Women in GovTech Challenge 2026: Empowering Women to Shape the Future of Digital Government
Women stay considerably underrepresented in GovTech, regardless of the world push towards inclusive digital transformation underneath the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Women in GovTech Challenge (WiGTC) 2026—powered by GovStack and main world companions—seeks to shut this hole by equipping ladies with the expertise, networks, and implementation pathways wanted to construct protected, inclusive, citizen-centric digital authorities companies.
Now getting into its third version, the programme has already educated 308 ladies from 50 nations, forming a robust worldwide alumni community. The 2026 cohort builds on previous successes with a broader scope, hands-on prototyping, actual implementation pathways, and an expanded ecosystem of companions.
A Global Collaboration Driving Inclusive GovTech Innovation
The 2026 Challenge is delivered in partnership with the World Bank and the DPI Safeguards Initiative, stewarded by UN ODET and UNDP. New companions becoming a member of this yr embody:
- University College London (UCL) – Academic Partner
- Open Source Ecosystem Enabler (OSEE) – Strategic Implementation Partner
This world collaboration strengthens members’ technical, management, and innovation capabilities—making ready them to construct scalable digital public infrastructure (DPI).
What’s New in the Women in GovTech Challenge 2026?
The third cohort takes the programme past concept and wireframing to embody:
- Hands-on prototyping
- Real-world implementation pathways
- Mentor-led design sprints
- Opportunities to pitch to GovTech ecosystem companions
Participants can select to construct prototypes for ongoing GovStack implementations or develop new, team-defined use circumstances.
The problem strengthens ladies’s capacities in each design and technical supply. Participants achieve:
Technical Skills
- GovStack’s Building Block strategy to digital service design
- Applying DPI Safeguards for protected, inclusive digital techniques
- Agile teamwork, interoperability, and scalable structure rules
Soft Skills
- Facilitation, communication, collaboration
- Problem-solving and management in multidisciplinary groups
Career Development
- Leadership and decision-making expertise
- Enhanced GovTech and digital transformation competencies
Networking Opportunities
- Access to world GovTech consultants
- Membership in a world group of ladies remodeling digital governance
At the programme’s finish, groups will showcase their useful prototypes throughout Demo Day, exploring alternatives to pilot options at nation stage.
Join a worldwide community of ladies working to remodel the future of digital authorities.
Application Deadline: 7 December 2025
Challenge Duration: February – April 2026
Women working in:
- Government
- Private Sector
- Civil Society
- Academia
Ideal candidates maintain roles resembling:
- Project Coordinator
- Service Designer
- Policy or Legal Advisor
- User Research Specialist
- Solution Architect
- Developer or Technical Specialist
Additional Requirements:
- Demonstrated curiosity in GovTech or digital transformation
- Ability to take part in English
- Time dedication:
- 1.5 hrs/week: Mandatory lectures
- 1 hr: Networking classes (3 of 6 weeks)
- 2 classes/week: Optional workplace hours
- ~2 hrs/week: Assignments & group work
Criteria for mentors and group mentees comply with comparable engagement expectations, with a deal with management and technical steerage.
3 November 2025 — Launch & Applications Open
Begin your application to be part of this world studying journey.
3 November – 7 December 2025 — Application Period
Submit all required supplies earlier than the deadline.
14 January 2026 — Application Results
Selected mentors and mentees will obtain affirmation through e mail.
February – March 2026 — Training Period
Intensive masterclasses, staff collaboration, and prototype growth.
End of March 2026 — Demo Day
Top groups current their prototypes to professional judges.
Early April 2026 — Graduation
Participants be part of the world Women in GovTech Alumni Network.
Below are some widespread questions from candidates:
-
Is the programme licensed?
Yes — completion and participation certificates are awarded. -
Are educational {qualifications} required?
No particular diploma or IT background is required. -
Are lecture classes stay?
Yes, stay weekly classes. Some recordings could also be out there. -
Do candidates want to maintain management positions?
No — early-career to senior professionals are welcome. -
Is attendance obligatory?
Core classes are obligatory; workplace hours are non-obligatory. -
Can college students or private-sector professionals apply?
Yes — together with grasp’s college students and enterprise growth professionals. -
Do mentees want coding expertise?
No coding is required. -
What is anticipated throughout Demo Week?
Teams current useful digital service prototypes. -
Will there be continued engagement after the problem?
Yes — alumni networking, occasions, and GovStack group involvement.
Women round the world are getting into GovTech management—and you may be one of them.
Apply now and develop into part of the Women in GovTech Challenge 2026.
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Women in GovTech Challenge 2026: Empowering Women to Shape the Future of Digital Government
