World Bank Group GovTech Innovation Challenge 2025

World Bank Group GovTech Innovation Challenge 2025

Application Deadline: September 12, 2025, 23:59 CET
Organizer: World Bank Group
Category: Innovation / GovTech / Public Sector Solutions
Region: Global
Eligibility: Early-stage startups, scale-ups, and SMEs
Prize Type: Support, Mentorship, Networking, and Showcase Opportunities

Who Can Apply

Eligible companies must:

• Be legally incorporated

• Have fewer than 75 employees

• Have under $5M USD in annual revenue

• Possess technical, operational, and business expertise relevant to digital solutions for tax administration

• Have the capacity to actively participate in challenge activities

Challenge Overview

This innovation challenge invites startups and SMEs to partner with the World Bank in developing digital solutions for Ghana Tax Administration. Participants will work closely with experts, government representatives, and the Swiss innovation ecosystem to create impactful, scalable solutions.

Benefits for Selected Companies

1. GovTech Bootcamp (4 days, Switzerland)

• Hands-on program to foster innovation, collaboration, and public-private engagement

2. Field Visits to Leading Institutions

• International Geneva, State of Vaud, EPFL, EPFL Innovation Park, SICPA, SGS, Kudelski, and more

3. Mentoring & Networking Opportunities

• Connect with domain experts, government stakeholders, and Swiss financial sector leaders

4. Workshops on Public Sector Collaboration

• Topics: B2G engagement, regulatory compliance, scalability planning, and proposal refinement

5. GovTech Conference in Geneva

• Flagship event with 500+ attendees

• Showcase Top 3 proposals to a global audience

6. Knowledge Sessions

• Quantum in Public Administration (Quantum 101)

• Digital Trust in Public Sector Digitization

• AI in Public Administration

• Resource Mobilization, Tax Administration & Digital Trust

7. Pilot Implementation Opportunity (2026)

• Selected companies can implement a pilot solution with Ghana Revenue Administration

Application & Program Timeline

• Proposal Submission: July 28 – September 12, 2025

  • Outline technical approach, implementation methodology, and potential impact

• Information Sessions: August 18 – September 12, 2025

  • Online Q&A with Ghana Revenue Authority to clarify requirements

• Pitch Sessions: September 15 – 26, 2025

  • Present proposals to the Selection Committee (World Bank, Swiss Secretariat, Trust Valley partners)

• Final Selection: October 3, 2025

  • Top 3 companies chosen for further support

• GovTech Bootcamp & Conference: December 2, 2025

  • Build capacity and refine Proof of Concept (PoC)

• Prototyping Phase: 2026

  • Pilot implementation with Ghana Revenue Authority

 Why Participate?

• Work directly with the World Bank and Ghana Revenue Authority

• Gain international exposure and networking opportunities

• Access mentorship, workshops, and bootcamp programs in Switzerland

• Opportunity to develop a functional pilot solution with government impact

For full details and submission guidelines: