The CivStart State of GovTech conference in Kansas City proved to be an incredible gathering of leaders and innovators, and Civic Marketplace was excited to be part of the momentum as a sponsor.
The CivStart State of GovTech conference in Kansas City proved to be an incredible gathering of leaders and innovators, and Civic Marketplace was excited to be part of the momentum as a sponsor; Jordan Schupbach Clay Pearson Brian Funderburk and Al Hleileh were representing. With a focus on the future of government technology, the conference provided valuable insights, lively discussions, and actionable takeaways for transforming public sector procurement.
The Future is Now for GovTech
Kicking off the event was an exploration of GovTech market’s evolution and where it’s headed next. The consensus was clear: governments are embracing digital transformation at an unprecedented pace, and innovation in procurement is at the heart of it all. From AI-powered solutions to ethical governance, the future of public services is being shaped by technology that makes government processes faster, more efficient, and more transparent.
One of the major themes that resonated throughout the day was the role of AI in governance. Discussions centered on how AI can enhance public services while balancing ethical considerations, especially around privacy and equity. It’s a conversation that is becoming increasingly relevant as governments look to streamline operations and deliver more personalized sevices to their communities.
Another key focus was the value of partnerships in driving innovation. Whether it’s collaboration between cities and research institutions or partnerships with tech startups, the takeaway was that governments don’t have to go it alone. Civic Marketplace is excited to be part of this collaborative ecosystem, ensuring that public sector procurement connects governments with the best technology and partners to solve real-world challenges.
The Local Approach: Homegrown Solutions
A highlight of the first day was the emphasis on local innovation. With so much discussion about national and global solutions, it was refreshing to see the spotlight on cities that are using technology to tackle challenges in their own backyards. This aligns perfectly with Civic Marketplace’s mission to support local and historically underutilized businesses, helping municipalities harness the power of their own communities to drive economic growth and innovation.
Leading Change and Empowering Governments
The second day of the conference shifted gears to focus on empowering governments to lead the charge in innovation. It was really exciting to hear from our very own Clay Pearson, VP of Innovation at Civic Marketplace. Clay took part in the panel “Putting Government in the Driver's Seat of Innovation,” sharing the stage with leaders from the National League of Cities and others. The discussion? All about how governments can proactively lead innovation, not just react to it.
A key theme was that while new technology is essential, local governments must also adopt forward-thinking strategies to ensure that innovation takes root. This is where Civic Marketplace comes in, helping governments navigate procurement challenges and access cutting-edge solutions without the usual bureaucratic roadblocks.
One of the most exciting conversations centered on how governments can take control of their procurement processes, making it easier for cities to deploy transformative technologies. This is something Civic Marketplace is passionate about – giving governments the tools they need to implement innovation while staying 100% compliant.
Startup Pitches
The startup pitches highlighted innovation across different verticals.
Startup Fordje, which dramatically simplifies city codes so municipal workers and project developers can ensure accuracy and build faster, took home the Grand Prize of two thousand dollars courtesy of showcase sponsors DocuSign, CivicMarketplace, Carta, and BarronKent.
Four additional startups each won their Solution Showcase blocks:
- Tappy Guide - Block 1 Solution Showcase winner
- KeyCaliber - Block 2 Solution Showcase winner
- Madison AI - Block 3 Solution Showcase winner
- Voting Buddy - Block 4 Solution Showcase winner
Included in the judging panel was North Central Texas Council of Government’s Jon Blackman, who had excellent questions focused around agency needs and scalability.
What Does This Mean for Civic Marketplace?
The CivStart conference reinforced what we’ve known all along: public sector procurement is ripe for disruption, and Civic Marketplace is uniquely positioned to lead that change. Whether it’s supporting governments in deploying AI, streamlining procurement, or helping local businesses thrive, we’re committed to transforming how public services are delivered.
As we move forward, the connections we’ve made and the lessons learned at this conference will continue to guide us in developing solutions that empower governments, fuel innovation, and drive impactful change. The road ahead is filled with possibilities, and we’re excited to be part of the solution.
