How GovTech Catalyst works
Guidance for anyone in the public sector that wants to apply for GovTech Catalyst funding to help solve a problem.
The GovTech Catalyst (GTC) has funded 15 challenges so far.
Applications for funding are now closed. This page will be updated when applications open again.
How the GovTech Catalyst process works
There are 7 stages from getting GovTech Catalyst funding right through to creating a workable solution. Read the specific actions for the public sector team at each stage.
1. Challenge submission
When applications are open, anyone in the public sector can submit a problem (also called a ‘challenge’) they need help to solve.
2. Challenge selection
Challenges are selected based on the selection criteria.
All problems are initially assessed by the GovTech Catalyst team and a cross-government assessment panel of senior officials.
A shortlist is drawn up and contacted by the GovTech Catalyst team. The assessment panel send the final selection to the GovTech Catalyst Steering Group and ministers for approval.
All public sector teams get feedback on their proposals, even if they are not selected for funding. Some may be encouraged to apply for the next round of funding.
3. Phase 1: finding suppliers to work on the challenge
The next phase is about finding suppliers to work on the problems. Using the SBRI competition process, suppliers are invited to pitch innovative solutions to each problem (or ‘challenge’). Successful suppliers get funding from the GovTech Fund to develop their solutions.
The public sector team picks the winning suppliers from a shortlist created by Innovate UK. The GovTech Catalyst team also review the suppliers.
Applications are open for up to 6 weeks.
4. Phase 1: building a prototype
The public sector team supports the suppliers to build a functioning prototype.
Phase 1 solutions focus on exploring the technical and commercial feasibility of the project, showing how a solution can meet a well-understood set of user needs.
Phase 1 lasts up to 12 weeks after the agreed start date of phase 1, which will happen after the:
- public sector team agree research and development services contracts with the winning suppliers
- suppliers get any necessary security clearance
All the suppliers and the public sector team report on the success of each solution at the end of phase 1.
5. Phase 2: evaluation
Some phase 1 challenges may receive additional funding to further develop a working proof of concept. A challenge can get phase 2 funding for more than one solution.
Only phase 1 solution providers can enter the phase 2 selection process, which uses a request for tender process. If no phase 1 solution providers want to participate in a phase 2, there will be no phase 2.
6. Phase 2: implementation
Phase 2 should result in a product or service that the public sector team has tested in an operational environment and is confident will help to address user needs.
The public sector body will support suppliers to iterate the phase 1 prototypes based on ongoing research and testing with users into a complete proposition.
Suppliers and the public sector body will report on the success of each solution at the end of phase 2.
Phase 2 challenges can last up to 12 months, including development and testing with the public sector body. You must have a working prototype that has been tested with users by the end of this time. There will also be a beta workshop to prepare you for launching a public beta.
7. Procurement and adoption
The public sector team must intend to procure any successful phase 2 solutions. It may not be ready to buy by the end of phase 2, so this may not happen immediately.
When appropriate they should :
- follow their own procurement process
- start to write the business case for the purchase of a solution and begin discussions with their internal procurement team as soon as possible
The funding available
The total funding amounts are:
| Funding stage | Amount |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 problem | £250,000 |
| Phase 1 supplier | £50,000 (including VAT) |
| Phase 2 problem | £1,000,000 |
| Phase 2 supplier | £500,000 (including VAT) |
Further information
Read more about the GovTech Catalyst’s objectives.
Contact the GovTech Catalyst team with any questions at: enquiries-gtc@digital.cabinet-office.gov.uk