The World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp for Governance and Public Administration 2026 is inviting government institutions from low- and middle-income countries to submit proposals for an intensive, fully funded technical bootcamp focused on the practical use of artificial intelligence in government and public administration.
The initiative is being 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 for government institutions that are already developing, piloting, or deploying AI-enabled solutions aimed at improving public-sector performance, service delivery, transparency, efficiency, citizen engagement, and other areas of governance.
Up to five government teams will be selected to participate in a five-day technical bootcamp in Seoul, South Korea, from December 7 to 11, 2026.
The programme provides participants with an opportunity to learn directly from Korean public-sector practitioners and technology experts who have experience designing, implementing, and scaling digital and AI systems across government. Participants will also engage with World Bank experts and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen their own AI initiatives and develop practical implementation roadmaps.
The application deadline is October 2, 2026.
Overview of the World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp
Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming an important tool for transforming public administration. Governments around the world are exploring how AI can improve the way public institutions deliver services, manage resources, interact with citizens, combat corruption, process information, and make evidence-based decisions.
However, having an AI strategy is only one part of the process. Governments also need the technical capacity, institutional arrangements, data infrastructure, governance mechanisms, procurement systems, human resources, and implementation plans required to translate AI strategies into functioning public-sector solutions.
The World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp has been designed to address this implementation gap.
Rather than focusing solely on theoretical discussions about artificial intelligence, the programme emphasizes practical implementation, technical problem-solving, peer learning, institutional coordination, and knowledge exchange.
Selected government teams will have the opportunity to examine Korea’s experience in deploying AI and digital government systems and apply relevant lessons to their own public-sector initiatives.
What Is the GovTech AI Bootcamp?
The GovTech AI Bootcamp is an international technical learning and implementation programme focused on helping governments strengthen AI-enabled solutions in governance and public administration.
The programme brings together selected government teams with:
- World Bank governance and GovTech experts;
- Korean government practitioners;
- Korean public-sector institutions;
- Technology and AI practitioners;
- Relevant private-sector technology providers where appropriate; and
- Other experts involved in the design, deployment, governance, and scaling of public-sector AI systems.
The programme combines exposure to Korea’s AI ecosystem with hands-on technical workshops.
Participants will not simply attend presentations. They will be expected to examine their own government initiative, identify implementation challenges, explore potential solutions, and develop a technically grounded roadmap for moving their initiative forward.
Who Should Apply?
The call is specifically aimed at government institutions in low- and middle-income countries that are pursuing AI initiatives in public administration.
Eligible initiatives may cover a wide range of government functions, including:
- Public Financial Management
Government institutions working on AI applications related to budgeting, financial management, expenditure management, revenue administration, auditing, financial forecasting, or other public financial management functions may be eligible.
- Civil Service and Human Resource Management
Applications may focus on AI-enabled systems for government human-resource management, workforce planning, recruitment, personnel administration, skills management, or related civil-service functions.
- Citizen Services
Government institutions developing AI solutions to improve public services and make interactions between citizens and government institutions more efficient may apply.
- Civic Technology and Citizen Engagement
AI initiatives aimed at improving citizen participation, government responsiveness, public communication, feedback mechanisms, or engagement with communities may also be considered.
- Public Procurement
Government institutions exploring AI for procurement processes, supplier management, fraud detection, procurement efficiency, or related public-sector functions may be eligible.
- Anti-Corruption
AI initiatives designed to identify risks, detect irregularities, improve oversight, strengthen accountability, or support anti-corruption efforts can fall within the scope of the programme.
- Transparency and Accountability
Government projects using AI to improve transparency, access to information, monitoring, accountability, or public-sector oversight may also qualify.
- Other Public-Sector Applications
The opportunity is not limited to the examples above. Other AI-enabled public-sector applications may be considered where they demonstrate a clear governance or public-administration challenge and a credible pathway toward implementation.
Team Composition Requirements
Each application must nominate a two-person government team.
The team should consist of:
1. A Policy Leader
The policy leader should have sufficient institutional authority and decision-making responsibility to influence or support the implementation of the proposed AI initiative.
This individual should be able to understand the policy and institutional dimensions of the project and help ensure that lessons from the bootcamp can be translated into organizational action.
