New Commons

Challenge

New Commons Challenge

New Commons Challenge

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.



Watch the New Commons Challenge webinar

Missed the live session? Catch up on our 5 May 2025 webinar to learn key details about the New Commons Challenge, including what we’re looking for and how to strengthen your concept note. We also answered live questions from prospective applicants.

Watch the New Commons Challenge webinar

Missed the live session? Catch up on our 5 May 2025 webinar to learn key details about the New Commons Challenge, including what we’re looking for and how to strengthen your concept note. We also answered live questions from prospective applicants.

Watch the New Commons Challenge webinar

Missed the live session? Catch up on our 5 May 2025 webinar to learn key details about the New Commons Challenge, including what we’re looking for and how to strengthen your concept note. We also answered live questions from prospective applicants.

Watch the New Commons Challenge webinar

Missed the live session? Catch up on our 5 May 2025 webinar to learn key details about the New Commons Challenge, including what we’re looking for and how to strengthen your concept note. We also answered live questions from prospective applicants.

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.

The Challenge

This video explains what the Challenge is and why data commons are key to developing responsible and effective AI systems.

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

Humanitarian

Interventions

Humanitarian 

Interventions

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.

Judges

Application Process

Application Process

FAQs

Have questions about the challenge? Check out our FAQ page for all the answers you need to get started!

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.

New Commons Challenge Webinar

This webinar, hosted 5 May 2025, was meant to provide prospective applicants with an opportunity to learn more about the Challenge and ask questions prior to submitting their concept notes.

About the Open Data Policy Lab

The Open Data Policy Lab supports decision-makers at the local, state and national levels as they accelerate the responsible re-use and opening of data for the benefit of society and the equitable spread of economic opportunity.

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