Women remain significantly underrepresented in GovTech, despite the global push toward inclusive digital transformation under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Women in GovTech Challenge (WiGTC) 2026—powered by GovStack and leading global partners—seeks to close this gap by equipping women with the skills, networks, and implementation pathways needed to build safe, inclusive, citizen-centric digital government services.
Now entering its third edition, the programme has already trained 308 women from 50 countries, forming a powerful international alumni network. The 2026 cohort builds on past successes with a broader scope, hands-on prototyping, real implementation pathways, and an expanded ecosystem of partners.
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 partners joining this year include:
- University College London (UCL) – Academic Partner
- Open Source Ecosystem Enabler (OSEE) – Strategic Implementation Partner
This global collaboration strengthens participants’ technical, leadership, and innovation capabilities—preparing them to build scalable digital public infrastructure (DPI).
What’s New in the Women in GovTech Challenge 2026?
The third cohort takes the programme beyond theory and wireframing to include:
- Hands-on prototyping
- Real-world implementation pathways
- Mentor-led design sprints
- Opportunities to pitch to GovTech ecosystem partners
Participants can choose to build prototypes for ongoing GovStack implementations or develop new, team-defined use cases.
What Participants Can Expect: From Learning to Prototyping to Implementation
The challenge strengthens women’s capacities in both design and technical delivery. Participants gain:
Technical Skills
- GovStack’s Building Block approach to digital service design
- Applying DPI Safeguards for safe, inclusive digital systems
- Agile teamwork, interoperability, and scalable architecture principles
Soft Skills
- Facilitation, communication, collaboration
- Problem-solving and leadership in multidisciplinary teams
Career Development
- Leadership and decision-making skills
- Enhanced GovTech and digital transformation competencies
Networking Opportunities
- Access to global GovTech experts
- Membership in an international community of women transforming digital governance
At the programme’s end, teams will showcase their functional prototypes during Demo Day, exploring opportunities to pilot solutions at country level.
Apply Now for the Women in GovTech Challenge 2026
Join a global network of women working to transform the future of digital government.
Application Deadline: 7 December 2025
Challenge Duration: February – April 2026
Who Can Apply? — Criteria for Mentees
Women working in:
- Government
- Private Sector
- Civil Society
- Academia
Ideal applicants hold roles such as:
- Project Coordinator
- Service Designer
- Policy or Legal Advisor
- User Research Specialist
- Solution Architect
- Developer or Technical Specialist
Additional Requirements:
- Demonstrated interest in GovTech or digital transformation
- Ability to participate in English
- Time commitment:
- 1.5 hrs/week: Mandatory lectures
- 1 hr: Networking sessions (3 of 6 weeks)
- 2 sessions/week: Optional office hours
- ~2 hrs/week: Assignments & group work
Criteria for mentors and group mentees follow similar engagement expectations, with a focus on leadership and technical guidance.
2026 Challenge Timeline
3 November 2025 — Launch & Applications Open
Begin your application to join this global learning journey.
3 November – 7 December 2025 — Application Period
Submit all required materials before the deadline.
14 January 2026 — Application Results
Selected mentors and mentees will receive confirmation via email.
February – March 2026 — Training Period
Intensive masterclasses, team collaboration, and prototype development.
End of March 2026 — Demo Day
Top teams present their prototypes to expert judges.
Early April 2026 — Graduation
Participants join the global Women in GovTech Alumni Network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some common questions from applicants:
- Is the programme certified?
Yes — completion and participation certificates are awarded. - Are academic qualifications required?
No specific degree or IT background is required. - Are lecture sessions live?
Yes, live weekly sessions. Some recordings may be available. - Do applicants need to hold leadership positions?
No — early-career to senior professionals are welcome. - Is attendance mandatory?
Core sessions are mandatory; office hours are optional. - Can students or private-sector professionals apply?
Yes — including master’s students and business development professionals. - Do mentees need coding experience?
No coding is required. - What is expected during Demo Week?
Teams present functional digital service prototypes. - Will there be continued engagement after the challenge?
Yes — alumni networking, events, and GovStack community involvement.
Ready to Lead the Future of Digital Government?
Women around the world are stepping into GovTech leadership—and you can be one of them.
Apply now and become part of the Women in GovTech Challenge 2026.
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