2. A Technical Practitioner
The second team member should be a technical practitioner who is directly involved in implementing the proposed AI initiative.
This could be someone working on areas such as the following:
- Artificial intelligence;
- Data systems;
- Digital government;
- Information technology;
- Software development;
- Data management;
- Digital transformation;
- Public-sector technology implementation; or
- Related technical functions.
The combination of a policy leader and technical practitioner is important because successful government AI implementation requires both institutional decision-making and technical expertise.
What Makes a Strong Application?
The selection process will place considerable emphasis on the quality and feasibility of the proposed AI initiative.
A strong proposal should demonstrate a clearly defined public-sector implementation challenge rather than simply expressing a general interest in artificial intelligence.
The proposed initiative should also have progressed beyond an entirely conceptual stage.
In particular, strong applications are expected to demonstrate that the proposed AI solution is:
- Already being developed;
- Being piloted; or
- Already being deployed.
Applicants should clearly explain the problem they are trying to solve, why AI is relevant to addressing the problem, what has already been achieved, and what barriers remain.
Institutional Commitment
Applicants should demonstrate that their institution is genuinely committed to the proposed initiative.
Institutional commitment can be particularly important when implementing AI within government because successful deployment often requires cooperation across departments, leadership support, budgetary resources, policy adjustments, technical capacity, data access, procurement arrangements, and long-term institutional ownership.
Technical Feasibility
Applications should demonstrate that the proposed solution is technically realistic.
Applicants should consider issues such as the following:
- Data availability and quality;
- Digital infrastructure;
- System architecture;
- Technical capacity;
- Algorithms and models;
- Cybersecurity and data governance;
- Integration with existing government systems;
- Human-resource requirements; and
- Potential implementation constraints.
Clear Implementation Pathway
The proposal should demonstrate how the initiative can move from its current stage toward practical implementation or scale.
Applicants should identify the most important barriers and explain how participation in the bootcamp could help address those barriers.
Why Participate in the GovTech AI Bootcamp?
The programme offers selected government institutions an opportunity to combine international knowledge with practical technical support.
Learn From Korea’s Public-Sector AI Experience
South Korea has developed extensive digital government capabilities and has deployed technology across numerous public-sector functions.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn from Korean institutions involved in designing and operating public-sector digital and AI systems.
This provides participants with an opportunity to understand not only the technology itself, but also the institutional and operational processes required to make AI work within government.
Develop a Practical AI Implementation Roadmap
One of the central objectives of the bootcamp is to help participating teams develop a practical roadmap for their own AI initiative.
The roadmap will address technical and implementation considerations and help teams identify the steps required to move their projects forward.
Identify Technical and Data Challenges
AI implementation can be constrained by problems involving data, algorithms, infrastructure, systems integration, technical expertise, and institutional dependencies.
During the bootcamp, participants will work with experts to examine these challenges and develop approaches for addressing them.
Engage With World Bank Experts
Selected participants will interact with World Bank experts working in governance, GovTech, public-sector innovation, and related areas.
This provides an opportunity to receive perspectives from an international development institution with extensive experience supporting digital transformation and institutional reform.
Build International Peer Connections
The programme also creates opportunities for participating government teams to exchange experiences and lessons with other institutions working on AI-enabled public-sector transformation.
This type of peer learning can help governments identify common implementation challenges and discover approaches that may be adapted to their own contexts.
Potential Follow-Up Technical Support
Following the Seoul bootcamp, participating teams may receive follow-up support and technical feedback.
This support will depend on the strength and viability of proposals and the recommendations and expert advice developed during the programme.
Why Is Korea the Host Country?
Korea has become internationally recognized for its advanced digital government ecosystem and the large-scale deployment of technology across public administration.
Its experience includes the use of digital systems and emerging technologies in areas such as:
- Public financial management;
- Tax administration;
- Citizen services;
- Social welfare;
- Government administration;
- Digital public services; and
- Other core government functions.
The bootcamp therefore provides participants with the opportunity to move beyond theoretical learning and observe how digital and AI systems operate within real public-sector environments.
Participants will engage with Korean public and private institutions involved in the design, operation, and scaling of these systems.
Where relevant, participants may also engage with technology providers to gain insight into the practical requirements associated with system deployment.
GovTech AI Bootcamp Programme Structure
The programme is divided into three major phases.
