JICA backs Bangladesh's AI talent development through GCI World programme

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory (Matsuo Lab) of the University of Tokyo celebrated the successful completion of the 14-week GCI World April 2026 artificial intelligence (AI) education programme on Wednesday.

To mark the programme's completion, a hackathon and a special lecture were organised in collaboration with BRAC University.

GCI World is a global educational initiative of the Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory that provides students with hands-on training in artificial intelligence, data science and machine learning by combining theoretical learning with practical competitions and real-world business applications.

More than 25,000 students from 114 countries participated in the programme, including around 700 from Bangladesh.

The programme featured the GCI World Hackathon, where participants developed AI-driven solutions to real-world challenges, followed by a special lecture delivered by researchers from the Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory, one of Japan's leading AI research centres.

The lecture highlighted the latest developments in artificial intelligence and demonstrated how data science and machine learning can be applied to address practical business and societal challenges.

The special lecture and closing session, held at BRAC University, brought together more than 800 students, both in person and online, from around the world, along with researchers, academics, industry professionals and distinguished guests.

The event reaffirmed a shared commitment to fostering innovation and nurturing the next generation of AI talent equipped for the future.

Speaking at the closing session, Morikawa Yuko, senior representative of JICA Bangladesh, said, "If AI education can be connected with entrepreneurship, research and industry, I believe Bangladesh can develop its own solutions to its own challenges and, in doing so, contribute innovations to the world."

The programme concluded with the announcement of the Outstanding Student Certificate recipients. One student from Bangladesh was selected among the 17 outstanding participants worldwide and will have the opportunity to visit the Matsuo-Iwasawa Laboratory at the University of Tokyo in August 2026.

The event reflected JICA's continued commitment to strengthening Bangladesh's human resource development through international collaboration. By connecting Bangladeshi students with globally recognised academic initiatives such as GCI World, JICA aims to enhance the country's capacity in AI, data science and digital innovation, contributing to its ongoing digital transformation.