MINDCo and BML unveil AI Lab as Maldives begins four‑day Co.Lab 26 programme

MINDCo and the Bank of Maldives (BML) have launched the Maldives AI Lab, the National AI and Data Competency Centre established under the Maldives 2.0 digital transformation agenda. 

BML said the initiative is a key component of Agenda Maldives 2.0 to accelerate the country’s digital shift.

Home Minister Ali Ihusaan officially launched the Maldives AI Lab during the opening ceremony of Co.Lab 26 on Monday.

With the official launch, the centre’s first activities began on Monday with the start of Co.Lab 26, a four‑day national programme bringing together government, private sector, technical experts and developers to shape the Maldives’ national approach to artificial intelligence. 

The first two days focus on identifying and prioritising AI use‑cases based on public value, strategic alignment, data readiness, feasibility and responsible use. The final two days feature a mentored hackathon with two tracks: an Applied AI Track for government use‑cases, and a Fintech Innovation Track powered by BML’s Swipe API.

BML CEO and Managing Director Mohamed Shareef said AI can transform how institutions understand customer needs, manage risks, deliver public services, detect fraud, strengthen cybersecurity and make faster, more informed decisions. “Technology is no longer simply supporting operations, it is shaping the future of customer experience, accessibility and economic participation,” he said. 

Mohamed Shareef, CEO of @bankofmaldives, delivers remarks at Co.Lab26.

He highlights the event as a collective effort to strengthen national AI capability and help the Maldives shape its digital future through innovation & collaboration.#CoLab26 #BML #MINDCo #Maldives2Point0 pic.twitter.com/mb00ZpdFLD

— Colab (@colabmv) May 18, 2026

MINDCo Managing Director Saeeda Umar said establishing a dedicated national centre enables the Maldives to build sovereign AI and data capabilities that are practical, culturally relevant and aligned with local context. It will help future‑proof public investments, develop local talent and improve the efficiency of public service delivery. 

Minister Ali Ihusaan said the Maldives “cannot have a future where AI just happens to us,” emphasising that through the Maldives AI Lab, AI will be developed “with us, by us, for us.” He highlighted the importance of local tech talent, human accountability in public services, and strong public‑private partnerships to improve government efficiency and strengthen economic resilience.

Maldives AI Lab is designed to build lasting national capability in AI, data and digital innovation through cross‑sector collaboration. Hackathon outputs will include early‑stage prototypes, solution pathways and implementation concepts that will move through a structured national delivery pipeline. Interested participants may register at https://colab.mv/.