The world’s leading summit on pro-democracy technology
June 10, 2025 — June 11, 2025
In light of exceptional political times, and that 2025 marked 10 years since TICTeC began, TICTeC 2025 had a renewed focus on “Pro-Democracy Technology”.
The Impacts of Civic Technology Conference (TICTeC) 2025 took place in Mechelen (Belgium) and online on 10 and 11 June 2025, with thanks to support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), Porticus, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Global Innovation Hub, Meet in Mechelen and Stad Mechelen.
TICTeC 2025 bought together 212 civic technologists, philanthropists, government and civil society representatives – 134 in-person and 78 online – and 37 countries were represented.
Thank you to all the wonderful TICTeC 2025 speakers, attendees and sponsors/supporters.
The schedule of sessions that took place can be viewed below. Where there are videos and slides for a session, you can access them via the Schedule page below. Just click on ‘see session detail’ to see which resources there are.
Threats to democracy and civic power are rising across the world.
Anti-democratic actors aren’t standing still – and are constantly learning how to use technology to extend their power and control over people.
Democracy’s reaction to this needs to be not to reject technology but to use it to evolve and compete, particularly in addressing society-changing issues like climate change.
Democracy needs to be fast, effective and popular, and technology can and is helping to achieve this.
That’s why TICTeC exists – to highlight and examine these pro-democracy technologies, in a collaborative and safe space.
The 2025 TICTeC conference focused on exploring the impact of pro-democracy tech innovations across several critical themes: Access to information (ATI) and open data; Democracy, people and politics; and climate change.
In each of these areas, we explored ‘defensive’ and ‘constructive’ approaches. Defensive approaches safeguard the openness democracy needs to operate – while constructive approaches build the capacity of the engine of democratic progress.
We are very grateful to Porticus, the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Global Innovation Hub, Meet in Mechelen and Stad Mechelen for their generous support of TICTeC 2025.
Future TICTeC conferences are currently unfunded, and we’re seeking supporters and sponsors to help keep them going. TICTeC is the only global conference that brings together the people who are actively building, using and researching technology to improve democracy—not just talking about change, but making it happen. If you’d like to support mySociety in continuing to convene this unique, action-focused community, please get in touch.
If you’d like to be kept informed of our next TICTeC activities and events, please sign up for updates or get in touch if you have any questions.
Image credits: Meet in Mechelen
9:15 am |
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Conference registration & refreshmentsOnly registered attendees can attend. Sign up here if you’d like to come! Where: Mechelen-Centraal (First floor of Lamot Congress and Heritage Centre) |
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10:00 am |
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10:00 am · Auditorium / Livestreamed Welcome to TICTeC 2025Livestream available for registered online attendees only Speakers |
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10:15 am |
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10:15 am · Auditorium / Livestreamed Welcome to Mechelen, TICTeC 2025’s host cityLivestream available for registered online attendees only Speakers
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10:30 am |
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10:30 am · Auditorium / Livestreamed Keynote address: Reclaiming democratic technology governance for our societyLivestream available for registered online attendees only |
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11:15 am |
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11:15 am · Auditorium / Livestreamed Defending democracy with/from techLivestream available for registered online attendees only |
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11:45 am |
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Refreshment breakWhere: Mechelen-Centraal + outdoor terrace, weather permitting (First floor) |
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12:00 pm |
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12:00 pm Meet & chatLivestream available for registered online attendees only |
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12:30 pm |
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Standing buffet lunchWhere: Mechelen-Centraal + outdoor terrace, weather permitting (First floor) |
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1:30 pm |
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1:30 pm · Auditorium OPTION 1: Tech for better electionsCountering information disorder in Nigerian electionsLivestream available for registered online attendees only Empowering young voters through Voting Aid ApplicationsLivestream available for registered online attendees only Quick count with cutting-edge technology tools on the 2024 Venezuelan elections
The 2024 elections were the most important in the modern history of Venezuela. A quick count project aimed to provide the real results of the elections to stakeholders immediately — and was a huge success, providing the election results before the regime announced the results in a public broadcast.
Please note, this session won't be livestreamed.
Q&A for ‘Tech for better elections’ session (i.e. the above three presentations) |
1:30 pm · Dijlezaal OPTION 2: Enabling pro-democracy technology: what do we need from government and public authorities?
Many previous developments in civic tech and pro-democracy tech have been made possible by the actions of governments, parliaments and other authorities, through legislation, access to information (such as data, transcripts or code) or even funding.
But what enabling infrastructure, policies and approaches should we be demanding of governments now? Join this short workshop to discuss.
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1:30 pm · Herten Aas OPTION 3: Defending democracy, internet freedom and digital securityWhat digital security solutions [don’t] work for civil society organisations
Civil society organisations combat dictatorships, corruption, election falsifications, etc — and so are natural enemies to actors with huge amount of resources and motivation to fight back.
Hear RESIDENT.ngo's experience with recent sophisticated attacks in Eastern Europe, and learn what measures actually work for small to medium civil society organisations.
Please note: This session won't be livestreamed or recorded.
