after the bootcamp.
Who Should Apply?
The call targets government institutions in low- and middle-income countries (including upper-middle-income countries) that are developing, piloting, or deploying AI-enabled solutions. Eligible thematic areas include:
- Public financial management
- Civil service and human resource management
- Citizen services
- Civic tech and citizen engagement
- Procurement
- Anticorruption and transparency
- Other public-sector applications that strengthen administration, service delivery, efficiency, or citizen engagement
Team composition: Each application must nominate a two-person team consisting of:
- A policy leader with genuine decision-making authority over the initiative.
- A technical practitioner directly involved in design or implementation (this does not require the person to be a programmer).
The bootcamp will be conducted primarily in English (with simultaneous Korean-English interpretation available). Participants should be comfortable engaging in English-language discussions and workshops.
Only government institutions may apply. NGOs or international organizations cannot submit on behalf of a government. Multiple agencies from the same country may apply, but only one team per country will be selected.
Why Korea?
Korea is widely recognized as a global leader in public-sector AI deployment at scale. Participants will gain firsthand insights into implementation realities including: institutional coordination, data governance, procurement, risk management, and strategies for scaling solutions across government, from the institutions and practitioners who have already done the work.
What Does “ World Bank Fully Funded AI GovTech Challenge” Cover?
International travel and accommodation costs for the two selected team members will be covered by the program. Additional logistical details will be provided to selected teams.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official online form by October 2, 2026.
Applicants will need to describe:
- The specific public-sector challenge being addressed
- The proposed AI solution
- Technical and data readiness
- Institutional support and commitment
- Implementation risks
- Learning objectives
- Planned next steps after the bootcamp
Supporting materials (endorsement letters, technical diagrams, policy documents, budget commitments, etc.) are encouraged. At least one form of documented institutional backing is expected.
Information sessions for prospective applicants will be offered across multiple time zones.
How to Apply
Interested persons can apply using the Link provided 👉 Here
Selection Criteria
Proposals are evaluated on four equally weighted criteria (25 points each):
- Public value and impact
- Specificity of problem definition
- Technical feasibility and data availability
- Risk management and governance arrangements
Strong proposals will show a clear problem, a realistic and impactful AI approach (at any stage from concept to deployment), credible institutional commitment, and a pathway to implementation that the bootcamp can meaningfully accelerate.
This bootcamp offers a rare opportunity for government teams in developing countries to move beyond theory and learn directly from one of the world’s most advanced public AI ecosystem while receiving the funding, expert guidance, and peer connections needed to turn ideas into implemented solutions.
If your institution is working on AI for better governance, stronger public services, or more transparent administration, this is a call worth answering.
Deadline: October 2, 2026
