Inside My Role as a Student Founder in Residence at North Light AI

August 14, 2025

Written by: Arthur Murphy

As I reflect on the past year, it’s incredible to see how much has changed in such a short time. My name is Arthur Murphy, I’m 19 years old, and I’m proud to serve as North Light AI’s student founder in residence. This role allowed me to launch my company, Municable, with the mission of helping local governments adopt artificial intelligence. This experience has been fast-paced, challenging, and immensely worthwhile.

The Beginning of My Journey

My path into AI and entrepreneurship began last summer when I met Andrew through Joshua Cyr at the E-Center. We first connected at Rise and Grind, a meeting spot that’s since become a frequent workspace. After a series of strategic discussions, I officially joined North Light AI as their student founder in residence.

In the early days, excitement and a touch of nervousness filled the air. I focused on market research, reaching out to and interviewing government officials to better understand their challenges. I worked closely with Peter Zaimes, COO of North Light AI, on strategic planning and outreach, while collaborating with Roozbeh, our lead data and AI analyst, on the technical side of AI to prepare our product for municipal use. Those weekly sessions became the foundation for both my business knowledge and my technical skills.

Building Something New

At the heart of my work is a vision for an all-encompassing citizen help tool—a single, easy-to-use platform where people can handle municipal tasks and find important information in seconds. The idea first came to me when I tried to license my dog through my local government’s website. What should have been a simple process turned into a frustrating search through pages of outdated links and unclear instructions. That experience opened my eyes to how difficult it can be for citizens to access even basic services.

I imagine a resource where people can license their dog, pay a bill, report an issue, or get answers to common questions all in one spot, from any device. No more navigating confusing websites, making endless phone calls, or waiting in long lines for something that should take minutes.

This isn’t just about convenience, it’s about strengthening the connection between local governments and the communities they serve. By streamlining processes and removing unnecessary barriers, we can save citizens time while giving governments a modern tool to manage requests efficiently. Once we bring this vision to life, it will be unlike anything currently available, transforming both the way people interact with their local government and the way local government serves its people.

Highlights and Milestones

One of the most rewarding moments so far was competing in the Holloway Prize Innovation to Market Competition at the University of New Hampshire. It was a chance to put my idea to the test in front of experienced judges and a live audience. Standing there, sharing my vision and explaining how it could make a real difference, was both exciting and nerve-wracking.

When I advanced to the finals and later won the Embrace New Hampshire award, it felt like all the preparation had paid off. More than just recognition, it gave me a huge boost in my public speaking and presentation skills, and the confidence to present my work to anyone, anywhere. It was an experience I will never forget.

Skills I've Gained Along the Way

This experience has taught me far more than I could have learned in a classroom. I have gained firsthand insight into the nuts and bolts of starting a business, from shaping an idea into a tangible product to navigating the complexities of launching it in the real world. I have developed a practical understanding of how municipalities operate, including the decision-making processes, regulations, and unique challenges they face. On the technical side, I have learned how to train and implement AI systems in ways that address real-world problems, ensuring they are both functional and impactful.

Beyond the technical and operational knowledge, every sales call, pitch, and meeting has been a masterclass in communication and adaptability. Each interaction has given me the opportunity to test my ideas, receive feedback, and adjust my approach. Over time, these experiences have not only strengthened my business skills but also built my confidence. They've shown me the importance of staying prepared and being persistent.

Why AI and Entrepreneurship Excite Me

I have always been fascinated by the potential of AI. There’s something exciting about starting with nothing but an idea and shaping it into a tool that can actually make life easier for people. That passion pairs naturally with my love for entrepreneurship. I enjoy the challenge of building something from the ground up and finding my way as I go. There are wins and there are setbacks, but each one teaches me something valuable. Every step carries both uncertainty and possibility, which is what makes the work so rewarding. When I am in that space where AI meets entrepreneurship, I know I am exactly where I am meant to be.

Balancing School, Work, and Life

Thanks to transfer credits and summer classes, I’m gearing up for my final year at the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics, where I’m majoring in management and minoring in sales. Balancing classes, my business, and work with North Light AI has not been easy, but I’ve discovered that effective time management makes it possible.

Most evenings, I set aside time to recharge. Activities like playing with my dog, going for a run, enjoying family dinners, or winding down with a TV show. Taking this time helps me stay focused and energized, making it easier to handle the demands of both work and school.

On weekends, I like to play basketball, hike with friends, or spend a few hours on video games. These moments away from my responsibilities give me a chance to reset and often inspire new ideas, proving that balance is just as important as hard work.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Start with a problem that’s real to you, something you’ve experienced firsthand or seen up close. When the problem matters to you, it’s easier to stay committed through the long hours and inevitable challenges.

Once you can clearly define the problem, solutions often begin to take shape on their own. . You’ll spot opportunities where others see obstacles. But even with a clear vision, progress might be slower than you expect. That’s when consistency matters most. Keep showing up. Keep working toward your goal, even when it feels like nothing is moving forward.

Setbacks will happen, but they don’t have to stop you. Look at them as lessons or stepping stones, each one teaching you something valuable that brings you closer to your goal. The entrepreneurs who succeed aren’t the ones who avoid failure; they’re the ones who learn from it and keep going.

Final Thoughts

As I head into my final year of college, I feel a real sense of excitement for what’s ahead. My time as student founder in residence at North Light AI has been transformative, pushing me to grow in ways I never expected. I’m eager to continue working with North Light AI and further develop Municable, building on the progress we’ve made and the vision we’re chasing. These experiences have given me the skills and confidence to make a meaningful impact in AI and local government.

I’m grateful for the support of my family, friends, and mentors who have been with me every step of the way. Together, I believe we can create a future where technology makes life easier and strengthens the connection between communities and their local governments.

Thank you for following my journey. I hope it encourages you to keep going after your own goals, even when the path is challenging, because the work you care about most is always worth it.