DSI x NYC Impact Seed Fund: Data and AI for the Public Good
Research that Moves the Needle and New York City Forward
The Columbia Data Science Institute Impact Seed Fund supports Columbia researchers working on data and AI projects with direct, meaningful benefits for New York City communities in partnership with New York City agencies.
Matching Columbia Expertise with New York City Needs
New York City government agencies are solving complex, data-rich challenges every day, and they need the help of University researchers who can deliver impartial analysis and technical expertise that many agencies don’t have in-house. In exchange for this assistance, researchers can access real-world data, and the opportunity to publish findings that matter, all while benefitting New Yorkers across the five boroughs.
DSI is partnering with Pilot City on Pitchfest – a matchmaking program that pairs city agency staff with funded support from University faculty and civic fellows on high-impact projects. The Pitchfest NYC model has previously matched Columbia researchers with agencies to develop solutions that better the lives of New Yorkers. Funded through a range of philanthropies, PilotCity is making $500,000 available to support academic collaborations with partner agencies.
Proven at Scale, Powered by DSI
This year, Columbia DSI is providing a dedicated funding pool of up to $300,000 for Columbia researchers to participate in projects with a data science and AI focus. From predictive analytics to machine learning, the problems facing New York City require data-driven solutions. Columbia researchers have the precise skills and expertise required to drive impact and move the needle. The DSIxNYC Impact Seed Fund unleashes the power of the Columbia University data science and AI research community to find solutions to move New York City forward.
From Research to Real Policy and Action
Projects funded through this initiative are structured to influence agency programs, policies and operations within six months from selection. Every funded project must demonstrate a clear path from findings to decision-making – ensuring that faculty researchers’ intellectual output translates directly into better service to benefit communities across the City.
FAQs for Matched Projects
Eligibility
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.
Budget & 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:
- Software licenses
- Cloud computing
- Data acquisition
- Student stipends
- Travel
- Subcontractors
- Participant incentives
- Equipment
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.
Project Design
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.
Review Process
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.
Data, IP & Compliance
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.
Post-Award Expectations
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.
The DSI x NYC Impact Seed Fund operates as a supplementary funding pool within the broader PilotCity: New York Pitchfest program. Columbia faculty who are matched with a City agency are eligible for DSI support in addition to the program’s standard pitchfest grants.
Project Seed Grants
PilotCity will provide up to a $40,000 project maximum for each awarded agency-research match. DSI will review the range of projects and projected budgets for particular projects and are willing to provide up to $75,000 per project for funding data science or AI related projects that are matched with a city agency. This will either supplement funding for awarded PilotCity matches, or separately fund projects that were not awarded through PilotCity. This will be a competitive process and not all applications will result in funding.
DSI funding must go to direct project costs to support research costs, data infrastructure, personnel (such as Masters or PhD students or postdoctoral researchers), and deliverable development. Please note that PI salaries are not eligible for funding.
Project Duration: Meaningful Outcomes, Rapidly
All funded projects must be designed to produce actionable findings within a six-month window, and must include a clear plan for influencing agency programs, policies, or operations before the period closes.
Built for Columbia faculty ready to collaborate.
- A Columbia University faculty member with Principal Investigator (PI status)
- Special preference will be given to core members of the Data Science Institute
- Project leverages data science and/or artificial intelligence methods
- Project meets PilotCity criteria for the Pitchfest program
- PI is matched with a willing city agency staff member established through the Pitchfest program
- Commitment and ability to demonstrate meaningful outcomes within a six month time frame from selection
- Agreement to make any IP generated open source
- Sign a COI Disclosure and participation agreement