KC-area startup earns spot in first-ever AWS accelerator for emerging GovTech companies
September 21, 2023 | Startland News Staff
A Lee’s Summit-based startup focused on developing tech for the criminal justice industry has been selected for Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) inaugural GovTech Accelerator cohort.
eHawk — led by co-founders Bart Cooper and Ted Green, a former bail bondsman and trial attorney — is one of 13 companies tapped for the program. The Kansas City-built technology is driven by its RePath platform, which seeks to decrease recidivism, increase operational efficiency, improve participant outcomes, and reinforce adherence to conditions in both pre-trial and post-trial supervision, showcasing a commitment to accountable practices and economical solutions.
The tool allows users to electronically supervise the criminal justice population previously omitted from any electronic monitoring platform.
As part of the four-week AWS GovTech Accelerator cohort, which begins this month, eHawk is set to receive business development resources, as well as AWS tools and technical guidance, to enhance eHawk’s mission. The program culminates with a demo day Nov. 14 at the State of GovTech conference.
The selected startups are focused on a wide range of solutions for first responders, emergency services, corrections, and other public safety agencies, according to AWS.
By leveraging AWS to develop the next generation of GovTech technology, the startups aim to address justice and public safety challenges, such as increasing community engagement, deterring crime, and reducing recidivism, said Kim Majerus, vice president of global education and U.S. state and local government at AWS.
“The AWS GovTech Accelerator was created to support the development of technologies that can address these challenges,” said Majerus. “The 13 startups selected have demonstrated a technology solution that has real-world application, and we are excited to work with them.”
Click here to learn more about the other 12 companies in the cohort, which hail from coast to coast with eHawk the sole Midwestern startup included.

2023 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
What a catch: Kansas City fandom creates custom appeal for taco-loving cartoonist vibe
Drawing from Kansas City’s spotlight moments — whether trendy and new or iconic and timeless — W. Dave Keith balances a quirky aesthetic with a practical focus on what will actually sell. “I’ve slowly learned that if I want to make money off this business, I need to make stuff that people want to buy,”…
Power through purpose: How a winding journey led this eco devo steward to deep-rooted impact
Editor’s note: The following story was written and first published by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC). Click here to read the original story. Going behind the scenes of CCED with the people who make it happen Some people are drawn to city-building because of the bricks and steel, the architecture, the skyline, the grandeur…
Missouri’s weapon in the AI race with China: KC tech companies, says GOP lawmaker
As artificial intelligence reshapes the way Kansas City works, civic and elected leaders want to ensure small businesses and the region’s tech community have seats at the table. Federal regulation could help, said Eric Schmitt. “For me, [it’s about] making sure that the big tech companies don’t block out a lot of the innovators, say…
ECJC carves out early-stage startup track for its popular mentoring program: GMS-Tech
After a decade boosting Kansas City founders, Growth Mentoring Service at ECJC is expanding to target assistance specifically toward the region’s early-stage technology startups — using the same proven approach: high-impact, team-based mentoring from top-tier business leaders who’ve already been through it. “We have all these amazing volunteer mentors with deep expertise as either technologists…


