The AI Accelerator allows vendors to connect with state agencies to rapidly prototype AI solutions. It provides a structured platform for agencies to submit unresolved challenges and collaborate with vendors on rapid prototyping through 60-day sprints – not production-ready solutions but proof-of-concept demonstrations.

This is a collaborative program. No money changes hands during the sprint, allowing vendors to remain eligible for future procurement opportunities.

Why Participate as a Vendor?

  • Showcase your solutions: Align your technology with agency pain points, demonstrate feasibility in a controlled setting and help support North Carolina’s AI innovation efforts. 
  • No procurement conflict: Participation is non-commercial. No money changes hands during the sprint so vendors remain eligible for future RFPs. 
  • Early access to use cases: Gain insight into agency priorities and position your offerings for upcoming procurement opportunities.

How Does the AI Accelerator Work?

  1. Agency intake: Agencies submit use cases through the Accelerator Intake Form, outlining their needs, success metrics and available data. Vendors may also encourage agencies to submit identified use cases. 
  2. Matching process: The Office of AI & Policy reviews submissions, refines requirements and pairs agencies with suitable vendors based on their capabilities and technologies. Vendors may also present use cases they have identified with agencies.
  3. 60-day sprint: Vendors collaborate with agencies to build a minimum viable prototype (MVP), focusing on speed and feasibility rather than full-scale deployment. 
  4. Post-sprint path: Agencies decide whether to pursue production solutions through standard procurement channels. The Office of AI & Policy provides guidance and advice, but the agency decides whether to proceed.

Vendor Benefits

  • Visibility: Showcase your technology to state agencies.  
  • Future opportunities: Participation does not disqualify you from future RFPs.  
  • Education: Help shape agency understanding of AI capabilities.

Vendor Participation Expectations

Understand the Purpose

The goal of the AI Accelerator is to demonstrate feasibility, not sell a product. Vendors should focus on showing how they can address an agency’s needs.

Agree to Program Terms

Prior to participating in the AI Accelerator, vendors must submit a Global Participation Agreement to confirm the following:

  • No funds will be exchanged during the sprint.
  • There will be no unsolicited sales pitches during prototyping.
  • They are committed to collaborative engagement with the agency and NCDIT.

Prepare for the 60-Day Sprint

Once we have matched you with an agency, we will ask you to bring adaptable, pre-existing solutions that can be tailored to the agency’s needs. Be prepared to quickly deliver a minimum viable prototype (MVP) and be able to adapt to feedback from the agency.

Collaborate Professionally

We want to ensure that everyone is working closely to develop an effective solution and sharing insights and technical expertise.

How to Sign Up

1.    Download, review and sign the Global Participation Agreement.
2.    Complete the AI Accelerator Vendor Intake Form.
3.    Our team will contact you to hold an initial discussion to better understand your solutions.

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