Gov. Gavin Newsom is bringing California’s tech talent into state government operations with a new initiative aimed at making government more efficient and effective for all Californians.
On July 14, Newsom announced the California Breakthrough Project, a task force made up of top tech executives from companies such as Snap Inc., Instacart, Ripple, and Coinbase. The group met for the first time in June and will work directly with state leaders and front-line employees to identify inefficiencies, modernize systems, and improve public services.
“Our state is uniquely positioned to bring the best and brightest together to advance our work,” said Newsom. “We will not shy away from progress, but embrace it for the benefit of all Californians, including our state workforce.”
The Governor also signed an executive order requiring every state agency to implement new efficiency measures. The order directs agencies to streamline hiring, contracts and procurement, while encouraging faster, more effective public service delivery.
The project builds on Newsom’s earlier work to modernize state government. Since 2019, California has upgraded the DMV, used AI and drone technology to help fight wildfires, and implemented digital tools to improve traffic and public safety. Under a new platform called Engaged California, state workers will now be invited to help shape future improvements through a digital democracy platform.
The California Breakthrough Project will maintain public transparency and ethical safeguards. It will also explore how artificial intelligence can be safely and responsibly used in public services. The group includes leaders such as Ron Conway of SV Angel, Asheesh Birla, and Chris Larsen of Ripple, among others.
California has also partnered with tech company NVIDIA on an AI training and innovation program to prepare workers and students for the future.
Newsom said the goal is to move beyond slow, outdated systems and toward a more agile, tech-forward approach to governance.
“This is about creating real results for real people,” he said. “We’re focused on making government work better — because Californians deserve nothing less.”
State officials say the initiative reflects California’s broader push to modernize government operations and deliver faster, more effective public services through innovation, technology, and collaboration with industry leaders.
