What's happening: The Marquette-based tech startup Syncurrent has successfully become the first artificial intelligence company to receive a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development. The $100,000 Rural Business-Cooperative Service Agreement will enable Syncurrent to use its platform to assist rural, underserved communities and tribal nations in managing the complexities of the grant process.
Syncurrent's abilities: Grant discovery is a large burden for many rural communities -- smaller municipal, county and tribal governments do not always have the funding for staff to directly discover and apply for grant opportunities. While a large wave of funding came automatically to local governments through the American Rescue Plan Act, all those funds must be dedicated to projects by the end of December 2024. Since there will be a big shift in federal funding for local governments, Syncurrent will use its AI technology to help connect Michigan communities with the best options for federal funding.
What they're saying: “Michigan’s rural communities have told us time and again they struggle with awareness of federal funding sources available to them, and with the capacity to apply for funding when they become aware of it,” said USDA Rural Development Acting State Director for Michigan Valarie Handy. “We’re excited to support Syncurrent in this pilot program that will encourage rural communities to begin using artificial intelligence in seeking out federal and state investment dollars.”
What's next: Syncurrent plans to implement a flexible application process for its pilot program, with the selection of participating groups anticipated by December 11. The company has indicated that updates on the program’s effectiveness and potential opportunities for future partnerships will follow in the hopes of growing a stronger product for underserved communities.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.