As a part of the 2026 Colorado Startup Week festival, Union Hall board member Henry Lai is producing and hosting an event that centers civic technology.

---

About the Event

How can we inspire people to build solutions that can increase democracy and engagement instead of detachment and disillusionment? With the current climate of technological pessimism, we are encouraging optimism about our future. This panel will highlight companies working on innovative civic technology, speak on the relationship between government and tech, address challenges facing both, and renew faith in what technology can do for society.

Speaker Bio

Henry is the founder and CEO of Populist, a civic data company that makes election and legislation information more accessible for citizens and organizations. He previously worked at agencies in NYC as an art and creative director, and has helped lead grassroots environmental campaigns in Colorado. He has a background in design, technology, film, and activism, and currently calls Denver home.