Saudi Arabia’s Digital Government Authority (DGA) has launched the new edition of its GovJam Innovation Challenge for 2025. The national challenge, held in partnership with the National Program for the Development of Information Technology (NTDP) and the Digital Entrepreneurship Center, aims to empower startups and entrepreneurs to develop innovative digital government services.
Program Overview and Mission
The GovJam Innovation Challenge is a national initiative designed to enhance cooperation between the public and private sectors. Its mission is to accelerate the adoption of modern technologies, improve the quality of government services, and foster a culture of innovation by engaging innovators and creatives in the design and development of digital solutions. The challenge includes dialogue sessions, workshops, and access to the DGA’s Innovation Center, which provides an accelerator, technical expertise, and financial enablers.
The Challenges to Tackle
The challenge is structured around four key tracks, inviting solutions that address:
- Government Service Delivery Channels: Developing innovative digital channels to ensure services reach beneficiaries anytime, anywhere.
- Artificial Intelligence: Employing the latest AI technologies to build a smart government that can predict citizen needs and automate processes.
- Adoptable Digital Models: Building a library of ready-to-adopt digital solutions to help government entities accelerate their digital transformation.
- Digital Inclusivity: Creating innovative solutions that overcome technical, linguistic, age, and health barriers to ensure no one is left behind.
What Participants Will Receive
The program provides exceptional opportunities and support for accepted participants, including:
- A financial grant of up to 150,000 SAR.
- Salary support of 25,000 SAR per month for up to 10 team members for 12 months.
- Access to co-working spaces and technical labs.
- Professional mentorship and guidance from experts.
Who Should Apply?
The challenge targets a diverse range of participants from the Saudi innovation ecosystem:
- Government Entities and strategic partners.
- Tech Companies and Startups.
- Innovators and Entrepreneurs.
Key Dates and How to Apply
Application Deadline: The submission phase is from August 25 to September 25, 2025.
Key Dates:
- Evaluation Phase: September 28 – October 16, 2025
- Demo and Announcement: October 21–23, 2025
- Award Ceremony: November 5, 2025
How to Apply: You can register for the challenge here.
About the Organizers
The Digital Government Authority (DGA) is the leading government body for digital transformation in Saudi Arabia. The challenge is run in partnership with the National Program for the Development of Information Technology (NTDP) and the Digital Entrepreneurship Center.
Source: Al Riyadh
