The Tech-in-GOV call for projects

Last update

Introduction

The implementation of emerging technologies for the benefit of Luxembourg's public services has given rise in recent years to various types of calls for projects, namely AI4Gov, Data4Gov and NIF4Gov. At the same time, since its creation in 2020, the GovTech Lab has been launching calls for solutions to technological challenges identified within public sector bodies.

In order to address the themes of these calls for projects from a multidisciplinary perspective and to ensure consistency between projects submitted through existing channels, the Ministry for Digitalisation is now launching a single annual call for projects: the Tech-in-GOV call, designed primarily as a testing platform for disruptive technologies, in order to test in real conditions what does not yet exist in the public sector.

By responding to the Tech-in-GOV call for projects, ministries, administrations and communes, and more generally public sector bodies interested in developing and implementing innovative technological solutions within their organisation, can submit all their projects relating to artificial intelligence, data and interoperability via a single channel and in a single call. Entities with an exploratory idea – even without a specific solution – can also submit their project or issue via the Tech-in-GOV call for projects.

The public sector organisation whose project is selected will receive financial support from the Ministry for Digitalisation and guidance from a multidisciplinary group of experts.

Tech-in-GOV is not intended to replace traditional procedures; it serves to test, quickly validate and, where appropriate, abandon or roll out the technologies of tomorrow.

Three-step selection process

After the annual call for projects is launched, projects can be submitted via an online form. An information meeting is organised shortly after the call for projects is launched. Once the deadline has passed (the exact date is communicated at the launch), the selection process begins.

Stage 1: review of submitted applications

During the first stage of the Tech-in-GOV process, an initial analysis of the applications is carried out by a group of experts made up of members of the Ministry for Digitalisation, the Government IT Centre (CTIE) and the GovTech Lab. This initial analysis is based in particular on a series of predefined eligibility criteria (in French).

Applications are grouped according to the category identified by the project leaders: AI, data or interoperability. If the project leader has not specified which category their project falls into, or if the category indicated is not appropriate, the group of experts assigns the application to the category it considers most suitable.

Projects for which the solution is not clearly identifiable are taken directly by the GovTech Lab team, which examines the possibility of launching a call for solutions via its own distribution channels. These projects are then removed from the Tech-in-GOV process. The applications that are off-topic or cannot be assigned to a category, and applications for which solutions already exist or are under development, will be rejected.

Stage 2: pitch sessions

In the second stage of the Tech-in-GOV process, project leaders who have successfully completed the first stage are invited to participate in a pitch session dedicated to the theme under which their project has been classified. These project leaders then can present their project in detail to an expert committee  specially constituted for each category, which can then better understand the challenges and feasibility of the projects, as well as their potential impact. Each committee together with the directors of the Ministry and the CTIE then select the projects that will move on to the third stage of the process. This narrowing down of eligible projects is also necessary to ensure adherence to the budget limits set out for the call for projects.

The project selection criteria vary depending on the category. Overall, the following elements are taken into account:  

  • experimental potential (ability to push the boundaries of the state of the art in public services)
  • strategic alignment with public policies (national strategies, coalition agreements)
  • cross-cutting nature of the project, particularly in terms of interoperability
  • innovation and contribution of new solutions that will benefit a large number of agents, citizens or users;
  • complexity of the project and its ability to overcome technical challenges;
  • maturity of the idea;
  • speed of implementation and/or limited cost of the project;
  • contribution to improving existing interoperable infrastructure;
  • ethics and responsibility in the use of data and AI technologies;
  • ability to produce measurable, long-term results for public services.

The degree of innovation and experimental nature are priority filters. Projects that are part of an existing programme or rely on  technologies which are already available or are currently being rolled out may be redirected towards traditional development channels.

Stage 3: launch of selected projects

For projects selected following the pitch sessions and for which a clear solution has been identified, the project leader works closely with the experts responsible for monitoring the project to draw up detailed specifications with a view to finding a suitable service provider. During the project implementation phase, support is provided by the team of experts in question. The GovTech Lab process is initiated for projects for which no suitable solution has been identified.

Projects

If you would like to learn more about the projects supported by the Ministry for Digitalisation through the AI4Gov, Data4Gov, NIF4Gov and, since 2024, Tech-in-GOV calls, please follow this link.

Contact

For any questions or further information: techingov@digital.etat.lu

If you would like to receive information about Tech-in-GOV calls for projects, please fill in the online form.