DSI x NYC Impact Seed Fund: Data and AI for the Public Good
Supports Columbia faculty to partner with NYC agencies on data science and AI research projects that deliver actionable, open-source outcomes for city communities within six months.
Funder: Columbia University
Due Dates: May 8, 2026 (NYC agency pitches) | June 2, 2026 (Faculty express interest) | August 14, 2026 (Full funding application)
Funding Amounts: Up to $75,000 per project from DSI (supplemental); up to $40,000 per project from PilotCity; typical project duration is 6 months.
Summary: Supports Columbia faculty in data science and AI collaborations with NYC agencies to deliver actionable benefits to NYC communities within six months.
Key Information: Open to Columbia faculty with PI status; projects must deliver actionable outcomes for a city agency and make IP open source.
Description
The DSI x NYC Impact Seed Fund is an internal Columbia University initiative designed to enable faculty to partner with New York City government agencies on high-impact data science and AI projects. The program’s goal is to match Columbia’s technical expertise with the pressing needs of city agencies, facilitating research that directly benefits NYC communities. Projects are structured to provide impartial analysis, technical know-how, and actionable outcomes for agencies, with a strong emphasis on delivering results within a six-month timeframe. The program operates in partnership with PilotCity: New York Pitchfest, which facilitates the matchmaking between agencies and faculty.
