ð¡What is the Incubator?
The New Commons Incubator is a six-month capacity-building program that supports Indigenous-led teams in developing a data commons, which are community governed datasets that enable responsible, equitable use for public-interest purposes.
Through mentorship, training, and peer learning, the Incubator helps participants move from early-stage data commons ideas to clear, actionable, and fundable proposals.
Learn more about data commons by reading our data commons FAQ HERE.
ðWho should apply?
This Incubator is intended for individuals/teams who identify as Indigenous, or are working in close partnership with Indigenous communities.
If you do not identify as Indigenous, you should be able to demonstrate:
- A clear, trusted, and ongoing relationship with an Indigenous community
- Evidence of community awareness, participation, or endorsement of the initiative
- A required letter of support that provides evidence of both the relationship and the communityâs support for the initiative
If a finalized letter is not yet available, you may upload a placeholder or draft and provide the final version upon request.
ð£Why apply?
Selected participants will receive capacity building support to:
- Develop a fundable proposal for a data commons initiative
- Build a governance model aligned with Indigenous data sovereignty
- Strengthen their approach to applying data and AI for public-interest purposes and equitably distributing benefits
- Connect with a network of experts, partners, and potential funders
By the end of the program, participants will have a pitch ready proposal to advance their initiative.
ð»How to apply?
Apply now by submitting the form below. The form will ask you for:
- General information about you and your team (if applicable)
- A two-page statement about your idea for a data commons (please find our suggested template HERE)
- A letter confirming that your institution supports your participation in the
- Incubator and the continued development of the initiative if selected
- [Optional] A space to upload a letter explaining your relationship with an Indigenous community
- A declaration if you are selected
How will proposals be evaluated?
All proposals will be evaluated by an international cohort of Indigenous data experts and representatives selected by our steering committee. Reviewers will be selected from our directory who have relevant experience with the data commons topic and/or region. The assessment criteria for proposal evaluation can be found in the âGovernance and Protocolâ document HERE.
â° Application deadline: 14 August, 2026