26ers, an AI systems studio helping businesses and government organizations design and build governed AI systems, today announced its official launch. With an initial focus on the global architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector, 26ers combines operating model design, AI development and governance to help organizations translate institutional expertise into practical systems that support human teams and deliver measurable results. 26ers was founded by Theresa Piasta, an experienced leader in both the software and financial services industries. A former captain in the U.S. Army, she was awarded the Bronze Star for her service in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The company’s mission is to help organizations adopt AI in ways that respect their people, strengthen their existing expertise and support the responsibilities they carry to clients and communities.
“We believe AI can help organizations accomplish more when it is built around the people who use it, the missions they serve and the clients who depend on their work. People deserve to understand how these systems work and who is accountable. We started 26ers to put that belief into practice, helping businesses and government organizations build useful AI systems with human oversight and judgment at the center from the beginning,” said Theresa Piasta, founder and CEO of 26ers.
26ers works alongside leaders and teams to understand their goals, day-to-day responsibilities and the knowledge that informs their decisions. It helps organizations define how people, AI and existing systems can work together, then designs operating models and governance structures. From that foundation, 26ers builds practical AI systems and tools that support the way teams work, with clear processes for human review, intervention and escalation.
AEC firms shape the buildings and infrastructure that communities depend on. Their work requires precision, reliability and professional judgment, often under demanding schedules and resource constraints. The sector’s established standards, meticulous processes and generations of institutional knowledge provide a strong foundation for practical AI systems that help teams manage complex work and maintain the quality their clients expect.
26ers’ governance framework defines how people and AI work together, including clear decision rights, accountability, human oversight and escalation paths. The aim is to give teams clarity about what AI is authorized to do, when human review is required and who remains responsible for decisions. 26ers brings AI design and development expertise to support firms as they build on their existing capabilities.
“Architecture, engineering and construction professionals carry real responsibility for the people and communities they serve. Our role starts with listening to and learning from their experience. We want to build AI systems that earn their confidence, support their judgment and give them more time for the work that needs their expertise,” said Piasta.
Piasta founded 26ers after holding technology leadership roles at Outreach, Cresta AI, and Salesforce, as well as earlier roles at J.P. Morgan and Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Throughout her career, Piasta has worked with executive teams to connect complex technologies to measurable operational and financial outcomes. She founded 26ers to bring that same discipline to organizations navigating the rapid evolution of AI.
26ers is currently live with multiple pilot programs and actively taking on new customers.
The name 26ers reflects the company’s belief that 2026 marks a defining shift in the adoption of artificial intelligence. Just as the 49ers helped build the businesses and infrastructure that transformed California during the Gold Rush, the 26ers are helping organizations turn AI from a promising technology into practical, lasting business capability.
26ers is working with early customers to develop AI workflows for commercial and government applications. 26ers is an SBA-certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), and a California-certified Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE).
To learn more or request an AI Opportunity Assessment, visit www.26ers.ai.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260929620898/en/
Media gallery
