DSN AI Bootcamp 2026: All-Expenses-Paid AI Training — Apply by September 25
Data Science Nigeria (DSN) has opened applications for its 2026 Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp, an all-expenses-paid learning experience designed to build advanced AI, machine learning and data science skills. The application and qualification phase closes on September 25, 2026.
The 2026 DSN AI Bootcamp will take place from October 19 to 23, 2026, in a hybrid format. The programme will bring together professionals, researchers and selected candidates who qualify through the programme's qualification process.
If you are interested in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, large language models, geospatial technology or solving real-world problems with technology, this is an opportunity worth checking before the deadline.
Apply for the DSN AI Bootcamp 2026
Quick Facts
Programme: Data Science Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp 2026
Theme: A Decade of Impact. A Future of Possibilities.
Format: Hybrid
Bootcamp dates: October 19–23, 2026
Application/qualification deadline: September 25, 2026
Finalists: 300
Cost: All-expenses-paid learning experience
Tracks: Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Geospatial, Large Language Model and Poster
Organiser: Data Science Nigeria (DSN)
Official application: Data Science Nigeria
The dates and programme details above are from Data Science Nigeria's official 2026 AI Bootcamp page.
What Is the DSN AI Bootcamp?
The Data Science Nigeria AI Bootcamp is an intensive learning programme focused on building Africa's capacity in artificial intelligence, machine learning and deep learning.
According to DSN, the programme is designed to encourage the practical application of AI to social and business problems while supporting employability, technological innovation and socio-economic development.
The 2026 edition is particularly interesting because participants can qualify through different technical and project-based tracks rather than having to follow only one AI pathway.
The bootcamp will feature technical sessions, project and poster activities, panels, quizzes, keynotes, an in-event hackathon and other learning activities.
What Does the 2026 DSN AI Bootcamp Offer?
The programme is described by DSN as an all-expenses-paid learning experience.
The 2026 bootcamp also has opportunities connected to internships, scholarships, recognition and awards.
The official programme page lists:
Internships from top companies
Scholarships
Best Poster Award
Industry Recognition Award
Community Value Award
Mr. and Miss Algorithm
Pascal Dozie AI School of the Year Award
AI City of the Year Award
These opportunities are part of what DSN says is available around the 2026 bootcamp.
When Is the DSN AI Bootcamp 2026?
The main bootcamp is scheduled for:
October 19–23, 2026
However, applicants need to pay attention to the earlier qualification stages.
According to DSN's official roadmap:
DSN Free AI Classes: May 5–August 10
Free AI Classes, Hackathons & Projects: May 5–August 10
Bootcamp application/qualification hackathon: August 31–September 25
Validation quiz and assessment: September 7–October 2
Publication of the 300 finalists: October 2–5
Bootcamp week: October 19–23
That means September 25, 2026 is the important deadline for the current application/qualification phase.
Who Can Participate?
The official DSN page says the 2026 bootcamp will accept professionals and researchers, alongside the candidates selected through the qualifying hackathon.
The qualification process is built around several tracks, allowing applicants with different technical interests and backgrounds to demonstrate their skills.
The official application page should be checked carefully for the requirements applicable to your chosen track before submitting an application.
5 Qualification Tracks for the DSN AI Bootcamp
One of the strongest aspects of the 2026 programme is that DSN has created multiple ways for candidates to demonstrate their abilities.
1. Machine Learning Track
The Machine Learning track challenges participants to predict product-store sales for DSN Mart, a retail business.
Participants work with historical product and store sales data and are expected to build a model capable of predicting sales for a particular product and store.
DSN says the resulting leaderboard ranking is one of the inputs considered when selecting participants for the bootcamp. However, ranking alone does not guarantee selection because other criteria are also considered.
2. Data Analytics Track
The Data Analytics challenge is titled "Audit the Dashboard."
Participants take on the role of a data analyst and review an existing dashboard and its conclusions.
The challenge involves:
Reviewing the raw dataset
Identifying data-quality problems
Cleaning and validating the data
Auditing management claims
Determining whether conclusions are correct, incorrect, misleading or cannot be determined
Building a corrected dashboard using Power BI or Excel
Comparing the original and corrected analysis
Participants must submit a snapshot of the corrected dashboard together with their completed answer and submission sheet.
3. Geospatial Track
The Geospatial track focuses on health, environment and climate change.
Participants are expected to create an original GIS map exploring a real-world issue using freely available datasets.
