The World Bank, in partnership with the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and Trust Valley, has launched the GovTech Innovation Challenge 2026, inviting innovative companies from around the world to develop cutting-edge digital solutions that transform public administration in emerging markets.

This global Call for Proposals connects innovative businesses with government institutions seeking technology-driven solutions to improve public services, strengthen transparency, modernize public administration, and accelerate digital transformation.

Selected innovators will participate in a fully funded programme that includes executive-level capacity building, a bootcamp in Switzerland, and the opportunity to work directly with government institutions to develop and demonstrate a Proof of Concept (PoC).

About the GovTech Innovation Challenge

Governments worldwide are increasingly embracing digital technologies to improve service delivery, strengthen governance, increase transparency, and enhance operational efficiency.

The GovTech Innovation Challenge creates a bridge between innovative technology companies and public sector institutions by enabling businesses to co-create solutions that solve real government challenges.

The programme is designed to support digital innovation in emerging markets while providing participating companies with valuable experience in delivering technology solutions to public sector clients.

Programme Partners

The initiative is jointly delivered by three globally recognized organizations:

• World Bank
• Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
• Trust Valley

Together, these organizations aim to accelerate public sector innovation through collaboration between governments and technology innovators.

Benefits of Participating

Selected companies gain access to a wide range of opportunities and support.

1. World Bank Partnership

Participants benefit from:

• Exposure to public sector institutions.
• Credibility associated with World Bank-backed initiatives.
• Opportunities to engage with government stakeholders.
• Increased visibility within the international GovTech ecosystem.

2. Fully Funded Business-to-Government (B2G) Programme

Successful applicants participate in an intensive capacity-building programme covering:

• Government procurement processes.
• Public sector collaboration.
• Regulatory compliance.
• Scaling GovTech businesses.
• Working with international development institutions.

3. Executive Bootcamp in Switzerland

Top selected companies attend a bootcamp in Switzerland focused on:

• Public sector innovation.
• Business-to-government partnerships.
• International networking.
• Developing scalable GovTech solutions.

4. Opportunity to Build a Proof of Concept (PoC)

Participants work directly with beneficiary government institutions to:

• Design digital solutions.
• Develop prototypes.
• Test solution feasibility.
• Demonstrate real-world impact.

This hands-on collaboration provides valuable practical experience while helping governments solve pressing challenges.

5. Fully Covered Programme Costs

The programme provides all core services at no cost.

Selected participants receive support covering:

• Programme participation.
• Travel.
• Accommodation.
• Meals during official programme activities.

How the Programme Works

The GovTech Innovation Challenge follows a structured process.

Step 1 – Submit a Proposal

Applicants prepare and submit a proposal outlining:

• Their technical solution.
• Innovation approach.
• Expected impact.
• Ability to address a specific government challenge.

Step 2 – Business-to-Government Capacity Building

Top applicants join a specialized programme designed to strengthen their ability to work with governments.

Participants receive:

• Executive training.
• Technical guidance.
• GovTech mentorship.
• International networking opportunities.

Step 3 – Develop a Proof of Concept

Selected companies collaborate directly with the beneficiary government to develop and demonstrate their proposed digital solution.

Current Open GovTech Innovation Challenges

The 2026 programme currently includes several innovation challenges from Morocco.

Morocco – General Inspectorate of Finance (Inspection Générale des Finances – IGF)

Challenge:

Modernize:

• Audit mission programming.
• Public procurement auditing.

Morocco – Supreme Audit Institution (Cour des Comptes – CDC)

Challenge:

Develop solutions that automate:

• Public procurement auditing.
• Compliance verification.
• Ethics monitoring.
• Transparency in public procurement.

These challenges seek innovative digital technologies capable of improving accountability and public financial management.

Previous Challenge Example

The programme previously supported the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) challenge focused on:

• Improving tax resource mobilization.
• Strengthening digital tax administration.
• Enhancing government revenue systems.

Although the Ghana challenge is now closed, it demonstrates the programme’s commitment to solving practical public sector challenges across emerging economies.

Why Companies Should Apply

Participating organizations can:

• Expand into the government technology market.
• Validate innovative products.
• Collaborate with government institutions.
• Gain international recognition.
• Build partnerships with the World Bank ecosystem.
• Improve product credibility through real-world implementation.
• Access global GovTech networks.

Who Is This Programme Best Suited For?

The programme is ideal for organizations developing:

• Artificial Intelligence solutions.
• Digital audit systems.
• Public procurement platforms.
• Tax technologies.
• Data analytics tools.
• Automation software.
• Digital governance platforms.
• Regulatory technology solutions.
• Digital identity systems.
• Government management software.

Application Process

Interested companies should:

1. Explore the available government challenges.
2. Select a challenge aligned with their expertise.
3. Prepare a proposal explaining their technical solution and expected impact.
4. Submit the proposal through the official programme platform.
5. Await evaluation and selection.

Successful applicants will be invited to join the Business-to-Government Programme before working directly with government partners on developing their Proof of Concept.

Apply Here

Application Deadline

The programme features multiple open calls, each with its own submission timeline.

Applicants should review the specific challenge page for the applicable deadline before submitting their proposal.

Conclusion

The World Bank GovTech Innovation Challenge 2026 provides an outstanding opportunity for innovative companies to collaborate with governments, develop impactful digital solutions, and gain international exposure.

Through funding support, executive training, direct government engagement, and fully covered programme participation, the initiative enables innovators to transform public administration while expanding their presence in the global GovTech ecosystem.

Technology companies seeking to create meaningful public sector impact are encouraged to submit proposals for one of the current open challenges.

For more information on this opportunity, visit here 

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