AI Demo Day — GitLab Foundation

Demo Day

🗓 Thursday, September 3rd, 2026

📍 The Great Hall in the Gallup Building

Washington, D.C.

*Detailed Agenda Below

Join us in Washington, D.C. for an exclusive in-person Demo Day hosted by the GitLab Foundation, OpenAI, Ballmer Group and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The event will spotlight bold, visionary projects from our AI for Economic Opportunity Fund.

These teams are harnessing the power of AI to tackle some of today’s toughest economic challenges—from workforce access to income mobility—with real-world solutions that could improve millions of lives and unlock billions in lifetime earnings.

Expect big ideas, high-impact innovation, and meaningful connections. Attendees will include funders, partners and innovators supported by the GitLab Foundation, OpenAI, Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Ballmer Group.

Come see what’s possible—and help shape what’s next.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to partnerships@gitlabfoundation.org.

Watch the Livestream here!

Agenda

Check-in starts at 2:00 PM. Please arrive on time to pass through security and enjoy refreshments before the event.
Join GitLab Foundation's Ellie Bertani (President & CEO) and Caroline Whistler (Board member) as they open Demo Day with an interactive welcome, followed by a keynote speech from OpenAI's Chan Park (Head of U.S. & Canada Policy and Partnerships).
After an introduction by GitLab Foundation's Matt Zieger (Chief Programs & Partnerships Officer), the first group of grantees take the stage for their pitches.
Join Ellie Bertani (GitLab Foundation), Alex Nawar (OpenAI Academy), and alumni grantees Dustin Palmer (GiveDirectly) and Paige Swanstein (Student Basic Needs Coalition) as they sit down for a fireside chat.
After an introduction by GitLab Foundation's Matt Zieger (Chief Programs & Partnerships Officer), the final group of grantees take the stage for their pitches.
Wrap up Demo Day 2026 at the closing reception and take a moment to connect with fellow attendees. Meet the grantees, hear more about their projects and ask questions about their work. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.