The New Commons Challenge

Civic Technology Community Group,

The Open Data Policy Lab, a collaboration between Microsoft and the GovLab, is presenting the New Commons Challenge (https://newcommons.ai/).

They are inviting proposals pertaining to: (1) improving localized decision-making, and (2) humanitarian interventions.

With respect to improving localized decision-making, helping local leaders to make better policy or improve their reasoning through improved access to or insights from data, we have discussed in this Community Group how AI and Web Standards could benefit many city-government scenarios. The Open Data Policy Lab is hoping to explore data commons that provide access to diverse, high-quality datasets, enabling actors within a local context to enhance coordination, use information effectively, and make informed decisions tailored to their specific needs and circumstances, such as for public health, urban planning, or environmental preservation.

With respect to humanitarian interventions, strengthening disaster response capabilities using AI, the Open Data Policy Lab is hoping to explore data commons that empower humanitarian actors to make informed decisions before, during, and after emergencies. By providing timely and accurate information, we can enhance disaster response efforts and save lives.

The New Commons Challenge will be selecting two winners, awarding $100,000 dollars to each, providing mentorship and technical support to each, as needed, and providing access to the Open Data Policy Lab's global network of experts to each.

Their Frequently Asked Questions are available here: https://newcommons.ai/faq . One of these frequently asked questions pertains to international entries and submissions. The New Commons Challenge is a global innovation challenge that welcomes entries from organizations across continents. They hope to receive applicants from diverse regions and contexts.

The challenge takes place over two phases. The first phase, its deadline fast approaching, asks applicants to fill out a form providing basic information about the opportunity that they hope to address, the data that they intend to use to address that opportunity, the relevance to humanitarian response and/or localized decision-making; and how the project will be commonly governed. These submissions — ”concept notes” — will be reviewed by the Open Data Policy Lab team, with compelling applications referred to a second phase.

For those entries or submissions selected to move on to the second phase, applicants will be asked to submit a full proposal outlining their approach, including the ways that their proposed work innovates, its feasibility, its impact, and the delivery team. These proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by an expert jury. Details on format of proposals will be provided to applicants when referred.

The due date for phase one proposals is fast approaching: June 2, 2025, at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Please do feel free to explore and to share news of this opportunity!


Best regards,
Adam Sobieski