GovTech Innovation Challenge Overview
The World Bank's Governance Global Department, in collaboration with the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs in Switzerland (SECO) and Trust Valley, presents the GovTech Innovation Challenge. This initiative accelerates technology adoption in government services by leveraging the Swiss digital trust ecosystem. Supported by the World Bank's Governance & Institutions Umbrella Program, the pilot program offers a dynamic platform for testing innovative technological solutions in the public sector.
The inaugural Challenge, launched in May 2025, focused on the Ghana Revenue Authority, connecting them with cutting-edge companies to tackle specific tax administration challenges. Through a competitive application process, global technology firms proposed digital solutions to these pre-defined issues, aiming to enhance government efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness.
Throughout the process, participating companies benefited from exposure to public sector clients to design their proofs of concept. Selected companies attended an intensive boot camp in Switzerland's Trust Valley, a hub for digital trust innovation. There, they refined their solutions and gained valuable skills in public-private collaboration through workshops, expert mentorship, and networking events.
The initiative aims to transform public services and set a precedent for future GovTech programs. The Challenge will extend its impact by sharing developed solutions with other World Bank member countries, enabling multiple countries to benefit from these advancements.
GovTech Innovation Challenge Series 2026
Building on the inaugural Challenge, the GovTech Innovation Challenge Series 2026 is being rolled out in Morocco in partnership with the General Inspectorate of Finance (IGF) and the Supreme Audit Institution (Cour des Comptes – CdC). The 2026 series focus on strengthening public audit and financial oversight through innovative digital technologies. Information on key dates, eligibility requirements, and frequently asked questions is available on the following challenge pages:
Modernizing Public Finance Audits (IGF)
Develop innovative solutions to modernize audit programming, planning, and public procurement audit processes. Learn more here.
Automating Public Procurement Controls (CdC)
Develop innovative solutions to automate public procurement controls at the stages most exposed to irregularity risks. Learn more here.
Watch the video featuring the 2025 awardees and explore GovTech Innovation Challenge resources below.