What is the New Commons Incubator?
The Incubator is a capacity building program led by the Open Data Policy Lab that aims to unlock data commons for public-interest AI.
The Incubator addresses a critical issue: the limited access to diverse and high-quality datasets, which is essential for AI to reach its full potential. By creating and improving data commons — collaboratively governed data ecosystems that pool and provide responsible access to diverse, high-quality datasets — the gap in AI development can be filled.
Incubator
A structured program that supports the development of a data commons by providing training, mentorship, peer learning, technical guidance, networking opportunities, and access to possible partners and funders to transform early-stage ideas into actionable and fundable initiatives.
Transform a data commons idea into a viable concept.
Governance by design.
Design and implement accountable and context-specific data governance frameworks.
Making data AI-ready.
Prepare datasets in a format that can be integrated in AI systems while prioritizing community consent and social license.
Global expertise and support.
Access support and insights from practitioners around the world.
Community and funding pathways.
Socialize your data commons concept with a cohort of peers and relevant funders.
How the Incubator Emerged.
The idea for an Incubator emerged through the 2025 New Commons Challenge which sought to create a new data commons ecosystem.
The Challenge garnered over 175 proposals. Many submissions were inspirational but the proposals submitted needed further guidance and mentorship as to be actionable and fundable. That's the purpose of the Incubator: to develop a pipeline of actionable and fundable data commons proposals that are sound from a technical and governance perspective.
Have questions before you apply?
Deadlines, evaluation criteria, eligibility, time commitment, language policy — we've answered the most common questions on the FAQ.