Call for Applications: The World Bank Group GovTech Innovation Challenge 2025 (FUNDED)

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About World Bank Group GovTech Innovation

The GovTech Innovation Challenge is a pilot programme connecting government partners with innovative technology companies to address critical public sector challenges. This initiative mobilises startups and SMEs to develop practical solutions that enhance government efficiency, transparency, and citizen services through digital transformation. This inaugural challenge partners the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) with global technology firms to develop solutions for tax administration challenges in Ghana. Three selected companies will participate in a development programme designed to in functional prototypes and potential implementation pathways. The Innovation Challenge is a joint initiative of the World Bank, Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and Trust Valley (operated by EPFL Innovation Park Foundation). This programme is supported by the World Bank Trust Fund "Governance & Institutions Umbrella Program".

• Sponsor Organisation: World Bank

Benefits of World Bank Group GovTech Innovation

• All core programme services are provided at no cost to selected Innovation Companies. This includes full participation in the Switzerland bootcamp experience, all online training sessions, mentorship programmes, and attendance at the GovTech Conference. All associated travel expenses (including international flights), accommodation costs, meals during programme activities, and local transportation throughout the programme duration is also covered by the program.
• Selected innovation companies will receive comprehensive technical support, including assistance with documenting detailed technical requirements, detailed online consultations with GRA technical teams on implementation requirements, and pre-bootcamp preparation through online sessions and support.
• Selected proposals will receive comprehensive support to develop their proposals into functional Proof of Concept (PoC) prototypes through a structured development programme. This includes technical consultations with government partner teams, participation in an intensive bootcamp in Switzerland focused on public-private collaboration, and presentation opportunities at the GovTech Conference for feedback and visibility among international stakeholders.

World Bank Group GovTech Innovation Requirements

Early-stage startups, scale-ups, and SMEs that:

• Are legally incorporated

• Have fewer than 75 employees

• Have under $5M USD in annual revenue

• Possess technical, operational, and business expertise relevant to the challenge

• Have the capacity to actively participate in challenge activities

Application Date and Process

Click on the link to the application website to apply.

Application Deadline

19 September, 2025

Scholarship Application Portal

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