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.
When is the Application Deadline?
12 September 2025 (23:59 CET)
Tell Me About The Award:
The GovTech Innovation Challenge 2025 is a pilot program connecting government institutions with innovative technology companies to solve public sector challenges. This year, in partnership with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), selected startups will co-develop digital solutions to improve tax administration, particularly in informal sector taxation and e-commerce VAT compliance.
The program is jointly initiated by the World Bank, Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and Trust Valley, and is managed by EPFL Innovation Park Foundation.
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Which Fields are Eligible?
✔️ Tax administration
✔️ E-government/digital public services
✔️ Financial technology
✔️ E-commerce tracking and compliance
✔️ Data analytics
✔️ Digital identity and mobile-first platforms
Type:
📊 Innovation Challenge / Grant / Capacity Building
Who can Apply?
Early-stage startups, scale-ups, and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that:
- Are legally incorporated
- Have fewer than 75 employees
- Generate less than $5M USD annual revenue
- Have demonstrated technical and business expertise
- Can fully participate in the program and share implementation data with partners
- Align with public sector digital transformation and social impact goals
How are Applicants Selected?
A multi-phase selection process includes:
- Application review based on relevance, feasibility, and innovation
- Pitch sessions with a panel of experts from the World Bank, SECO, and Trust Valley
- Final selection of the Top 3 global proposals for development into Proofs of Concept
Which Countries Are Eligible?
🌐 Open to international applicants — companies from any country may apply.
Where will the Award be Taken?
Ghana – Implementation with the Ghana Revenue Authority
Switzerland – Bootcamp & GovTech Conference in Geneva
How Many Awards?
🏆 3 finalists will be selected for full support, visibility, and implementation opportunities.
What is the Benefit of the Award?
✅ Partnership with the World Bank and Ghana Revenue Authority
✅ Participation in a 4-day GovTech Bootcamp in Switzerland
✅ Access to executive-level training on B2G collaboration
✅ Field visits to top Swiss institutions (EPFL, SICPA, Kudelski, etc.)
✅ Networking with global public-private stakeholders
✅ Opportunity to present at the GovTech Conference in Geneva
✅ Ongoing support for pilot development and implementation in Ghana
✅ Official recognition and visibility in the global GovTech ecosystem
How Long Will the Award Last?
- Application Phase: July 28 – September 12, 2025
- Bootcamp & Conference: November 11–14 and December 2, 2025
- Pilot Development Phase: October 2025 – Early 2026
How to Apply:
🔗 Submit your proposal via the official portal:
👉 https://govtech.trustvalley.swiss/challenge
Applications must include:
- Completed application form
- Proposal document (PDF, max 10MB) including:
- Executive summary
- Technical solution
- Implementation plan
- Innovation and differentiation
- Risk assessment
- Team and expertise
- Success metrics
- Any additional relevant resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What countries can companies be from to participate in this challenge?
The challenge is open to companies from all countries. There are no geographic restrictions—companies based anywhere in the world are welcome to apply.
What are the requirements for developing the Proof of Concept?
Proof of Concept (POC) is a working prototype that:
- demonstrates the core technical functionality of the proposed solution;
- operates in a controlled testing environment with real or simulated data;
- validates key technical and operational assumptions;
- provides measurable evidence of the solution’s feasibility and potential effectiveness for Ghana Revenue Authority.
How can I get additional information to develop my proposal?
Information sessions with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) will be held to allow you to ask specific questions and improve your proposal. Attending these sessions is optional.
Do I have to pay for anything during the program?
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.
When will I know if my proposal is selected?
Selected applicants will be notified by email to their designated Team Lead by early October 2025.
How many proposals will be selected?
The selection committee aims to choose 3 proposals to move to the proryping phase.
How will proposals be evaluated?
Complete applications will be evaluated by a selection committee based on:
- Technical feasibility
- Potential impact
- Team capability
- Scalability potential
What is a deadline to apply?
September 12, 2025, at 23:59 Central European Time (CET). Incomplete applications will not be evaluated