CivStart, a gov tech-focused startup accelerator, has announced the 10 finalists for the the 2024 Government Innovation Challenge and Pitchfest.
Scheduled for April 30 in Kansas City, Mo., the competition focuses on local government services. Participants include officials from five municipalities: Richmond and Arlington, Va.; Miami-Dade County, Fla.; Houston; and Los Altos Hills, Calif.
“This event is a fantastic opportunity for government entities, startups, investors and impact-focused professionals to come together and explore innovative solutions," said Sarah Nicoll, CivStart’s co-founder and chief strategy officer, in a statement. "We're excited to showcase the groundbreaking ideas of our top 10 finalists and facilitate meaningful connections within the gov tech ecosystem."
According to CivStart, all finalists are “eligible for pilot or proof-of-concept programs with participating local governments.”
The grand-prize winner, meanwhile, earns a $1,000 cash prize, a showcase on Government Technology’sICYMI, two free political consultations with InState Partners and a free year of the CivStart Community Bootcamp.
The finalists are:
- Citibot, which sells AI-based communications for public agencies
- EcoMap Technologies, which focuses on chatbots and data-focused platforms
- HUUB, a central location for small businesses and economic development
- Munera Solutions, which deals with infrastructure investment, procurement and related areas
- Polco, a provider of survey tools for governments
- Qwally, a business engagement platform
- SimpliCity, content management for municipalities
- Televeda, a platform for community organizations
- Trellyz, which deals with public-sector supply chain management
- UpSquad, whose services involve communications and engagement
In the last half of 2023, CivStart announced the new companies that had gained admittance into the nonprofit’s gov tech accelerator program. Work done by those startups include AI-powered lawmaking, food waste reduction, court access and citizen engagement.
