The nonprofit accelerator announced the nine startups that completed its most recent two-year program last week. That course started in September 2022. Its new cohort will focus largely on how AI can be used effectively to support local government, which is a question industry experts are still working to answer.
The new, AI-focused group will be the program’s largest yet. Demand is also at its highest: There were 117 applicants. Participants were chosen by CivStart’s selection committee, which is made up of former and current public- and private-sector industry leaders. The firms selected will learn to leverage AI technology to address various government challenges, from risk management to infrastructure.
In addition to an increased focus on AI technology, there are a couple other new features in the program for this cohort.
First, where it has traditionally had a 24-month timetable, this time it will be a more fast-paced process over 12 months. And second, this program will be run in partnership with the National League of Cities and the GovAI Coalition.
“Together with CivStart, we can ensure that startups align with the highest governance standards and ethical considerations,” Anthony Fisher, a member of the GovAI Coalition through the Colorado Department of Revenue (CDOR), said in a statement. Fisher, the former manager of data analytics in CDOR’s Marijuana Enforcement Division, has transitioned to data governance and AI, according to LinkedIn.
The new participants are as follows: Ascendant, With, CivicReach, dependbuild, Enterprise Bot, DigsFact, Fordje, Govify, Gamr, govPanel, KeyCaliber, Polyloop, PSi, Readyly, Sensay and Voting Buddy. The companies will work with mentors from CivStart’s network, who will offer access to, and expertise from, public-sector and private-sector officials.
“It is an incredible opportunity to learn from the expertise of cities, other founders, and CivStart's mentors and leadership,” said Fordje CEO Gillian Wildfire in a statement.
The 16 new companies will join 50 other startups in the CivStart Accelerator portfolio. More information about cohort members can be found on the CivStart website.
The “AI revolution” is already happening, CivStart CEO Anthony Jamison said in a statement, and this cohort will help ensure local governments are included.
CivStart will host its 2024 State of GovTech Summit* on Sept. 10-11 in Kansas City, Mo., during which the organization’s network of government leaders will convene for information sharing. The use of AI for the public sector will be a key focus.
*The 2024 State of GovTech Summit is hosted by a partnership that includes e.Republic, Government Technology's parent company.
