Gov AI Collaboratory
A participatory forum for California public-sector leaders to share real use cases and turn ideas into action – together.
Thu, Feb 5, 2026
You’re Invited to a Collaboratory Where Participants Lead.
Forget the usual conference model of fixed agendas and passive listening — this is a dynamic, participant-driven experience where every voice shapes the conversation. Using the Open Space format, attendees co-create the agenda in real time, diving into the topics that matter most and turning shared ideas into actionable outcomes.
What you’ll do.
Connect with peers facing similar challenges, share real experiences, and collectively shape how California agencies use Generative AI to better serve our communities.
- Propose and lead sessions on AI topics – from use cases to ethics to implementation
- Join peer-led discussions on challenges like data governance, model integration, and workforce readiness
- Collaborate on actionable solutions and pilot projects with fellow practitioners
- Build lasting relationships within California’s AI community
- Learn more about Open Source Format: refer to the video below, read a Blog Post
How it Works.
Focus Areas.
While participants will set the final agenda, these themes represent where California agencies are actively working on AI—from breakthrough applications to implementation challenges. Join the conversations that matter to you, or propose entirely new topics.
Emerging AI & Real Applications
From agentic systems to everyday automation – explore what’s in production, piloting, and on the horizon across California agencies.
From Pilot to Production
Navigate the path from proof-of-concept to scaled deployment with strategies for testing, integration, risk mitigation, and sustainable implementation.
Responsible AI & Governance
Build trustworthy systems with frameworks for ethics, transparency, bias mitigation, and accountability.
Workforce & Organizational Readiness
Empower your teams through training, workflow transformation, and strategies for safe, effective AI delivery.
Why this matters.
California agencies are at a pivotal moment. Generative AI offers opportunities to improve services, increase efficiency, and empower employees. Realizing that promise takes more than vendor demos—it requires open, honest dialogue among practitioners about what’s working, what’s not, and how we can accelerate progress together. Whether you’re exploring your first AI use case or scaling implementations across your agency, your perspective will help shape California’s AI future.
Who should join.
Executive Team
CIOs, CTOs, and program leaders shaping agency strategy.
Technology Leaders
Data/AI specialists, technical architects, and application-services chiefs.
Program Managers
Leaders exploring how AI can improve operations and service delivery
All levels of AI Experience Welcome
California Leaders sharing at the event.
Jeffery Marino
Director, California Office of Data and Innovation
Siri Pulipati
Mayor, City of Rancho Cordova
Ajay Gupta
Chief Digital Transformation Officer, California DMV
Who’s behind this event.
Partners in Government Innovation and Open Collaboration
SymSoft Solutions
This event is the brainchild of Savita Farooqui, Founder of SymSoft Solutions. Her firm has partnered with California agencies for over two decades. Recently she led Axyom Assist—the state’s first GenAI deployment under the RFI2 framework. Inspired by open standards and collaborative communities, she created this Collaboratory to strengthen peer learning and accelerate innovation.
Unconference.net
Kaliya Young, Founder of Unconference.net, is a veteran facilitator known for participatory events like the Internet Identity Workshop, where open collaboration has led to digital protocols now used billions of times each day. With 20+ years of experience running Open Space events around the world, she brings a proven approach to fostering collaboration and breakthrough s.
Event Information.
📅 Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
🕐 Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Location & Parking: May Lee Office Complex, 651 Bannon Street, Room 158, Sacramento, CA.
🍽️ Meals: Lunch and refreshments provided.
👥 Capacity: Limited to ensure meaningful collaboration.
✓ Eligibility: This event is free for California state and local government employees, with intentionally limited space to ensure meaningful collaboration. Register soon to claim your place in this exclusive gathering
Ready to join the Collaboratory?
Space is limited to ensure meaningful collaboration. Register early to secure your spot. Free for Public Sector Employees.
Questions? Contact events@symsoftsolutions.com