Applications open for GovTech Lab Programme (Ukraine)

GovTech Lab Ukraine, part of the Global Government Technology Centre (GGTC), is being developed in partnership with the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the World Economic Forum, and the East Europe Foundation. The Lab’s goal is to accelerate how innovative digital solutions are developed, tested, and scaled across public services in Ukraine.

Building on international best practices and Ukraine’s leadership in digital government, it will serve as a catalyst for high-impact collaboration between government, startups, and global partners. The programme will also support public/private partnerships through a dedicated open innovation programme.

What does the programme involve?

• The GovTech Lab Ukraine programme will guide Government departments through a series of steps that build each other, starting with a simple articulation of a challenge you are facing and ending with a fully piloted technology solution.

What support can you receive if you participate?

• Challenge definition support | You can work with innovation experts to help define challenges with you at the Challenge Sourcing phase. Through short, collaborative workshops, they help you clarify the problem, identify user needs, and ensure the challenge is specific and solvable.
• Startup scouting and selection | Once challenges are selected from those that are submitted, the GovTech Lab team will engage Ukrainian and international startups. Together, they’ll select the best-fit teams to take part, with one startup per challenge selected for pilot implementation.
• Pilot funding and support | The programme covers costs to deliver pilots. This enables departments to see how solutions would work without needing to secure internal funds or initiate procurement processes.
• Real-world testing and evaluation | Pilots can take place in live environments. You’ll receive support to design the test, engage users, and collect feedback—helping build practical evidence on whether a solution fits your needs.
• Next steps and adoption guidance | They support you in exploring options beyond the pilot, including procurement pathways, legal considerations, and opportunities to scale. While the programme does not guarantee procurement, it helps set the groundwork for informed decisions.

Who is eligible to submit a challenge?

• Public sector institutions in Ukraine are eligible to submit challenges. The goal is to help government teams test innovative solutions with support – not risk.

Challenge Submission

• Submitting a challenge is the initial step for departments to participate in the programme. It allows teams to identify pressing issues or opportunities and invite innovative solutions. Submitting a challenge can be a valuable exercise itself as it helps to break down the challenges you and your department are facing and think through who is being impacted.
• This process is not a procurement exercise and does not obligate departments to adopt any solution. The programme provides a structured environment to explore innovative ideas with expert support.

How will challenges be selected for the programme?

• The GovTech Lab team will select three challenges from those that are submitted to progress into the rest of the programme.

For more information, visit GGTC.