Government institutions in low and middle income countries can apply for the GovTech AI Bootcamp for Governance and Public Administration, a technical programme focused on the use of artificial intelligence in government.
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The programme is organised by the World Bank Group, the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS), and the National Information Society Agency (NIA).
2026 World Bank Group GovTech AI Bootcamp at a Glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | GovTech AI Bootcamp for Governance and Public Administration |
| Organisers | World Bank, MOIS and NIA |
| Eligible applicants | Government institutions in low and middle income countries |
| Number of selected teams | Up to 5 |
| Team size | 2 people |
| Location | Seoul, South Korea |
| Programme dates | December 7 to 11, 2026 |
| Language | English, with Korean English interpretation |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Application deadline | October 2, 2026 |
| Results announcement | October 16, 2026 |
| Final roadmap submission | January 23, 2027 |
| Follow up support selection | February 13, 2027 |
About the GovTech AI Bootcamp
The GovTech AI Bootcamp is aimed at government institutions that have a real public sector problem they are trying to solve with AI. The organisers are looking for initiatives that are already being developed, tested or used. Applicants should therefore have more than a general interest in artificial intelligence.
The proposed project should address a defined implementation challenge and have a realistic path towards use within the government institution. During the programme in Seoul, selected teams will learn from Korean public and private sector practitioners, as well as experts from the World Bank. They will examine how AI systems are designed, implemented and managed in government.
The teams will also work on their own projects and develop an implementation roadmap.
Benefits of the GovTech AI Bootcamp
- Participants will visit and engage with Korean public and private institutions involved in developing and operating AI systems.
- Teams will have access to practitioners and experts who can provide technical input on their proposed initiatives.
- During the hands on workshop, participants will work on practical roadmaps for their own AI projects. These roadmaps will consider areas such as algorithms, data, infrastructure, dependencies and possible implementation risks.
- The bootcamp includes practical coding exercises as part of the technical workshop.
- Participants will learn how AI systems are being used across areas such as public financial management, tax administration, citizen services and social welfare.
- After the Seoul programme, participating teams may receive further technical feedback and support. This will depend on the strength and viability of their proposals and the advice provided during the programme.
What the Bootcamp Covers
Government institutions can apply with projects in areas such as:
- Public financial management
- Civil service and human resource management
- Citizen services
- Civic technology and citizen engagement
- Public procurement
- Anticorruption
- Transparency
- Other public sector applications of artificial intelligence
Who Can Apply?
The two team members should include:
1. A policy leader
This person should have decision making authority within the institution and be able to contribute to discussions about policy and implementation.
2. A technical practitioner
This person should be directly involved in implementing the proposed AI initiative and understand its technical requirements. The team should also be comfortable participating in English language discussions and workshops. Korean English interpretation will be available during the programme.
What Happens During the Bootcamp?
The programme has 3 main phases.
Phase 1: Call for Proposals
Government institutions submit applications describing their AI initiatives and the problems they are trying to address. Up to 5 teams will be selected for the Seoul programme.
Phase 2: Seoul Bootcamp
The bootcamp will take place from December 7 to 11, 2026. The first part includes site visits and exchanges with Korean public and private sector practitioners.
The second part focuses on a practical workshop. Teams will work with Korean AI practitioners and World Bank experts to examine their projects and prepare technically grounded implementation roadmaps. The workshop will look at issues involving algorithms, data, infrastructure, dependencies and possible contingencies.
Phase 3: Follow Up Support
After the bootcamp, selected teams may receive technical feedback and follow up support to help them advance their initiatives. The organisers will select teams for this support based on the strength and viability of their proposals.
Required Application Information
You should be prepared to explain:
- The public sector challenge
- The proposed AI solution
- Technical readiness
- Data readiness
- Institutional support
- Implementation risks
- Learning objectives
- Plans after the bootcamp
Applicants can also provide supporting materials where relevant.
These includes:
- Endorsement letters
- Technical diagrams
- Policy documents
- Budget commitments
- Other relevant supporting documents
How to Apply for the GovTech AI Bootcamp
Step 1: Identify the government institution and project
The application should come from a government institution in an eligible low or middle income country. Choose an AI initiative that is already being developed, piloted or deployed.
Step 2: Select the 2 person team
Nominate a policy leader with decision making authority and a technical practitioner involved in implementation. Make sure both people can participate in the English language discussions and workshops.
Step 3: Prepare the project information
Clearly explain the public sector problem, the AI solution and the current stage of the initiative. Include information about technical and data readiness so the reviewers can understand how far the project has progressed.
Step 4: Explain the institution’s commitment
Show that the relevant government institution supports the project and has a credible path towards implementation. If there are budget commitments, endorsement letters or policy documents that support the proposal, these can be submitted as additional materials.
Step 5: Explain what you want to learn
The organisers want to understand how the bootcamp could help your team progress. Be specific about the technical or implementation issues where learning from Korean institutions and World Bank experts would be useful.
Step 6: Submit before the deadline
Submit the completed application through the official online form by October 2, 2026.
Application deadline: October 2, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the GovTech AI Bootcamp?
Government institutions in low and middle income countries that are developing, piloting or deploying AI initiatives for public sector applications can apply.
How many teams will be selected?
Up to 5 government teams will be selected.
How many people should each team have?
Each application should nominate 2 people.
Who should be part of the team?
The team should include a policy leader with decision making authority and a technical practitioner directly involved in implementation.
Where will the bootcamp take place?
The bootcamp will take place in Seoul, South Korea.
When is the Seoul bootcamp?
The programme is scheduled for December 7 to 11, 2026.
Is the bootcamp fully funded?
The provided call describes the 5 day Seoul bootcamp as fully funded. It does not specify the individual funding components in the information provided.
What language will be used?
The bootcamp will be conducted in English, with simultaneous Korean English interpretation.
Can a government institution apply with an idea that has not started development?
The call focuses on AI solutions that are already being developed, piloted or deployed. Applicants should therefore have a project with some level of development or implementation.
What areas can the proposed AI project cover?
Projects can cover public financial management, civil service and human resource management, citizen services, civic tech, citizen engagement, procurement, anticorruption, transparency and other public sector applications.
Who will review the applications?
Representatives from the World Bank, MOIS and NIA will review the applications.
What should the proposal explain?
It should cover the public sector challenge, proposed AI solution, technical and data readiness, institutional support, implementation risks, learning objectives and plans after the bootcamp.
Can applicants submit supporting documents?
Yes. Supporting materials may include endorsement letters, technical diagrams, policy documents, budget commitments and other relevant documents.
What happens after the Seoul bootcamp?
Participating teams will submit a final roadmap by January 23, 2027. Some teams may also be selected for follow up support.
Is follow up support guaranteed?
No. The call states that 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.
When will applicants receive the selection results?
The notification of results is scheduled for October 16, 2026.
When is the final roadmap due?
The final roadmap submission deadline is January 23, 2027.
When will follow up support teams be selected?
The selection is scheduled for February 13, 2027.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted through the official online submission form before the October 2, 2026 deadline.
