2024 Local Gov Challenge & Pitchfest

This event is hosted in partnership with the National League of Cities’ (NLC) City Inclusive Ecosystems Program, supported by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.

The 2024 Government Innovation Challenge and Pitchfest is an exciting event held in collaboration with five participating municipalities:

• Miami-Dade County

• Los Altos Hills CA

• Richmond VA

• Arlington VA

• Houston TX

Held in the Town Square Room at the Kauffman Foundation Building in Kansas City, MO, the Pitchfest aims to address critical issues faced by local entrepreneurs and residents. With a focus on supporting ecosystem-building, access to local government resources, workforce development, and data for decision-making, the Challenge is an integral part of CivStart's mission to foster innovation and collaboration within local communities. Read the full Challenge here.

Open to the public and free to attend, but space is limited. Please reserve your spot by registering today.

The 10 Startup Finalists: Citibot, EcoMap Technologies, HUUB, Munera Solutions, Polco, Qwally, SimpliCity, Televeda, trellyz, UpSquad.

April 30th Event Agenda

• 1 pm Opening Remarks

• 1:15 pm Panel with City Leaders

• 2 pm Startup Pitches

• 3:30 pm Networking Reception and Winner is Announced

• 4:30 pm Event Closes

Event Parking

Parking spaces adjacent to the building and across Rockhill Road at the Kauffman Memorial Garden are available for use by Conference Center guests on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hotel

CivStart has a room block at Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza. Contact Melinda (Melinda.Taylor@aimbridge.com) to be added.

Shuttle

Shuttle service will run between Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza and the Kauffman Foundation. On April 30th, it will depart the Marriott at 12:30 pm CST and pickup from the Kauffman Foundation at 4:45 pm CST.

Featuring panelists:

• Andrew Ngui, Senior Advisor, City Manager's Office, Kansas City, MO

• Nia Richarson, Managing Director of KC BizCare and the Office of Equity at Kansas City, MO.

Thanks to our Prize Sponsors!

Interested in attending? Register here

Interested in pitching? (Application now closed)

This is a great opportunity to get your solution in front of 5 local government leaders, as well investors and others in the audience. Applying is free, and 10 startups will be selected as finalists to join us in Kansas City, MO on April 30th for the pitchfest. All finalists are eligible for pilot or proof of concept programs with participating local governments.

A grand prize will be awarded to the startup with the best pitch for solving the government challenge statement. Thanks to our prize sponsors InState Partners, Government Technology Magazine, and DocuSign. Interested in sponsoring this event? Reach out.

The application is now closed. You can still RSVP to attend.