The Open Data Policy Lab invites global changemakers to propose innovative data commons for generative AI that serves the public interest. By enhancing data diversity, quality, and provenance, we can unlock AI’s potential to innovate and solve complex challenges.
Applications open until June 2nd.
Timeline
Key dates for The New Commons Challenge:
April 14, 2025
12:00 a.m. PT
Start date of accepting concept notes
June 2, 2025
11:59 p.m. PT
End date of accepting concept notes.
June 16, 2025
12:00 a.m. PT
Invitations to submit full proposal.
July 14, 2025
11:59 p.m. PT
Full proposal submission closes.
What are we looking for?
Improve Localized Decision-making
Help local leaders make better policy or improve their reasoning capabilities through improved access to or insights from data
Strengthen disaster response capabilities using AI.
Prizes
The New Commons Challenge will select two winning proposals to receive the following support package:
Two
winners
US$100,000
in funding each
Mentorship on establishing and managing data commons
Technical support as needed
Access to the Open Data Policy Lab’s global network of experts
Who can apply?
Eligibility
We welcome proposals from diverse regions, communities, and organizations working with various data types. Your proposed data commons must aim to serve at least one of our key focus areas (Improve Localized Decision-making or Humanitarian Intervention).
Evaluation
Proposals will be reviewed by an international jury of experts from both focus areas.
How to apply?
The application process will occur over two phases.
In the first phase, applicants will be expected to submit a concept note (no more than three pages) outlining the opportunity, the data they have access to, how that data would be commonly governed, and the overall relevance to the Challenge focus. All concept notes are due by June 2, 2025.
These concept notes will be reviewed and evaluated by the Open Data Policy Lab team. The highest scoring of these will be invited to submit a full proposal by June 16, 2025. Those applicants will be asked to more fully describe the innovation, as well as its feasibility, impact, and delivery team. These proposals must be provided by July 14, 2025.
All applications must be submitted in English through indicated platforms. Concept note applications can be submitted to the form here.
Informational webinars explaining the opportunity and application process will be held on May 1, 2025 and May 5, 2025. Register below.
Specific application requirements and evaluation criteria can be found at the link here.
Helpful Tips
OUR BLUEPRINT
This Challenge aims to implement our recently published Blueprint to Unlock New Data Commons for Artificial Intelligence, which shows how organizations can launch data commons in the public interest. Organizations may find it useful to refer to this report as they develop their concept notes and proposals.
INSPIRATIONAL EXAMPLES
As this is an emerging area of practice, we understand that few organizations have developed data commons for AI. To help applicants think about how they may use data commons to support their work, we have assembled a list of instructive examples of data commons in action here.
Please note that these data commons cover a range of topics beyond the areas of focus for this challenge.
