Every year, the Smart Country Startup Award puts young companies in the spotlight of the digital administration sector. One person who has seized this opportunity is Leon Rückert, founder and CEO of GovIntel in Berlin. The start-up won the award in 2025 and has grown rapidly ever since.

Greater transparency for the public IT market

GovIntel helps tech companies bring their innovations to the public sector more easily. The problem is that public IT procurement is often characterised by information asymmetries: public authorities are unaware of many innovative solutions on the market, whilst companies often do not know when and where there is a specific need.

This is precisely where GovIntel comes in: the start-up collects and curates data to provide tech providers with greater transparency regarding public tenders, requirements and market potential. This enables companies to position their solutions more effectively, whilst allowing public administrations to procure more innovative technologies. GovIntel’s clients now include international cybersecurity firms, European AI scale-ups and cloud providers.

The Smart Country Startup Award as a driver of growth

Winning the Smart Country Startup Award was a real milestone for GovIntel: “Winning the Startup Award gave us a valuable boost,” says Leon Rückert. The contacts made following the Smart Country Convention proved particularly valuable. Companies that knew the challenges of public sector sales from their own experience actively approached GovIntel – some of them later became customers. Together with them, the product was continuously developed further.

Why the public sector is so exciting

For Leon Rückert, one thing is clear: the digitalisation of public administration is one of the key challenges for the future. Increasing demands, tight budgets and a shortage of skilled workers are putting growing pressure on public bodies. At the same time, the public expects a government that is capable of taking action and keeping pace with the times.

GovIntel aims to help administrations gain faster access to innovative technologies – and ensure public funds are used more efficiently. In this context, Rückert also sees the state as a strategic anchor client for innovative tech companies. After all, modern administrative solutions not only strengthen the state but also the competitiveness of the European tech ecosystem.

From the audience to the big stage

Leon Rückert has been involved with the Smart Country Convention for a long time. Even before GovIntel was founded, he was a regular visitor and exhibitor. Back then, he was particularly inspired by the pitch sessions given by other start-ups on stage.

“Last year I was up there myself – that felt really special,” he recalls. It is precisely this stage that can be a decisive door-opener for young companies: visibility, valuable contacts and direct dialogue with the public sector, politics and business all come together here in one place.

“Go for it!” – Leon’s tip for applicants in 2026

His most important advice to other start-ups? Just apply. After all, GovIntel was also at a very early stage when it applied. The product was little more than an initial prototype – yet it was enough to secure the first pilot clients and, ultimately, even the win.

Rückert particularly emphasises how little effort the application requires compared to the chance of securing a pitch slot on the Plaza Stage. Those who are invited should prepare their pitch thoroughly: “Practise, rehearse and test your pitch,” he recommends.

And even those who don’t make it straight to the final benefit from the Smart Country Convention: SCCON offers numerous opportunities for networking, discussions with potential partners and valuable insights into the digital transformation of the public sector.

Innovative start-ups can apply for the Smart Country Startup Award 2026 until 31 August. Click here to register.