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CivStart Gov Tech Accelerator Selects 13 New Companies

The annual effort helps firms access expertise and other resources, which in turn can lead to better tools for local and state governments. Among the areas of focus are benefits programs and bodycam video management.

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Civic engagement, public benefits programs and process digitization stand as some of the main areas of focus for a gov tech accelerator called CivStart.

The accelerator, a nonprofit working closely with the National League of Cities and based in Washington, D.C., has selected 13 companies to take part in its annual GovTech Accelerator Program.

Those companies will receive knowledge and resources designed to help participants build tools for local governments. Eight of the 13 companies have women and minority founders, according to a press release from the accelerator.

“Our network of public officials keep us informed on their top issues, and we are proud to say that this cohort is meeting some of the most difficult challenges facing state and local governments,” Anthony Jamison, CEO of CivStart, said in the statement. “Whether it's improving public engagement or digital workflows during a pandemic, rethinking 911, or increasing employment and building up a more equitable economy at a local level, this is a very impressive array of solutions for state and local governments.”

Among the companies selected is TruTriage, a Maryland-based firm that makes a remote video-enabled nurse triage tool for emergency dispatch centers. The aim is to reduce costs and ER crowding in smaller communities.

“We are creating a new market space for 911 nurse triage in communities around the U.S. to help reduce the disproportionate burden of care that falls on those who have no other care options available and rely on emergency medical services,” said CEO Ian Hamilton in the statement. “We feel that with CivStart’s wide network we will be able to scale more quickly, raise product awareness and provide these valuable services to more communities around the country.”

Other companies set to take part in the accelerator program include California-based Emgage, whose platform handles onboarding for vendors, employees and local government services; JusticeText, whose software aids review of bodycam footage and other evidence; and Konveio, a Denver firm whose contextual feedback platform enables better communication between city staff and stakeholders.

Other companies selected by CivStart include:

  • Govsolver, whose technology helps with benefits administration tasks for public agencies
  • Proof, which helps governments go paperless
  • RiseKit, whose technology helps low-income residents to access services, among other tasks
  • Rheaply, a dual asset management and marketplace system
  • Socialwyze, whose mobile app is designed to pay unemployed people for public benefit work
  • Third Estate Analytics, designed to help governments address neighborhood inequity
  • UpSquad, a community management and events platform
  • FAIRTIQ, a transit mobile ticketing app
  • Viva Translate, a conversation translation technology

Editor's note: This story has been updated to clarify the relationship between CivStart and the National League of Cities.