World Bank GovTech AI Bootcamp 2026 in Korea (Fully Funded)
The GovTech AI Bootcamp for Governance and Public Administration is a fully funded five-day programme for eligible government institutions working on AI-enabled public-sector solutions. The World Bank, the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS), and the National Information Society Agency (NIA) invite applications from government institutions in low- and middle-income countries. The application deadline is October 2, 2026.
Quick Overview
Programme: GovTech AI Bootcamp for Governance and Public Administration
Opportunity Type: Technical Bootcamp / Call for Proposals
Organizers: World Bank, Republic of Korea Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and National Information Society Agency
Country: Republic of Korea
Duration: Five days
Programme Dates: December 7–11, 2026
Deadline: October 2, 2026
Funding: Fully Funded
About the GovTech AI Bootcamp
The bootcamp supports government institutions that are developing AI solutions for governance and public administration. Eligible initiatives may be at the concept, prototype, pilot, or deployment stage.
The programme focuses on practical implementation. Participants will engage with Korean practitioners and World Bank experts, examine public-sector AI systems, and develop implementation roadmaps for their own initiatives.
Relevant areas include:
• Public financial management
• Civil service and human resource management
• Citizen services
• Civic technology and citizen engagement
• Procurement
• Anticorruption
• Transparency
• Other public-sector applications of AI
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What the Programme Offers
The bootcamp combines practical learning, expert engagement, institutional exchanges, and hands-on work.
Participants will gain exposure to Korean public and private institutions involved in implementing AI solutions. The programme also includes site visits and exchanges with practitioners responsible for operating public-sector AI systems.
During the hands-on component, teams will work with Korean AI practitioners and World Bank experts. Activities include practical coding exercises and the development of technically grounded implementation roadmaps addressing algorithmic, data, and infrastructure challenges.
Benefits and Financial Coverage
The official World Bank page describes the five-day bootcamp as fully funded.
Confirmed support includes:
✓ International travel costs for the two selected team members
✓ Accommodation for the two selected team members
✓ Official invitation letters and coordination to facilitate the visa process
✓ Interpretation support during programme sessions
✓ Engagement with Korean practitioners and World Bank experts
✓ Site visits and practical learning activities
The final visa decision remains with Korean immigration authorities.
After the bootcamp, participating teams may also receive follow-up technical support and feedback. This additional support is not guaranteed and depends on factors including the strength and viability of the initiative and available resources.
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Eligibility Criteria
Only government institutions may apply. NGOs and international organizations cannot submit an application on behalf of a government.
The applying institution must be from a low- or middle-income country and must be pursuing an AI initiative addressing a specific governance or public administration challenge.
Eligible initiatives may be at the:
• Concept stage
• Prototype stage
• Pilot stage
• Deployment stage
Each application must nominate a two-person team consisting of:
• A policy leader with decision-making authority over the AI initiative
• A technical practitioner directly involved in designing or implementing the solution
The technical team member does not need to be a programmer. However, the person must have substantive involvement in the technical aspects of the initiative.
Both team members may come from different institutions if both are government agencies and both participants are directly involved in the same AI initiative.
Language Requirements
Applications must be submitted in English.
The bootcamp will also be conducted in English, with interpretation support. Participants should therefore be comfortable taking part in English-language discussions and workshops.
Korean-language ability is not required.
Application Requirements
Applicants are asked to describe several aspects of their proposed AI initiative, including:
• The public-sector challenge being addressed
• The proposed AI-enabled solution
• Technical and data readiness
• Institutional support
• Implementation risks
• Learning objectives
• Planned next steps after the bootcamp
The World Bank FAQ also requires evidence of institutional backing. At least one supporting document demonstrating organizational or financial support must be attached.
Examples may include:
• Formal mandate or endorsement letter from senior leadership
• Budget allocation letter or documented budget line
• Inter-agency memorandum of understanding or agreement
• Cabinet or ministerial decision
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Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by representatives from the World Bank, MOIS, and NIA.
The official selection framework gives equal weight to four criteria:
• Public Value and Impact — 25 points
• Specificity of Problem Definition — 25 points
• Technical Feasibility and Data Availability — 25 points
• Risk Management and Governance Arrangements — 25 points
Strong proposals should present a clear public-sector implementation challenge, a realistic AI-enabled solution, institutional commitment, technical feasibility, and a credible path toward implementation.
Important Dates
• Call for Proposals launched: August 12, 2026
• Application Deadline: October 2, 2026
• Notification of Results: October 16, 2026
• Bootcamp: December 7–11, 2026
Application Process
Applications must be submitted through the Official Submission Form provided on the World Bank programme page.
Government institutions should prepare their proposal, nominate the required two-person team, provide the requested information about their AI initiative, and attach the necessary evidence of institutional backing.
The complete application must be submitted by October 2, 2026.
Official Link
Review the official programme details and follow the application instructions provided on the official page.
View the Official GovTech AI Bootcamp for Governance and Public Administration Page
