Who is eligible to apply for DSI Impact Seed Funding?
Only Columbia researchers with Principal Investigator (PI) status who have been matched with NYC agencies through the 2026 Pitchfest process are eligible to submit an additional funding application through Pilot City. Columbia PI who were successfully matched were notified by July 17, 2026.
What happens if I was matched with more than one agency project?
Researchers are permitted to express interest in multiple projects, and are able to match with more than one project. PIs will need to submit separate funding applications for each project they would like to move forward. However, the program will not fund more than one project per PI.
I was matched with an agency, and our team would like to apply for the DSI x NYC Impact Seed Fund. How do we apply?
There is no separate application for the DSI x NYC Impact Seed Fund. Columbia researchers who have been matched with a city agency should work with their agency partner to submit a funding application through the Pilot City process. Eligible applications submitted by Columbia researchers through Pilot City will automatically be considered for DSI x NYC Impact Seed Funding.
What makes a strong proposal for DSI x NYC Impact Seed funding?
Successful proposals for the DSI x NYC Impact Seed Funds must address specific agency challenges while contributing to the advancement or practical application of data science or artificial intelligence.
What expenses are allowable?
Funding may support direct project costs, including:
PI salaries are not eligible for funding.
How much funding should applicants request?
Applicants should propose a realistic budget aligned with project scope and expected outcomes. Typical project budgets range from $40,000 up to $75,000.
What is the project timeline?
Projects are expected to run for six months and can begin once the funding decisions are made and contracts are signed. Projects are expected to be complete by the next Pitchfest session (May 2027).
What counts as a meaningful outcome?
Projects should aim to produce actionable results within six months, such as prototypes, policy tools, pilots, evaluations, or implementation-ready recommendations. Outcomes are co-developed between the PI and the matched City agency. The expectation is that those outcomes will be defined through the process with a clear goal of completing work within six months.
Can projects continue beyond the funding period?
Projects may continue beyond the initial six-month period if additional support or partnerships are secured. DSI will not be able to provide additional funding beyond the initial award.
How are proposals evaluated?
Applications are reviewed based on:
Methodological rigor Policy relevance Feasibility Novelty Scalability Stakeholder engagement Implementation potential
Will applicants receive feedback if not selected?
While we may not be able to provide feedback immediately, we will do our best to share information and feedback as appropriate and as time permits.
What if my project requires IRB approval or sensitive data access?
Projects involving IRB review or sensitive data are encouraged. Teams should begin approval processes early so they are underway before funding decisions are finalized.
What are the expectations around intellectual property and open-source work?
Researchers retain the right to publish project results. Any IP generated through the project must either be made open source or become property of the City of New York.
What support does DSI provide beyond funding?
DSI may help promote funded projects through newsletters and web features and can assist with sourcing qualified student researchers.
Are there reporting or presentation requirements?
Yes. Teams may be required to submit progress reports, participate in surveys, attend virtual check-ins, and deliver formal presentations once the project concludes. Detailed requirements will be outlined in the official agreement.