Global changemakers are invited by the Open Data Policy Lab to propose innovative data commons for generative AI that serve the public interest.
Why this challenge?
The Open Data Policy Lab believes that enhancing data diversity, quality, and provenance unlocks AI’s potential to innovate and solve complex challenges. So they want applicants to:
– Reimagine ways to expand responsible access to diverse datasets, including new and existing data sources.
– Demonstrate how data commons can be deployed, managed, and maintained.
– Demonstrate real-world impact by creating tangible benefits for end users.
Areas of focus
The challenge is aiming at two primary areas. The first is disaster response. It is looking for data commons that empower humanitarian actors to make informed decisions before, during, and after emergencies. By providing timely and accurate information, they can enhance disaster response efforts and save lives.
The second is localized decision-making. It is looking for data commons that provide access to diverse, high-quality datasets, enabling actors within a local context to enhance coordination, use information effectively, and make informed decisions tailored to their specific needs and circumstances, such as for public health, urban planning, or environmental preservation.
Funding details
Two winning proposals will receive US$100,000 each, besides mentorship on establishing and managing data commons, technical support, and access to the Open Data Policy Lab’s global network of experts
Who qualifies to apply
– Anyone in the world from any background and field who feels the challenge may be most applicable to their nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, start-ups, and development organizations can apply
– But applicants must be affiliated with an established organization. If invited to submit a full proposal, applicants must provide information about the tax status of their organization.
What do you need to apply?
– Submit your responses using the New Commons Challenge entry form (link below).
– Provide a letter of support from your institution, which could be a nonprofit organization, academic institution, a start-up, development organization, or local or tribal authority, who can act on the insights to be generated by the data commons or otherwise sustain the effort.
– Submit all materials in the English language.
When do I apply
Submit your application on or before June 2, 2025
Where do I start?
The Open Data Policy Lab is inviting proposals for innovative data commons aimed at benefiting the public through generative AI.
The focus is on enhancing data diversity, quality, and provenance to foster innovation and solve complex problems.
The challenge targets disaster response and localized decision-making, aiming to empower humanitarian actors with precise information for effective action and enable local entities to coordinate and make informed decisions in sectors like health, urban planning, and environmental conservation.
Two winners will each receive $100,000, mentorship, technical support, and access to a network of experts.
Any applicant affiliated with an established organization, such as a nonprofit, academic institution, start-up, or development organization, is eligible, provided they can demonstrate the tax status of their organization if requested.
Applications must be submitted in English by June 2, 2025, and require a letter of support from the applicant's institution. For more information, applicants can start by visiting the provided link.