Phase One: Call for Proposals
The first phase involves the submission and evaluation of applications.
Government institutions are required to explain their AI initiatives and the public-sector implementation challenges they are currently facing.
Applicants should provide sufficient information to allow the selection committee to assess:
- The public-sector problem;
- The proposed AI solution;
- Current stage of development;
- Technical readiness;
- Data readiness;
- Institutional support;
- Implementation risks;
- Expected benefits;
- Learning objectives; and
- Planned activities after the bootcamp.
The application deadline for this phase is October 2, 2026.
Following the evaluation process, selected teams will be notified of the outcome.
Phase Two: Seoul Bootcamp
The second phase is the five-day programme in Seoul scheduled for
December 7–11, 2026
The Seoul programme will combine exposure to Korea’s public and private AI ecosystem with practical technical learning.
Participants will take part in site visits and exchanges with practitioners who are responsible for implementing AI and digital government solutions.
The programme will then move into a hands-on workshop environment.
During the workshop, participating teams will work with Korean AI practitioners and World Bank experts to refine their approaches and address practical implementation issues.
The technical work may include practical coding exercises and examination of:
- Algorithmic bottlenecks;
- Data challenges;
- Infrastructure requirements;
- Technical dependencies;
- Implementation risks;
- Institutional dependencies;
- Contingency planning; and
- Strategies for successful deployment.
The objective is to ensure that participating teams leave the bootcamp with a roadmap grounded in practical implementation considerations.
Phase Three: Follow-Up Support
The third phase takes place after the Seoul bootcamp.
Selected teams may receive follow-up technical support and feedback to help them advance their AI initiatives.
The availability and nature of this support will depend on factors including the strength and viability of the proposals and the expert recommendations developed during the bootcamp.
This means the opportunity can potentially extend beyond the five-day programme itself, providing selected teams with additional assistance as they work toward implementation.
Key Dates for the World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp 2026
Applicants should carefully note the important dates associated with the programme.
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Launch of Call for Proposals | August 12, 2026 |
| 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 |
The most important date for prospective applicants is October 2, 2026, which is the deadline for submitting proposals.
What Information Will Applicants Need to Provide?
Applicants will be expected to provide information that allows the organizers to understand both the proposed AI initiative and the institution’s ability to implement it.
The application is expected to address areas such as the following:
Public-Sector Challenge
Applicants should clearly explain the government problem or implementation challenge they are trying to address.
The challenge should be specific and demonstrate why intervention is necessary.
Proposed AI Solution
The application should explain the proposed AI-enabled solution and how it is expected to address the identified challenge.
Applicants should avoid presenting AI simply as a technological trend. Instead, they should demonstrate a clear connection between the technology and the public-sector outcome they want to achieve.
Technical and Data Readiness
Applicants should describe the current state of their technology, data, systems, infrastructure, and technical capacity.
This is particularly important because AI solutions depend heavily on reliable and accessible data and suitable technical infrastructure.
Institutional Support
Applicants should explain the level of institutional commitment behind the initiative.
This could include leadership support, organizational ownership, existing implementation structures, technical teams, funding arrangements, or other relevant commitments.
Implementation Risks
Applicants should identify potential risks that could prevent the successful development, deployment, or scaling of the AI initiative.
These could include:
- Data limitations;
- Technical constraints;
- Institutional resistance;
- Skills shortages;
- Budget limitations;
- Procurement challenges;
- Regulatory barriers;
- Infrastructure limitations; or
- Coordination challenges.
Learning Objectives
Applicants should explain what they hope to learn from the bootcamp and how that learning will contribute to their initiative.
The strongest applications are likely to connect their learning objectives directly to their existing implementation challenges.
Post-Bootcamp Plans
Applicants should explain what they intend to do after returning from the Seoul programme.
A clear post-bootcamp plan can demonstrate that participation will contribute to actual implementation rather than being treated solely as a learning opportunity.
Supporting Documents
Applicants may also provide supporting materials that strengthen their proposal.
These may include:
- Institutional endorsement letters;
- Technical diagrams;
- Policy documents;
- Budget commitments;
- Project documentation;
- Implementation plans;
- Relevant research;
- Technical assessments; or
- Other documents supporting the proposed initiative.
