What is OpenIris?

OpenIris is a digital civic participation platform that enables municipalities and organizations to engage with citizens at scale. The platform conducts thousands of conversations simultaneously via voice or text, in 46 languages — ensuring every resident is heard, regardless of language, education level, or schedule. OpenIris was founded in 2024 in the Netherlands and focuses on bridging the gap between government and citizens.

The problem OpenIris solves

Traditional civic participation reaches only 2-5% of residents on average. Town halls attract the same group: educated, politically engaged citizens with free time. Meanwhile, young people, working families, migrants, and people who don't speak the national language are systematically excluded. In the Netherlands, 1 in 5 residents doesn't speak Dutch at home.

Municipalities must also choose between depth (few, rich conversations) and reach (many, superficial surveys). OpenIris solves this dilemma by combining both.

How does OpenIris work?

For organizations

1. Configure a digital assistant with your knowledge base, goals, and data points.
2. Upload relevant documents (policy notes, FAQs, background info).
3. Share invitation links or QR codes with residents.
4. Follow results in real-time via the analytics dashboard.
5. Export structured data and automatic summaries.

For citizens

1. Receive an invitation via link, QR code, or phone number.
2. Choose a phone call, text chat, or the mobile app.
3. Have a natural conversation in your own language.
4. Your input is automatically structured and anonymized.

Three core solutions

1. Phone support

A digital phone line available 24/7 in 46 languages. Answers questions about permits, civil affairs, and social services. Routes complex queries to the right department.

2. Policy consultation

Present policy proposals to residents through natural conversations. Collect nuanced feedback — not just yes/no, but reasons and suggestions. Process thousands of responses simultaneously.

3. Idea box

Residents share ideas about their neighborhood, vote on proposals, and track progress from idea to implementation. With automatic moderation.

Key features

• 46 languages — Voice and text, automatic, no translation service needed.
• Scalable — Thousands of conversations simultaneously, without extra staff.
• Automatic data extraction — Every conversation produces structured data points.
• Anonymous — Citizens can participate fully anonymously.
• Mobile app — Available on iOS and Android, plus web access.
• GDPR compliant — Data stored in the EU, organizations control their own data.

Who is OpenIris for?

• Municipalities scaling citizen consultations
• National and regional government with broad consultations
• Research organizations conducting interviews at scale
• Public service organizations seeking inclusive feedback