KC-area startup earns spot in first-ever AWS accelerator for emerging GovTech companies

September 21, 2023  |  Startland News Staff

Lady Justice statue; unsplash image

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.

Bart Cooper, eHawk

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Why KCRise Fund chose a Lee’s Summit-built criminal justice smartphone app for its first lead investment

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.

Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) inaugural GovTech Accelerator cohort

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

Tagged , , , ,
Featured Business
    Featured Founder

      2023 Startups to Watch

        stats here

        Related Posts on Startland News

        Arts summit’s three-year move to KC celebrates flyover country creatives (and the entrepreneurs who make it)

        By Tommy Felts | April 24, 2025

        Great art stands on its own merits, said Diane Scott, but if the artist behind a piece can’t or doesn’t sell their vision to the world, their expression hasn’t achieved its goal. “Nobody makes art to not share it with other people,” added Scott, director of artist services for the Kansas-City based Mid-America Arts Alliance,…

        How this ‘Hallmark town’ gets its country charm from a Main Street serial entrepreneur

        By Tommy Felts | April 24, 2025

        Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it. WARSAW, Mo. — Owning her own boutique — and…

        Landlord insurance startup using $30M round to invest in KC team; here’s where its hiring

        By Tommy Felts | April 23, 2025

        An eight-figure funding injection is expected to allow Steadily to fuel growth in its greatest asset: talent, shared OverlandPark-based co-founder and COO Datha Santomieri. On Wednesday, the landlord insurance startup — with headquarters in Overland Park and Austin, Texas — announced a $30 million Series C round led by Two Sigma Ventures with participation from…

        Community honors ‘relentless storm’ of Chicano culture (starting with its unsung women)

        By Tommy Felts | April 22, 2025

        An emotional celebration of Chicana women leaders, artists, and advocates earlier this month centered on honoring resilience and reclaiming identity — something Deanna Muñoz once felt pressured to hide. “I used to shrink myself,” said Muñoz, founder of the Chicano Center for the Arts and the first-ever ¡Viva La Chicana! Awards. “To fit in, to…