AI, Collaboration, and Innovation in Government: A Bold Year for Advancing CivStart’s Mission
- CivStart
- Jul 23, 2024
- 3 min read
by Niles Friedman, Executive Adcisor at Star Insights and Chair of the Board, CivStart
CivStart, a nonprofit organization dedicated to sparking innovation and collaboration within local government, recently released its 2023 Impact Report: "Celebrating Five Years of Government Innovation." This report highlights CivStart's role across the entire ecosystem of local government innovation and outlines a bold strategic vision for the future.
As CivStart crosses the halfway point for 2024, they are delivering on that strategy and vision. The focus has been on foundational programs while continuing to establish new and innovative partnerships and programs for local government, startups, and the broader GovTech community.
Accelerator
This flagship program is in its fifth year. In 2024, there was more interest than in any previous year, with over 100 applications for the AI cohort. As a result, CivStart is in the process of confirming over 20 startups this year — more than any previous year — that will be part of this AI cohort and plans to announce them by August 2024. More details on all the ways CivStart is growing impactful startups for government can be found here.
"More than just a fad, generative AI technologies are rapidly expanding the possibilities for municipalities to serve their residents, businesses, and other communities. Our next cohort of startups is going to be advancing these technological frontiers in deep partnership with our municipal partners to ensure trust, privacy, accuracy, and responsible development of this powerful technology." - Anthony Jamison, CEO
State of GovTech
The 2024 State of GovTech is looking to be one of the strongest since CivStart started these events in 2021. Attendees will “discover the people, technologies, policies, and cultures that make up the GovTech ecosystem.” The State of Govtech is hosted in Kansas City, MO, this year in partnership with the National League of Cities (NLC) and eRepublic with a rich agenda created in collaboration with their Content Committee of government and GovTech leaders.
Some key themes brought to the agenda by recommendation of the Content Committee include:
Meaningful conversations among leaders and practitioners in innovation and technology
Practical uses of GenAI in local government, from public-service delivery to community engagement
Cybersecurity trends and practices at the county level
The future of transit and mobility across cities
Practical skills in human-centered design for government programs
"For the first time in partnership with the National League of Cities, this year's State of GovTech promises to be a vital event — with everything from market trends to investor insights, to innovation best practices and workshops, to startup pitches and networking opportunities. The people in the room will be those actively shaping the future of local government." - Nick Lyell, Chief Impact Officer
Innovation Hub
This year, CivStart launched an online platform for collaboration across the ecosystem: The CivStart Innovation Hub in partnership with NLC. They’ve had more than a dozen Hot Topic webinars, added hundreds of resources, and over 700 members have joined the platform already, with more joining every day. Read more about the Hub and how to get involved to join this exciting new platform.
“This year's Challenge & Pitchfest was a perfect example of the power of bringing together our network of startups and governments to build something greater: important connections, expert education, and implementation of real-world leading-edge solutions to municipal problems." Sarah Nicoll, Chief Strategy Officer
The Board of Directors
CivStart's board of directors oversees programming, high-level strategy, and financial health. Our annual retreat in February coincided with the release of the Five Year Impact Report and provided CivStart with a strong foundation from which to continue to work as we execute CivStart's new strategic plan, prioritize programs that align with our core mission, and support future growth opportunities. The ten board members represent work across all levels of government: nonprofits, funders, and the private sector, pushing CivStart to continue to think about how they add value to their clients and partners while foraging a new pathway for impact.
"Over the last few years, CivStart has continued to build upon its strong foundation of innovation programs and partnerships while remaining nimble to meet the evolving needs of local government and startups. The CivStart Board is steadfast in its support of CivStart's mission and strategic vision" – Niles Friedman, Board Chair, CivStart
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