Berlin launches the “City Challenge” for the first time

The Berlin Senate Chancellery is initiating a “City Challenge” for the first time – a pilot project to develop and test digital solutions for the Berlin administration. The aim is to work with startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and scientific and research institutions to find innovative ways to create a modern, efficient and citizen-centred administration.

As part of an innovation competition, creative people are invited to submit specific proposals for solutions to two challenges facing Berlin’s administration: “Digital tender preparation” on the one hand and “Digital hall book for sports facility management and allocation” on the other.

The best ideas will be implemented as pilot projects in close cooperation with the responsible authorities.

Martina Klement, State Secretary for Digitalisation and Administrative Modernisation and Chief Digital Officer (CDO) of the State of Berlin: “We want to drive forward Berlin’s digital transformation: The “City Challenge” is part of Berlin’s smart city strategy “Gemeinsam Digital: Berlin” (GD:B), with which we are strengthening cooperation between administration, business, science and civil society. The Smart City Unit of Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie GmbH initiated the competition and is implementing it together with the Senate Chancellery. Our goal is to become the No. 1 innovation location in Europe.”

Dr. Stefan Franzke, Managing Director of Berlin Partner: “Berlin is a capital of innovation and a startup metropolis. Nowhere else do so many creative minds, courageous founders and innovative companies meet such an open urban society. With the City Challenge, we are creating precisely the space that is needed not only to think up ideas, but to put them directly into practice. A pilot project with the State of Berlin is a real springboard for startups – and a strong signal from the administration to the market. Berlin Partner’s Smart City Unit launched this competition to bring Berlins startup agenda to life – and to lead the administration and economy together into the digital future.” 

Interested parties can submit their solution ideas by 27 July 2025. The jury will award the three best submissions with 1,000 Euro each. The winning teams will have the opportunity to develop their concepts further. The two winning solutions will then be implemented as pilot projects together with the respective administrations. The Senate Chancellery is providing 25,000 Euro each for this purpose.

Further information on participation can be found at: Smart City Berlin - Detail Challenges

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