OpenYC

OpenYC is a new kind of startup accelerator built on three pillars: open by design and in name, AI-native, and rooted in public good — measured by who it helps, not just profit. Programs are intent-driven and run by governed AI agents, each paired with a Public Domain Agent (PDA): one open public expert AI per domain. The difference is what you ship. Instead of building one more private app, you connect to a city’s digital public infrastructure (DPI) — like NYC — and release your work as a digital public good (DPG): public, shared and reusable rather than locked up. The industry promised AI would help humanity, then chased profit; OpenYC keeps the promise. Example programs include Medicare.dev (easier healthcare access) and Crohn’s AI (support for people living with Crohn’s/IBD). Free to start.