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NEWS FEED
Startups need foundational digital trade policy made permanent
At the end of this month, a critical digital trade policy relied upon by startups is set to expire unless policymakers act. March 26–29, the World Trade Organization's (WTO) 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14) will convene in Yaoundé, Cameroon, where the WTO Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions will expire if it is not renewed.
#StartupsEverywhere: New York, n.y.
From an investor at an acquired startup to the Senior Director of Engineering at Snap Inc., Chad DePue has spent his career working throughout the tech ecosystem. Now, Chad is bringing his experience to his own startup–Sitch–an AI-powered dating app that plays the role of matchmaker for its users. We sat down with Chad to talk about Section 230, the state of AI regulation, and more.
Response of Engine Advocacy regarding DHS Docket No. USCIS
Engine submitted a letter to a key congressional committee outlining startup priorities in the tax package
#StartupsEverywhere: Oxford, Neb.
When Sally Bunnell saw the sun setting on traditional music content production, she pivoted to user-generated content in the travel industry. Her app, NaviSavi, gives its users the opportunity to share and plan destination vacations based on the video content they and others share. We sat down with Sally to talk about her company, her approach to content moderation, and her experience building a company in Nebraska.
Implications for startups of House online safety package
This week, a key House committee will consider a trove of online safety proposals, marking movement on one of the many intractable tech policy issues Congress perennially debates but rarely advances to the president’s desk. The proposed legislation comes with potential for a big impact on how startups design customer experiences, deliver their services, and interact with their users—regardless of those users’ ages.
AI policy impacts startup competitiveness
In every corner of the economy, there is a flourishing ecosystem of startups building AI, building with AI, and using AI to better everyday tasks. Some startups are building their own machine learning models to perform specific tasks. Most startups, though, are leveraging foundation models—either by licensing from market leaders or accessing open source—to fine-tune and build unique products.
#StartupsEverywhere: Durham N.C.
Based in Durham, North Carolina, Ver Coaching utilizes virtual reality to help athletes refine their visual skills and enhance their mental performance. We sat down with founder Michael Halpert and discussed grants that helped launch the platform, patents, accessibility and educational barriers, and the future of Ver Coaching.
#StartupsEverywhere: Chicago, Ill.
Co-founded by Aniirudh "Ani" Ramesh and Joshua Waite, asters specializes in next-generation AI-based simulation products. We sat down with Ani and Joshua to discuss what led them to found asters, the work they do, the impacts of the closing federally funded projects and programs, hurdles related to federal and state funding, and what the future of asters will entail.
Startup News Digest 02/06/26
30 years of Section 230 supporting user expression online, despite continued scrutiny
#StartupsEverywhere: New York, N.Y.
Despite decades of technological innovation, filing an insurance claim today remains as unnerving, unclear, and unpleasant for the policyholder as it was 30 years ago. Regina Jaslow saw this stagnation and founded Innocuous AI to improve the insurance claims process for all stakeholders involved – from the policyholder to the insurance carrier and everyone along the way that is involved in the claims process. We recently had the opportunity to chat with Regina about her company, her product, and why it’s important to engage with regulators about the realities of AI in the insurance sector.
Engine releases 2026 Startup Agenda
Today, Engine published the 2026 Startup Policy Agenda, highlighting the policy issues coming up this year that will impact startups.
Engine releases Startup Policy Playbook for 2026
Today, Engine published the 2026 Startup Policy Playbook, highlighting the policy issues coming up this year that will impact startups.
#StartupsEverywhere: Hillsboro, Ore
Instinct is a wildlife-surveying tech company based in Oregon. Founded by Ashwin Datta, the company focuses on conservation natural resource management by providing data on species inhabiting the forests using an automated real-time, edge-computing, satellite-enabled bioacoustic monitoring device. We sat down with Ashwin to discuss his journey, the current challenges with trade, their experience with patents, and broadband accessibility.
How expanding unlicensed spectrum spurs startup innovation
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously voted earlier this week to expand and enhance the use of unlicensed spectrum in the 6 GHz band, increasing high-quality wireless connectivity for innovative technologies developed and used by startups.