Supporting materials should help demonstrate the credibility, feasibility, and institutional commitment behind the application.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by representatives from the World Bank, MOIS, and NIA.
The selection process will focus on the quality and practical potential of the proposed initiatives.
Strong proposals are expected to demonstrate several important characteristics.
A Clearly Defined Challenge
The proposal should address a genuine and clearly articulated public-sector problem.
A Realistic AI Solution
The proposed AI solution should be technically and institutionally realistic.
Evidence of Existing Development
The initiative should already be under development, in a pilot phase, or deployed.
Institutional Commitment
The government institution should demonstrate meaningful commitment to implementing the initiative.
Technical Feasibility
The project should have a credible technical foundation and a reasonable pathway toward implementation.
Potential for Impact
The proposed solution should have the potential to generate meaningful improvements in government operations, public services, transparency, efficiency, citizen engagement, or another relevant public-sector outcome.
Clear Benefit From Korean Experience
Applicants should explain why exposure to Korea’s AI and GovTech experience would be particularly valuable for their initiative.
English-Language Participation
The bootcamp will be conducted in English, with simultaneous Korean-English interpretation.
Participants should therefore be comfortable participating in English-language discussions, workshops, technical sessions, and exchanges.
Government institutions should take this into consideration when selecting their two-person team.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
This opportunity is intended for government institutions in low- and middle-income countries.
It is important to understand that this is not primarily an individual scholarship or fellowship opportunity.
The application is made on behalf of a government institution, and the institution must nominate the required two-person team.
Eligible applicants should therefore be government institutions with an existing or emerging AI initiative relevant to public administration or governance.
Which Countries Can Apply?
The call is designed for government institutions from low- and middle-income countries worldwide.
The eligibility criterion is therefore based on the country’s income classification rather than a specific continent, nationality group, race, or ethnicity.
The opportunity is not presented as being restricted to Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, or any other single geographical region.
Government institutions from eligible low- and middle-income countries around the world may therefore consider applying if they meet the substantive requirements of the call.
Is There a Race or Ethnicity Requirement?
No specific race or ethnicity requirement is stated in the call.
The principal eligibility considerations concern:
- The applicant being a government institution;
- The institution being located in a low- or middle-income country;
- The existence of a relevant AI initiative;
- The initiative being developed, piloted, or deployed;
- Institutional commitment;
- Technical feasibility; and
- The suitability of the nominated two-person team.
Is This Opportunity Fully Funded?
Yes. The source describes the Seoul bootcamp as a fully funded, five-day technical bootcamp for the selected government teams.
Up to five government teams will be selected.
Prospective applicants should nevertheless carefully review the official application materials and programme information for the precise arrangements and covered expenses applicable to participating teams.
How to Apply for the GovTech AI Bootcamp 2026
Eligible government institutions should submit their applications through the official submission form before the deadline.
The application should provide a clear and convincing explanation of the institution’s AI initiative and the implementation challenge it is trying to overcome.
Applicants should particularly focus on demonstrating:
- The public-sector problem they are addressing.
- Why an AI-enabled solution is appropriate.
- The current stage of development or deployment.
- The availability and readiness of relevant data.
- The technical capacity supporting the initiative.
- Institutional leadership and commitment.
- Key implementation challenges and risks.
- What they want to learn from the bootcamp.
- How Korean experience could help address their challenges.
- What they plan to do after the programme.
The official submission form should be completed by October 2, 2026.
Application Deadline
The deadline to apply for the World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp for Governance and Public Administration 2026 is October 2, 2026.
Applicants are encouraged to begin preparing their proposals well before the deadline, particularly because government applications may require internal consultations, leadership approval, technical documentation, endorsement letters, and supporting materials.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Government institutions considering this opportunity should avoid submitting a proposal that simply describes a broad interest in AI.
A more competitive application should demonstrate a specific implementation challenge and a concrete solution.
For example, applicants should be able to explain:
- What problem currently exists?
- Who is affected by the problem?
- How is the government currently addressing it?
- What AI-enabled solution is being developed?
- What stage is the project currently at?
- What data does the system require?
- What technical infrastructure is available?
- What barriers are preventing implementation or scaling?
- What support is needed?
- What lessons from Korea could help?
- What will the institution do after the bootcamp?
