Innovation and Modernization Program

Resources for future applications

Agencies applying for grants in the future will need to submit a Business Case and a Project Pitch Deck. This webpage will be updated regularly, so please return for the latest information. If you have questions about this program, please contact improgram@watech.wa.gov.

Projects funded to date

Progress update - October 2023

Approximately $92,000 remains in WaTech’s Innovation and Modernization fund and is available to help agencies create innovative ways to modernize their systems. Agencies with projects meeting the following criteria above should submit project proposals by Oct. 31, 2023.

Agencies are encouraged to seek funding for IT projects that:

•          Can be completed by June 30, 2024.

•          Cost less than $93,000 or have a funding gap under that amount.

•          Demonstrate creative and innovate solutions to business problems.

•          Reduce multiple legacy technologies.

To apply, agencies must submit a completed Business Case and a Project Pitch Deck to: improgram@watech.wa.gov.

The IT Investment Board will review agency proposals and invite agencies to pitch their projects at an upcoming meeting.  Proposals should align with the rating criteria established by the IT Investment Board.

The funding will help modernize antiquated systems and processes at state agencies. For example, in the first round of funding, the Department of Ecology received funds to automate its current paper-based system to process several hundred water rights each year. Ecology’s paper system will be replaced with a user-friendly customer portal to access applications, apply and pay the fee(s) online, and check the status.​

All of the funding comes from an appropriation created by the Washington state Legislature earlier this year that enables WaTech to provide funds to agencies looking for innovative ways to modernize their systems. All of the projects are “shovel ready,” so to speak, and expected to be completed before the end of the current fiscal year. All of the projects will have WaTech oversight.

The Technology Services Board is the approving authority for all proposed projects recommended by the IT Investment Board. The board intends to recommend projects for funding at the November TSB meeting.