Initiative overview
The AI Accelerator programme promotes responsible use of artificial intelligence within government agencies by identifying urgent needs and demonstrating how AI can improve daily operations. Established by the Office of Artificial Intelligence and Policy at the North Carolina Department of Information Technology through an Executive Order issued by Governor Josh Stein on 2 September 2025, the programme has collected use cases from 15 state entities to explore AI-driven solutions. Its goal is to foster innovation, streamline processes, and enhance public service delivery.
Each use case undergoes rigorous evaluation for feasibility, impact, and ethics using 32 criteria focused on public value, technical viability, and risk mitigation. The Office of Artificial Intelligence and Policy ensures data carries minimal risk and excludes personal citizen information. After initial review, submissions are vetted by two boards: one within the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (including Enterprise Security and Risk Management Office, Enterprise Architecture Office, Enterprise Collaboration Services Office, Legal Office, and Communications Office) and the AI Executive Leadership Committee, which includes the State Chief Information Officer and the Chief Operating Officer for the Office of the Governor. This multi-tiered process guarantees alignment with state objectives and ethical standards.
Approved projects often involve vendor collaboration under a no-cost participation agreement that mandates responsible data handling and compliance. Once a vendor is selected, agencies engage in a 60-day sprint where problems are defined, data shared, and prototypes developed. Vendors provide hands-on testing opportunities, while the Office of Artificial Intelligence and Policy tracks success metrics and ensures compliance. At the end of the engagement, stakeholders review outcomes and decide on full-scale implementation.
Vendor partnerships are central to success, offering technical expertise and innovative solutions that agencies might not otherwise access. In just a few months, the programme received 47 use cases, approved six, and has 17 under review. Twelve vendors have signed participation agreements, with six actively engaged. The programme will continue indefinitely, enabling agencies to explore AI technologies that improve efficiency, decision-making, and service delivery.