Anti-Corruption, Collaboration, and Capacity: How African Civil Society is advancing Pro-Democracy InnovationLivestream available for registered online attendees only SpeakersNew Belarus: showcasing digital innovation to strengthen democracy, transparency, and civic participationLivestream available for registered online attendees only Q&A for ‘Defending democracy, internet freedom and digital security’ session (i.e. the above presentations) |
2:45 pm |
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Refreshment breakWhere: Mechelen-Centraal + outdoor terrace, weather permitting (First floor) |
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3:00 pm |
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3:00 pm · Auditorium OPTION 1: Access to Information for the public goodInfrastructure for democracy: how Abrimos.info is transforming governance in Latin AmericaLivestream available for registered online attendees only Unveiling the power of transparency: how Access to Information exposed systemic failures in Poland’s 2020 electionsLivestream available for registered online attendees only Data to advance equity, inclusion, and sustainabilityLivestream available for registered online attendees only Q&A for ‘Access to Information for the public good’ session (i.e. the above three presentations)Livestream available for registered online attendees only |
3:00 pm · Dijlezaal OPTION 2: How can AI and civic tech build consensus for climate policy and include the voices of future generations?
Take part in a real-time simulation around pathways for decarbonisation in this workshop.
Research shows that most people agree about the risks and severe impacts of climate change, but there is disagreement on how to address the problem. See first hand how a tool that integrates online deliberation with the power of generative AI aims to break this deadlock.
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3:00 pm · Herten Aas / Livestreamed OPTION 3: Fostering usage of pro-democracy technologyChanging the argument for using civic technologyLivestream available for registered online attendees only SpeakersSolving climate data deserts on the municipal level: Climate DiariesLivestream available for registered online attendees only Dream Con: how civic tech puts citizens at the centre of constitutional reformLivestream available for registered online attendees only Q&A for ‘Fostering usage of pro-democracy technology’ session (i.e. the above presentations)Livestream available for registered online attendees only |
4:15 pm |
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Refreshment breakWhere: Mechelen-Centraal + outdoor terrace, weather permitting (First floor) |
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4:30 pm |
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4:30 pm · Auditorium OPTION 1: Democratic literacy and participationMaking Pakistan’s constitution accessible through AILivestream available for registered online attendees only Localised agenda alerts create engaged, informed citizensLivestream available for registered online attendees only Q&A for ‘Democratic literacy and participation’ session (i.e. the above three presentations)Livestream available for registered online attendees only |
4:30 pm · Dijlezaael OPTION 2: Unconference sessionsUnconference session 1: Risks of using Big Tech for Civic Tech work. What can we do about it at our organisations level?Unconference session 2: How to raise awareness and involve people that are outside of the civic bubble and not engaged with democracy?Unconference session 3: What should civic tech achieve/look like by 2050 in a solar version of the future? |
4:30 pm · Herten Aas OPTION 3: AI and governanceBreaking AI monopolies: building public AI as an alternative infrastructureLivestream available for registered online attendees only Putting the humans back in: Manchester People’s Panel for AILivestream available for registered online attendees only Community-led AI audits: why they matter and how to start oneLivestream available for registered online attendees only Q&A for ‘AI and governance’ session (i.e. the above three presentations)Livestream available for registered online attendees only |
5:45 pm |
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Drinks & nibbles receptionWe’re delighted that Stad Mechelen/the City of Mechelen will host the TICTeC drinks reception at their beautiful City Hall (also known as Keldermans Zaal), which is a 10 minute walk from the venue. TICTeC attendees will be guided to the City Hall on foot by our friends at Meet in Mechelen. We thank both Stad Mechelen and Meet in Mechelen for their support.
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7:45 pm |
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End of Day 1 |
9:00 am |
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Arrival & refreshmentsWhere: Mechelen-Centraal + outdoor terrace, weather permitting (First floor) |
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9:15 am |
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9:15 am · Auditorium / Livestreamed Welcome to TICTeC day twoLivestream available for registered online attendees only Speakers |
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9:30 am |
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9:30 am · Auditorium / Livestreamed Keynote address: A stronger democracy – through data, information and technologyLivestream available for registered online attendees only |
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10:15 am |
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10:15 am · Auditorium / Livestreamed Growing the Open Society: Tech and democratic innovationLivestream available for registered online attendees only |
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11:00 am |
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Refreshment breakWhere: Mechelen-Centraal + outdoor terrace, weather permitting (First floor) |
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11:15 am |
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11:15 am · Auditorium OPTION 1: Tech for deliberation and participationWaves: trialling a new AI-powered digital deliberation process to strengthen trust in local governmentLivestream available for registered online attendees only SpeakersWhy consultation matters: the impact of 10 million voicesLivestream available for registered online attendees only Pol.is 2.0 sneak previewLivestream available for registered online attendees only Q&A for ‘Tech for deliberation and participation’ session (i.e. the above presentations)Livestream available for registered online attendees only |
11:15 am · Dijlezaal OPTION 2: Leveraging civic tech to track climate finance and curb corruption
An interactive workshop to document challenges, lessons, and strategies for leveraging civic tech to track climate finance and curb corruption.
