Organization Name: DeReticular Academy
Project Title: Building the AI Native Rural Infrastructure Operating System (RIOS)
Contact Person: [Name], Director of Programs
Date of Application: October 1, 2025
Total Funds Requested: [Enter Amount]
I. Project Abstract
DeReticular Academy requests funding to launch and scale our flagship course, “Building the AI Native Rural Infrastructure Operating System (RIOS).” This program is a first-of-its-kind curriculum designed to empower entrepreneurs and community leaders in rural America to build sustainable, AI-powered ecosystems from the ground up. Unlike top-down models, our course is a catalyst for community-led innovation, providing participants with the exact tools, knowledge, and framework to create high-tech, local solutions for economic development.[1][2] This project directly aligns with the mission of the aiEDU Rural & Indigenous Community Catalyst Program by fostering deep AI literacy, developing a locally relevant curriculum, and equipping community champions to build a prosperous, AI-driven future in their hometowns.[1][3]
II. Statement of Need
Many rural communities across the United States face a critical inflection point. While talent and ambition are abundant, they often lack access to the cutting-edge AI literacy programs necessary to compete in a rapidly evolving global economy.[3][4] This creates a gap where economic opportunities are missed and local problems remain unsolved. The RIOS course is designed to fill this void. It addresses the specific need for a practical, business-oriented AI education that goes beyond theory and empowers local leaders to create tangible economic value. By training a new generation of “AI Native” rural entrepreneurs, we can directly combat brain drain, create high-paying local jobs, and build resilient, self-sufficient communities.
III. Project Description
The “Building the AI Native Rural Infrastructure Operating System” is an intensive 20-week course that guides participants through a simulated, case-study-based approach to building a community-wide data ecosystem.
- Core Curriculum: The course is built on the concept of the “Data Flywheel.” Students learn how to identify, integrate, and leverage data from disparate local sources—such as small businesses (Biz Builder Mike), logistics (Kurb Kars), renewable energy (Agra Dot Energy), and consumer engagement (Digital Adventures R Us)—to create a powerful, self-reinforcing engine for growth.
- Hands-On, Practical Application: This is not a theoretical course. The capstone project requires students to develop a workable RIOS concept for their own community. This includes creating a business plan, identifying local data sources, and outlining a hardware implementation strategy, supported by our case study on Trifi Wireless.
- Target Audience: The course is specifically designed for two key groups:
- Rural Entrepreneurs: Aspiring and established business owners who want to build innovative, AI-powered companies in their hometowns.
- City Managers & Administrators: Community leaders who want to leverage technology to improve municipal services, foster economic growth, and create a “smarter” town.
- Community-Led Innovation: Our entire model is predicated on amplifying the work of local champions.[1] We provide the framework and the tools, but the solutions are generated from within the community, ensuring they are relevant, sustainable, and culturally aligned.[4][5]
IV. Alignment with aiEDU Goals
Our project is deeply aligned with the core goals of the Rural & Indigenous Community Catalyst Program:
- Develop AI Literacy Curricula Tailored for Rural Students: Our curriculum is not a generic AI course. It is specifically tailored to the unique economic and social landscape of rural America, using relatable case studies (agriculture, local logistics, small business) to teach complex AI concepts.[1]
- Support Educators with Professional Learning: While our initial delivery will be direct, funding from this grant will allow us to develop a “train-the-trainer” module. This will empower local community college instructors, economic development officers, and business mentors to deliver the RIOS curriculum, ensuring its long-term sustainability.[1]
- Host Community Convenings: A key part of the RIOS course is the “Community Cohort” model, which brings together entrepreneurs and city leaders. This fosters collaboration and ensures that the solutions developed are integrated with the community’s broader strategic goals. We will host virtual and in-person events to showcase capstone projects and connect our graduates with potential investors and partners.[1]
V. Project Impact and Evaluation
We will measure the success of this project through the following key metrics:
- Short-Term (12 months):
- Enroll and graduate at least 50 individuals from 10 different rural communities in the RIOS program.
- At least 80% of graduates will have a completed, viable business plan for a RIOS-powered venture or a detailed implementation plan for their municipality.
- Host a national virtual summit to showcase the top 5 capstone projects.
- Long-Term (24-36 months):
- Track the number of new businesses created by course graduates.
- Measure the amount of follow-on funding or investment secured by our alumni.
- Document at least three instances of municipalities beginning formal implementation of a RIOS concept.
VI. Budget and Sustainability
The requested funds will be used to finalize curriculum development, provide scholarships to participants from low-income rural areas, and build out the technological platform for course delivery. Our pricing structure ensures long-term sustainability, with revenue from the course being reinvested to expand our reach and continually update the curriculum. A partnership with aiEDU and Google.org would provide the critical catalytic capital needed to launch this program and make it accessible to the communities who need it most.
VII. Conclusion
The “Building the AI Native Rural Infrastructure Operating System” course represents a new, community-first model for AI education.[2] It is a direct investment in the ingenuity and ambition of rural America. By empowering local leaders with the tools of the future, we can help them write the next chapter of their community’s story—one of innovation, opportunity, and prosperity. We are confident that with the support of The AI Education Project, we can build a national model for community-led AI readiness and ensure that no community is left behind.
