The AI Upskilling Lab: Inaugural Cohort Project Showcase
What happens when a group of remarkable professionals navigating a transition out of federal (and adjacent) fields comes together to build practical AI skills through hands-on projects of their own design?
Come find out! The Inaugural Cohort of the AI Upskilling Lab, hosted by DC Public Library and Levy, has been collaborating in 6 project pods to iterate and experiment with AI tools over the past three months in order to solve real-world problems. They'll be kicking off the morning at DC Startup & Tech Week, and then running a community open house downstairs in the morning.
10-10:30am | Keynote Fireside Chat with Rep. Don Beyer
A DC Startup & Tech Week Event
Join Rep. Don Beyer, one of Congress' leading voices on AI, and Chike Aguh, former Department of Labor Chief Innovation Officer, in a conversation about the future of AI, its impact on work, and the role of government in ensuring access to AI literacy.
10:30-11:30am | Demos
A DC Startup & Tech Week Event
Join the cohort to hear from each small group or "pod" on their AI-enabled projects, designed to address a concrete personal or professional problem.
11:30-12:00pm | Public-Private Partnership Panel
A DC Startup & Tech Week Event
Join program partner Levy & founders Gerald Kierce-Itturioz (Trustible), Jeff Berkowitz (Delve), and Mark Smith (Carbon Country) for a discussion on how startups here in DC can own their government affairs.
Whether you’re an early-stage founder looking for your first pilot or leading AI engagement at scale, direct public-sector access is no longer optional. For you, it’s the growth channel hiding in plain sight. And in a city built on networks of access, learning to navigate those systems isn’t just defense—it’s your accelerant.
12:00-1:00pm | Tabling with the Cohort
A DC Startup & Tech Week Event
Directly after the morning's speaker sessions at DC Startup & Week, join the pods as they table outside of the 5th floor auditorium to view their projects close-up, ask questions, and learn more.
1:00-4:00pm | Community Open House
Join the cohort for our community open house in the first-floor new books room, featuring pods, our fabulous volunteer AI mentors, and our extended network of supporters.
2:00-4:00pm | "How Might We" Breakout Sessions
Join the members leading the spinout of The Upskilling Labs community in an impromptu design thinking exercise, surrounded by the inspiration of the pods tabling with their project demos!
Meet the Pods
Focus Flow by the ADHD Brain team: an AI-powered digital assistant specifically designed to support adults with ADHD in managing daily tasks, maintaining focus, and building sustainable routines. This product provides adaptive, non-judgmental support that works with—rather than against—ADHD traits.
Crewed: an AI-powered mentorship and job discovery platform helping recent graduates navigate the toughest job market in years.
FinLit Coach: We’re building an AI-powered solution to help DC high school students (ages 14–18) strengthen their money skills and make confident financial decisions, all while aligning with DC’s Financial Literacy Standards.
JourneyIQ: Your AI Service Design Companion. Transform your service design discovery from scattered tools and manual synthesis to an intelligent, always-learning companion that amplifies your expertise.
RideFlow DC: an AI-assisted solution that unites biking and public transit into a seamless, safe, and cost-effective route.
Trustie: an AI-powered companion tool that empowers young girls to navigate healthcare system self-confidence, independence, and clarity.