DSN specifically mentions sources such as:
OpenStreetMap
Google Earth Engine
National open-data portals
Applicants can use any GIS tool, but the map must be their original work.
4. Large Language Model Track
The LLM track focuses on multilingual topic generation for Nigerian languages.
The project covers:
Hausa
Igbo
Yoruba
Nigerian Pidgin
The goal is to investigate how LLM-based approaches can generate topic labels from news content written in low-resource Nigerian languages.
The project involves comparing classical approaches, zero-shot/few-shot prompting and fine-tuning, with the results published as a Kaggle notebook.
5. Poster Track
The Poster track is designed for applicants who already have a completed AI or machine-learning project that solves a real problem in their community.
Applicants are expected to:
Identify the problem.
Present their AI/ML solution.
Demonstrate the impact of the solution.
DSN states that the project must already be completed before the abstract is submitted.
What Happens After You Apply?
The application is not simply a registration for automatic admission into the physical bootcamp.
The 2026 process includes qualification activities, validation and assessment.
DSN's roadmap shows that the validation quiz and assessment run from September 7 to October 2, followed by publication of the 300 finalists between October 2 and October 5.
So applicants should be prepared to participate in the relevant qualification process rather than assuming that submitting the form automatically guarantees a place.
Why This Opportunity Is Worth Considering
The DSN AI Bootcamp is particularly relevant to people who want to build practical skills rather than only consume introductory AI content.
The available tracks cover several areas that are increasingly relevant to technology careers:
Machine learning
Data analytics
Artificial intelligence
Large language models
GIS and geospatial technology
AI research
Data-driven problem solving
The programme also creates an opportunity to demonstrate actual work through challenges and projects.
For someone building an AI, data or technology career, having evidence of what you can build or analyse can be more useful than simply listing "AI" on a CV.
What You Should Do Before Applying
If you are considering applying, don't wait until the final day.
Step 1: Choose your track
Review the five qualification tracks and select the one that best matches your current skills and interests.
Step 2: Read the challenge requirements
Each track has different requirements.
A machine-learning applicant should prepare for the data challenge, while a data analyst should be ready to work with the dashboard challenge.
Step 3: Prepare your work
If your selected track requires a project, notebook, dashboard, map or abstract, make sure you understand the submission requirements before starting.
Step 4: Submit your application
Complete the official DSN application process before the deadline.
Step 5: Monitor your email and DSN updates
After submitting your application, pay attention to further instructions concerning qualification, assessment and validation.
Open the official DSN AI Bootcamp 2026 page and apply
Important: Don't Assume You Are Automatically Selected
This is one detail applicants should pay attention to.
DSN states that ranking on the qualification leaderboard is one of the inputs used for selection, but ranking alone does not guarantee selection because other criteria are also considered.
Therefore, treat the qualification stage seriously and follow the official instructions for your chosen track.
DSN AI Bootcamp 2026 Deadline
The current application and qualification hackathon window closes on:
September 25, 2026
With the deadline only a few days away, interested applicants should review the official requirements and submit their application as soon as possible.
Apply through Data Science Nigeria
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the DSN AI Bootcamp free?
Yes. Data Science Nigeria describes the 2026 AI Bootcamp as an all-expenses-paid learning experience.
When is the 2026 DSN AI Bootcamp?
The main bootcamp is scheduled for October 19–23, 2026 and will be held in a hybrid format.
When is the application deadline?
The application and qualification hackathon phase runs until September 25, 2026.
How many finalists will be selected?
DSN states that 300 finalists will be selected for the 2026 bootcamp.
What tracks are available?
The 2026 qualification process includes Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Geospatial, Large Language Model and Poster tracks.
Does completing the application guarantee a place at the bootcamp?
No. Applicants go through the qualification and assessment process, and DSN states that leaderboard ranking alone does not guarantee selection.
Where can I apply?
Applications are handled through the official Data Science Nigeria AI Bootcamp page.
Visit the official DSN AI Bootcamp 2026 application page
Final Thoughts
The DSN AI Bootcamp 2026 is more than a conventional online course. The programme combines AI learning with qualification challenges, practical projects, assessment and opportunities to connect with the wider AI community.
If you are building skills in AI, machine learning, data analytics, LLMs or related technology fields, the September 25 deadline is the date to keep in mind.
Before applying, read the official track requirements carefully and make sure your submission follows the instructions provided by Data Science Nigeria.
Application deadline: September 25, 2026.
Apply for the DSN AI Bootcamp 2026