Insights from the workshop will contribute to a white paper on actionable civic tech solutions and strengthen a community of practice.
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11:15 am · Herten Aas OPTION 3: Democratic transparency and parliamentary monitoringThe impact of the Promise Tracker toolLivestream available for registered online attendees only What MPs really do: turning data into democratic power in SpainLivestream available for registered online attendees only Tainan City Council Watchbot: empowering informed citizens through AILivestream available for registered online attendees only Q&A for ‘Democratic transparency and parliamentary monitoring’ session (i.e. the above three presentations)Livestream available for registered online attendees only |
12:30 pm |
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Standing buffet lunchWhere: Mechelen-Centraal + outdoor terrace, weather permitting (First floor) |
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1:30 pm |
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1:30 pm · Auditorium OPTION 1: Harnessing the power of data and AI for climate actionCivic tech for investigative impact: how data-driven journalism strengthens transparency and democracyLivestream available for registered online attendees only Using civic tech to supercharge lobbying transparencyLivestream available for registered online attendees only Providing cities with critical environmental data to unlock climate solutionsSpeakersQ&A for ‘Harnessing the power of data and AI for climate action’ session (i.e. the above three presentations) |
1:30 pm · Dijlezaal OPTION 2: Connect, collaborate, create: The g0v approach to civic tech
This workshop will delve into actionable strategies for creating impactful civic tech projects. It draws inspiration and guidance from the g0v civic tech handbook born from Taiwan's vibrant grassroots tech community.
g0v's core principles of self-organisation, open-source collaboration, and bi-monthly hackathons have fostered a dynamic environment for innovation.
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1:30 pm · Herten Aas / Livestreamed OPTION 3: How do you know if your work is making an impact?Livestream available for registered online attendees only SpeakersOver the past year, mySociety and OpenUp have been working closely with SPOON and the Átlátszónet Foundation, both organisations focus on improving access to government information, to explore a critical but often overlooked question: How do you know if your projects are actually making a difference? In this insightful session, Liset and Krisztina will share their hands-on experiences, practical methodologies, and key findings from their efforts to —for the first time— track and measure the impact of their projects. You'll also hear from OpenUp about how they’ve successfully demonstrated the value of their work through innovative impact measurement. Whether you're just starting out or looking to sharpen your evaluation strategies, this panel will equip you with ideas, tools, and inspiration to better assess and communicate the impact of your work — and ultimately, to drive more meaningful change. |
2:45 pm |
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Refreshment breakWhere: Mechelen-Centraal + outdoor terrace, weather permitting (First floor) |
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3:00 pm |
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3:00 pm · Auditorium OPTION 1: Public-interest techDirections for ‘civic social media’: designing and managing trusted online community spacesLivestream available for registered online attendees only MyMzansi: building South Africa’s democratic digital public infrastructureLivestream available for registered online attendees only The current state of open government and digital transparency in the NetherlandsLivestream available for registered online attendees only Q&A for ‘Public-interest tech’ session (i.e. the above three presentations) |
3:00 pm · Dijlezaal OPTION 2: Short workshops3:00pm: Co-creating urban spaces in Mechelen using Extended Reality and innovative participatory design
Whilst enjoying views of the Dijle river itself, join local researchers from Mechelen-based Thomas Moore University of Applied Sciences to hear about their work with the City of Mechelen on an innovative civic participation project that aims to make areas around the river more inclusive, sustainable and enriching. Designed using an innovative co-creation process, the project incorporates not only inputs from citizens, but also the perspectives of other living organisms. Attendees will have the chance to experience the project's Extended Reality techniques used to gather citizen feedback.
3:40pm: Democratic innovation through AI in parliaments
Westminster Foundation for Democracy recently published the world’s first guidelines for integrating AI in parliamentary functions.
In this interactive short workshop, Westminster Foundation for Democracy, together with a representative of the Hellenic Parliament, will discuss the real-life cases of the use of AI to foster innovation and resilience in parliaments worldwide.
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3:00 pm · Herten Aas OPTION 3: Short workshops3:00pm: Testing information literacy, and popular assumptions about how to tell if something is AI-generatedSpeakers3:40pm: Time for interoperability- how civic tech solutions integrate to engage citizens at scale
Civic tech professionals are increasingly choosing integration as a strategic approach to enhance their impact. By connecting tools, platforms, and methodologies, they are creating more seamless and inclusive pathways for mobilisation and participation.
Learn how AI-driven tools, participatory platforms, and mobilisation technologies collaborate to engage citizens at scale and address societal challenges effectively.
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4:15 pm |
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Refreshment breakWhere: Mechelen-Centraal + outdoor terrace, weather permitting (First floor) |
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4:30 pm |
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4:30 pm · Auditorium / Livestreamed The future of tech, the future of TICTeC: Navigating AI in Pro-Democracy TechLivestream available for registered online attendees only |
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5:30 pm |
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End of Conference |