06/18/2026
CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: INCUBATING DATA COMMONS FOR INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES & CULTURES
As AI systems increasingly rely on language and cultural data, Indigenous communities face both unprecedented opportunities and significant risks.
Indigenous languages and cultural knowledge can help shape more inclusive digital futures. Yet too often, communities have limited influence over how their data is collected, governed, used, or shared. There is tremendous opportunity if Indigenous communities are given a say in how their data is used and for what purpose.
To address this opportunity and challenge, The GovLab, Microsoft, and UNESCO, co-designed with a Steering Committee of Indigenous data experts, are launching a new initiative supporting Indigenous-led efforts to develop data commons in the AI era.
What are data commons? Data commons are shared governance frameworks that enable communities to collectively decide how their data is managed, accessed, and used, while ensuring benefits flow back to the communities themselves.
What will Incubator participants receive? Expert mentorship, technical guidance, proposal development support, peer learning opportunities, and capacity-building workshops and clinics.
We invite Indigenous-led teams to submit a concept note outlining their idea, approach, resources, and team. Applications close 14 August 2026.
Learn more and apply at https://newcommons.ai/
They can support, for instance, the responsible development of AI, climate adaptation and biodiversity conservation, public health and pandemic preparedness, sustainable agriculture, scientific research, disaster response, and the preservation, revitalization, and responsible stewardship of Indigeno...
