Deadline: September 12, 2025
Are you a tech-driven startup or a digital solutions company passionate about public-sector transformation? The World Bank GovTech Innovation Challenge 2025 is now open, offering innovators the opportunity to solve real-world governance challenges—beginning with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA).
This unique global initiative supports the development of scalable, tech-enabled solutions for public-sector problems, with the chance to pitch and refine solutions in Switzerland’s innovation hub, Trust Valley.
What is the World Bank GovTech Innovation Challenge 2025?
The World Bank GovTech Innovation Challenge 2025 is a flagship initiative launched during the GovTech and Public Sector Innovation Global Forum 2025. Organised in partnership with SECO (State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, Switzerland) and Trust Valley, the challenge brings together private-sector innovators to co-develop solutions for public governance reform.
The programme aims to:
- Mobilise technology firms to solve critical government issues
- Bridge the gap between public institutions and agile digital innovators
- Scale impactful solutions beyond pilot countries
Focus of the 2025 Challenge: Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)
For its inaugural cycle, the GovTech Innovation Challenge focuses on tax administration reform in Ghana. The World Bank has partnered with the Ghana Revenue Authority to identify key areas where digital solutions can improve service delivery, compliance, and operational efficiency.
Selected tech companies will collaborate directly with the GRA to design and prototype viable innovations.
Why This Challenge Matters
GovTech is at the heart of the World Bank’s strategy for public-sector reform. By enabling technology-based approaches to governance challenges, the initiative creates long-term, scalable solutions across:
- Digital transformation of public services
- AI and automation in government
- Tax collection and compliance systems
- Citizen engagement and transparency tools
The challenge provides a practical model that can be replicated globally across other sectors and countries.
Bootcamp in Trust Valley, Switzerland
Finalist teams will be invited to an intensive GovTech Innovation Bootcamp in Switzerland, hosted by Trust Valley—a leading European centre for digital trust, cybersecurity, and public innovation near Lake Geneva.
The bootcamp offers:
- Hands-on mentorship with global experts
- Co-design sessions with public-sector representatives
- Collaboration opportunities with multilateral institutions and funders
Programme Timeline
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Forum Launch | 27–28 May 2025, Washington D.C. |
| Application Call (Pilot Round) | Now Open (Apply via link below) |
| Bootcamp | To be held in Switzerland (dates TBC) |
| Deployment | Selected solutions to be implemented with GRA |
Who Should Apply?
The programme is open to:
- Tech startups and SMEs with public-sector or digital governance solutions
- Digital product firms focused on tax, data, AI, or citizen platforms
- Solution providers with scalable and implementable tools for government systems
This is a golden opportunity to make an impact in Africa’s digital governance landscape—and scale globally.
How to Apply
Ready to be part of the GovTech movement?
👉 Click here to apply now
👉 Click here to read more about the programme
Final Thoughts
The World Bank GovTech Innovation Challenge 2025 represents more than a competition—it’s a platform for meaningful reform and sustainable digital transformation. By participating, tech innovators can shape the future of public service delivery while gaining access to global partnerships, funding, and visibility.
Don’t miss your chance to build the future of governance with the World Bank.
Need help with your application?
📩 Contact grantsdatabase.org for proposal drafting, refining and review.
