This week, BoardWise and our partners at the University of Southern Maine and the University of Maine took an important step forward in advancing the future of ethical artificial intelligence and access to justice in Maine. Together, we submitted a proposal to the Maine Technology Asset Fund (MTAF 3.0) for the creation of Dirigo Justice Labs, a statewide initiative designed to develop, test, and scale responsible AI solutions that strengthen fairness, transparency, and trust in administrative and professional licensing systems.

Dirigo Justice Labs builds on a simple idea: Maine can lead the nation in developing AI that serves the public good. The lab will unite researchers, technologists, legal experts, and innovators to explore new ways technology can help individuals navigate complex government processes, from licensing boards to benefit appeals, with dignity and clarity.

A Collaborative Vision for Maine

Dirigo Justice Labs represents a true public–private partnership.

The University of Southern Maine's Department of Computer Science will lead research and technical development, leveraging expertise in machine learning, multi-model orchestration, and data ethics.
The University of Maine Business and Law Clinic will anchor the legal and policy dimensions of the project, exploring how AI can expand access to justice while protecting due process and professional integrity.
BoardWise, as the founding industry partner, will bring real-world implementation experience through its AI-powered platform that helps licensed professionals respond to board complaints securely and confidently.

Together, these partners aim to create an innovation hub where Maine students, researchers, and entrepreneurs can co-develop solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also ethically grounded and socially impactful.

Why It Matters

At its core, Dirigo Justice Labs is about empowering people, professionals, policymakers, and citizens with tools that make justice systems more understandable, responsive, and humane. It aligns directly with the recommendations of Maine's AI Task Force, which called for state investment in ethical, transparent, and human-centered AI infrastructure.

By establishing a collaborative lab anchored in Maine's universities and startup ecosystem, we can ensure that innovation happens with communities, not to them.

Looking Ahead

As we await the results of our proposal, we are filled with optimism and gratitude for the incredible collaboration that brought this vision to life. Regardless of outcome, we remain deeply committed to building systems that make fairness scalable and accessible, and to ensuring Maine leads the way in the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

Stay tuned for updates as Dirigo Justice Labs continues to take shape.

Justice has a new operating system.

--The BoardWise Team