Lessons from AI Builders in the States

​As states move rapidly to regulate artificial intelligence, startups and small businesses are increasingly forced to navigate a fragmented and inconsistent policy landscape. This Capitol Hill lunch briefing brings together founders from early-stage AI companies working in agriculture, civic technology, and digital identity, along with Neil Chilson, Head of AI Policy at the Abundance Institute, to discuss how a growing patchwork of state AI laws creates real compliance challenges for innovators and why a clear national framework is essential to protect consumers while enabling American businesses to grow and compete.

Date: January 21, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Location: U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, Room HC-8

​Chick-fil-A lunch provided. 

​Speakers include:

• ​Megan Nunes, Bountiful

• ​Jeremy Becker, Cloverleaf

• ​Melissa Hutchins, Certifi AI

• ​Darryl Keeton, Sensagrate

• ​Neil Chilson, Abundance Institute

• ​Moderator: Taylor Barkley, Abundance Institute