The clearer these elements are, the easier it becomes for reviewers to understand the practical value and potential impact of the proposed initiative.
Important Considerations Before Applying
Before submitting a proposal, institutions should confirm that they meet the fundamental requirements.
In particular, applicants should consider whether:
- The applicant is an eligible government institution.
- The institution is located in a low- or middle-income country.
- There is an existing AI initiative rather than only a general interest in AI.
- The initiative is being developed, piloted, or deployed.
- The proposed initiative addresses a meaningful public-sector challenge.
- A policy leader with decision-making authority can participate.
- A technical practitioner directly involved in implementation can participate.
- The nominated team can participate in English-language activities.
- The institution has sufficient commitment to advance the initiative after the programme.
- The team can participate in the Seoul bootcamp from December 7–11, 2026.
- The application can be completed before October 2, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the GovTech AI Bootcamp open to individuals?
The opportunity is primarily intended for government institutions, rather than individuals applying independently. Each institution must nominate a two-person team consisting of a policy leader and a technical practitioner.
How many government teams will be selected?
Up to five government teams will be selected for the Seoul bootcamp.
Where will the bootcamp take place?
The five-day bootcamp will take place in Seoul, South Korea.
When will the Seoul bootcamp take place?
The bootcamp is scheduled for December 7–11, 2026.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline is October 2, 2026.
When will applicants be notified of the results?
The notification of results is scheduled for October 16, 2026.
What areas of government can be covered?
The call specifically identifies areas such as public financial management, civil service and human resource management, citizen services, civic technology and citizen engagement, procurement, anti-corruption, transparency, and other public-sector applications.
Does the AI project have to be fully operational?
No. The strongest proposals are expected to involve AI solutions that are already being developed, piloted, or deployed. A project does not necessarily have to be fully operational.
Will participants develop an implementation roadmap?
Yes. A central component of the hands-on workshop is developing practical and technically grounded implementation roadmaps for the participating initiatives.
Can participating teams receive support after the bootcamp?
Participating teams may receive follow-up support and technical feedback, depending on the strength and viability of their proposals and the expert advice provided during the programme.
Will interpretation be available?
Yes. The bootcamp will be conducted in English, with simultaneous Korean-English interpretation.
Can applicants provide supporting documents?
Yes. Applicants may submit materials such as endorsement letters, technical diagrams, policy documents, budget commitments, and other relevant documentation.
Who can applicants contact with questions?
Questions not addressed in the official FAQ can be directed to the GovTech team at govtechbootcamp@worldbank.org.
Visit HERE for more information about the World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp 2026.
Important Official Resources
Prospective applicants should consult the official programme information and submission materials before applying. The opportunity is presented through the World Bank’s Global Program on GovTech and Public Sector Innovation.
The official submission form is the appropriate channel for submitting an application.
Conclusion
The World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp for Governance and Public Administration 2026 represents a significant opportunity for eligible government institutions in low- and middle-income countries that are seeking to move AI initiatives from development and pilot stages toward practical implementation and scale.
The programme is particularly relevant to institutions that already have a clearly defined public-sector challenge and are developing, piloting, or deploying an AI-enabled solution but require additional technical knowledge, implementation strategies, institutional insights, or exposure to international best practices.
By bringing together the World Bank, Korean government institutions, AI practitioners, and selected government teams from eligible countries, the bootcamp provides a platform for practical learning and peer exchange. Participants will gain exposure to Korea’s experience in public-sector AI while working directly on the technical and institutional challenges affecting their own initiatives.
The opportunity is especially valuable because it goes beyond classroom learning. Participants will have opportunities to engage with practitioners, undertake hands-on technical work, examine data and infrastructure challenges, identify dependencies and risks, and develop implementation roadmaps that can guide their initiatives after the programme.
Eligible government institutions should therefore begin preparing their proposals early and ensure that their applications clearly demonstrate the public-sector challenge, AI solution, technical readiness, institutional commitment, implementation pathway, and expected impact.
The application deadline is October 2, 2026, while the selected teams will participate in the Seoul bootcamp from December 7–11, 2026.
For government institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries already working on practical AI solutions for governance and public administration, this programme offers an opportunity to learn from one of the world’s leading digital-government ecosystems and potentially accelerate the implementation of transformative public-sector AI initiatives.
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