CiviForm Named to TIME’s List of the Best Inventions of 2025
October 16th, 2025 — TIME revealed its annual list of the Best Inventions, featuring 300 extraordinary innovations changing our lives — and among them is CiviForm, a groundbreaking open-source platform stewarded by Exygy, and built in collaboration with Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, and forward-thinking governments across the U.S.
CiviForm is an open-source software solution for governments that helps centralize and digitize application forms so that residents can apply for government services online
To compile this year’s list, TIME solicited nominations from editors and correspondents around the world, as well as through an online application process, paying special attention to growing fields such as health care and artificial intelligence. TIME then evaluated each contender on originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact.
See the full list here: time.com/collections/best-inventions-2025/
Transforming How Governments Connect People to Benefits
Across the United States, millions of people who qualify for public assistance face unnecessary barriers to accessing it — often having to navigate separate, confusing applications for each program. Many must fill out the same information again and again just to access food, housing, childcare, or transportation support.
CiviForm changes that.
CiviForm is open-source software that streamlines how residents apply for, and how governments administer, public benefits. With CiviForm, an applicant can apply for multiple programs in minutes — securely reusing their information across applications — from their phone or any connected device. The platform guides residents toward the services they’re eligible for while reducing frustration and removing the “time tax” that falls hardest on those who can least afford it.
For governments, CiviForm provides a no-code platform to author, improve, and manage applications. This allows public sector teams to focus on connecting people with services instead of battling outdated systems. With AI-powered features on the roadmap, CiviForm is designed to evolve alongside government needs, ensuring flexibility, sustainability, and resilience.
The impact has been significant:
- In Seattle, CiviForm has reduced application times by as much as 85%
- Governments using CiviForm report increased efficiency, data accuracy, and resident satisfaction.
“We’re honored that TIME has recognized CiviForm among the world’s most impactful inventions,” said Zach Berke, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer. “This recognition highlights what’s possible when governments and technologists work together to create tools that reduce barriers and restore dignity for people seeking support.”
A Public-Private Collaboration for the Public Good
CiviForm is being developed through a unique public-private collaboration between Exygy, Google.org, and governments nationwide. Google.org Fellows — engineers, researchers, designers, and product managers — have provided pro bono technical support, contributing their expertise to help governments implement the platform successfully.
“We are thrilled that CiviForm has been named one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025,” said Maggie Johnson, Global Head and Vice President of Google.org at Google. “It’s a fantastic acknowledgment of the hard work of the Google.org Fellows and Exygy, alongside state and local government leaders across the country. Most importantly, it highlights the positive impact that innovative, open-source technology can have on making public services more accessible for everyone.”
CiviForm’s open-source structure allows cities, counties, and states to directly shape the platform’s roadmap. Each implementation strengthens the ecosystem, builds collective capacity, and accelerates the modernization of public benefit systems across jurisdictions.
About CiviForm
CiviForm is an open-source software platform that simplifies how residents apply for, and governments administer, public benefits. Designed with equity and accessibility in mind, CiviForm enables residents to complete multiple benefit applications in minutes, securely reusing information across programs. For governments, it provides a no-code platform that streamlines administration, reduces costs, and improves service delivery.
CiviForm is actively being implemented by governments nationwide, supported by Exygy, Google.org, and a growing community of civic technologists and public servants. Learn more at www.civiform.us.
About Exygy
Exygy is a Certified B Corporation that partners with governments, nonprofits, and social enterprises to design and build technology for social good. From accessible digital platforms to data-driven tools for equity, Exygy’s mission is to advance social impact through human-centered design and open-source innovation. Learn more at www.exygy.com.
Media Contact
Ethan Elisara
Senior Creative Marketing Manager, Exygy
growth@exygy.com
