Take this survey on #dctech’s inclusive innovation efforts

Local market research company Gauge is partnering with the D.C. government to conduct a study on the District’s inclusive innovation efforts.

Launched in 2017, the startup facilitates consumer feedback by matching its clients with responses from users of its AI-enabled mobile app. Gauge first got on our radar when the company was featured at the WeDC House during the 2019 SXSW conference. It was at the WeDC House that Gauge cofounders connected with D.C. government representatives to submit a proposal to launch this collaboration.

This mobile market research study follows the 2016 Pathways to Inclusion Report, which evaluated D.C.’s tech ecosystem and began to set goals for new programming and engagement. This initial report came out following Mayor Muriel Bowser’s announcement that the District set a goal to become the “Capital of Inclusive Innovation.”

Gauge will be working with the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED)’s office to conduct the study.

Gauge cofounder Brandon Andrews told Technical.ly that this new study will be an update of the 2016 Pathways to Inclusion Report, with evaluations of innovative programming that has launched since 2016. Andrews said the new report will also include ideas for ways to make #dctech more inclusive.

“Mayor Bowser is committed to creating a startup ecosystem that has opportunities for every District resident in every Ward, so this effort comes from the top,” Andrews said. “Among other things, programming and marketing at SXSW has continued, and tech and startup opportunities have been added to the Summer Youth Employment Program. This is an opportunity to evaluate all of it and make suggestions for the future.”

The study, which is accessible via an online survey and through Gauge’s app, is open to any community member who is willing to share their experience being a part of the D.C. tech ecosystem, and offer advice on how to make it more inclusive.

“We’ve already received thoughtful feedback from a range of people including local entrepreneurs, investors, students, employees at tech companies, and people interested in entrepreneurship and tech in D.C,” Andrews said. “We hope everyone will share the good, the bad, and ideas for collaboration.”

Andres said the results of the study will be released later this fall.