The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory of the University of Tokyo have completed GCI World April 2026, a 14-week artificial intelligence education programme aimed at developing AI talent in Bangladesh through international collaboration and practical learning.
The programme concluded on 8 July 2026 with a Hackathon and Special Lecture hosted in collaboration with BRAC University, bringing together more than 800 students from around the world, both in-person and online, alongside researchers, academics, industry professionals and guests, JICA said in a press release.
GCI World is a global educational initiative of the Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory that provides hands-on training in artificial intelligence, data science and machine learning by combining academic learning with practical competitions and real-world business applications. More than 25,000 students from 114 countries participated in the programme, including around 700 students from Bangladesh.
The programme featured the GCI World Hackathon, where participants developed AI-based solutions to address real-world challenges. The closing event also included a special lecture by researchers from the Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory, one of Japan’s leading AI research institutions.
The session highlighted recent developments in artificial intelligence and demonstrated how data science and machine learning can be applied to address practical business and social challenges.
Speaking at the Special Lecture and Closing Session, Morikawa Yuko, Senior Representative of JICA Bangladesh, said connecting AI education with entrepreneurship, research and industry could help Bangladesh develop solutions for its own challenges while contributing innovations globally.
“If AI education can be connected with entrepreneurship, research, and industry, I believe Bangladesh can develop its own solutions for its own challenges—and in doing so, contribute innovations to the world,” she said.
The event also announced recipients of the Outstanding Student Certificate, with one Bangladeshi student selected among 17 outstanding students worldwide. The selected students will have the opportunity to visit the Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory at the University of Tokyo in August 2026.
JICA said the initiative reflects its continued commitment to strengthening Bangladesh’s human resource development through international cooperation. By connecting Bangladeshi students with global academic programmes such as GCI World, the agency aims to enhance local capabilities in AI, data science and digital innovation while supporting the country’s ongoing digital transformation.
