Application Deadline: September 19, 2025 23:59 CET
Applications are now open for the 2025 World Bank GovTech Innovation Challenge. 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.
Challenge statements
The challenge statements, which serve as the basis for all proposal submissions, can be accessed at:
- Informal Sector Income Tax Identification and Registration
- E-commerce VAT Identification and Compliance
Eligibility Requirements
The Innovation Challenge is exclusively open to early-stage startups, scale-ups, and small to
medium enterprises (SMEs) at the international level. Large corporations, multinational enterprises and subsidiaries of major corporations are not eligible to participate. To qualify for participation, applicant companies must satisfy all of the following mandatory criteria:
- Have fewer than 75 employees at the time of application
- Have annual revenue below $5 million USD (or equivalent value in local currency) for the most recent financial year
- Demonstrate proven team capability and relevant industry experience applicable to the challenge domain
- Commit to active participation in pilot programme implementation and agree to comprehensive data sharing requirements with programme partners
- Align organisational mission and proposed solutions with governmental technology advancement and measurable social impact objectives
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.
Technical and development consultations
- 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.
Bootcamp in Switzerland
The 4-day intensive bootcamp in Switzerland will provide selected startups with:
- Specialised workshops on startup and public sector collaboration
- Government Partner Sessions: Direct meet-the-team sessions with Ghana Revenue Authority staff and other government representatives
- Hands-on working sessions for prototype demos and development
- Access to technical mentors and industry experts
- Opportunities to connect with other participants, government officials, and international development stakeholders
The bootcamp is expected to happen from 11 to 14 November 2025 (subject to change)
GovTech Conference
- Each selected company will present their developed proposal and prototype at the Programme’s
closing conference, held alongside the Trust Valley Day event at the CCIG in Geneva, Switzerland.
Application Timeline:
- Application deadline: September 19, 23:59 CET
- Proposal presentations (on request): September 8-26
- Selected proposals announcement: October 3
- Proposal Proof of Concept implementation: October 6 – November 21
- Bootcamp: 11-14 November
- GovTech Conference: December 2, 2025
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the World Bank GovTech Innovation Challenge
