Slingshot and the University of Louisville Host Live AI Forum to Showcase AI-Powered Civic Tech Prototype
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Louisville software development firm Slingshot to headline UofL AI Forum with real-world generative AI demo for business leaders and students
Louisville, KY – May 15th, 2025 – Slingshot, a Louisville-based software and innovation consultancy, will join the University of Louisville’s College of Business for an in-person and virtual AI Forum event showcasing a real-world case study in AI-driven civic innovation.
The event will spotlight CivicPulse, an AI-powered tool designed to improve access to local government legislation, developed by Slingshot during a one-day hackathon in partnership with the Center for Neighborhoods.
The forum will take place on Thursday, May 29th, in Room 351 of the College of Business and will focus on AI through product design, rapid development, and cross-functional team dynamics. The event aims to inspire Louisville’s business and academic communities to understand how AI transforms the product development lifecycle.
“AI is a transformational force and we’re at a unique point in business where everything, not just software development, must be re-thought,” said David Galownia, CEO at Slingshot. “The CivicPulse hackathon showcased how roles will change dramatically with the power of AI, and how weeks of work can be condensed to a single day.”
Inside the Presentation
Led by UofL alums at Slingshot, the session will walk attendees through the rapid build of CivicPulse, an AI-powered civic tech prototype completed in just one day.
- Vision & Product: Sarah Bhatia, Principal Product Lead, will share how AI tools redefined ideation, product design, and real-time collaboration.
- Technical Execution: Developer insights into code generation, developing with prompts, and harnessing the power of AI inside a product
- Client Perspective: Carla Dearing and Mikal Forbush at the Center for Neighborhoods reflect on the process, surprises, and business value.
- Strategic Impact: Slingshot leaders reveal how AI compressed timelines, shifted team roles, and expanded possibilities.
Dr. Jeff Guan, Interim Dean at the College of Business, emphasized the broader impact: “This isn’t just for developers. It’s for every business leader wondering how AI reshapes strategy, teams, and competitive advantage. Our forum brings those conversations to life.”
The event is part of UofL’s AI Forum series, which aims to demystify artificial intelligence for business professionals and students alike. Previous events have featured case studies of AI in business; this session will focus on actionable business insights and live demonstrations of AI in action.
Why It Matters
CivicPulse, a functioning prototype built in a single day, converts complex ordinance documentation into accessible summaries, using real legislative data. The tool showcases how AI can accelerate technical development, product-market validation, stakeholder alignment, and civic transparency.
“This event is more than a presentation; it’s a call to rethink how fast, aligned, and impactful your product strategy can be,” said Chris Howard, Slingshot’s CIO.
Event Details
- Date: May 29th, 2025
- Time: 8:00 AM ET
- Location: Room 351, UofL College of Business (In-person + Virtual options available)
About Slingshot
Slingshot is a Louisville-based software development consultancy specializing in product strategy, staffing teams, and AI-driven innovation. The firm partners with companies to create digital solutions that align with business goals and user needs. For more information, visit www.yslingshot.com.
About the Center for Neighborhoods
The Center for Neighborhoods is a Louisville-based nonprofit that builds stronger communities through civic engagement, leadership development, and neighborhood-based initiatives.
UofL College of Business
The University of Louisville College of Business equips students to excel in a data-driven world with strong business analytics and entrepreneurship programs. Emphasizing teamwork and real-world experience fosters hands-on learning and industry involvement to develop future leaders who can tackle complex challenges.
Written by: Savannah Cherry
Savannah is our one-woman marketing department. She posts, writes, and creates all things Slingshot. While she may not be making software for you, she does have a minor in Computer Information Systems. We’d call her the opposite of a procrastinator: she can’t rest until all her work is done. She loves playing her switch and meal-prepping.
