The New Commons Incubator 2026 for Indigenous Languages and Cultures is a six-month capacity-building programme supporting Indigenous-led teams developing data commons for public-interest AI. Participants receive mentorship, training, peer learning, governance and technical guidance, and opportunities to connect with relevant experts, partners, and potential funders. Applications close on 14 August 2026.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: New Commons Incubator for Indigenous Languages and Cultures
Category: Capacity-Building Programme
Lead: Open Data Policy Lab
Programme Partners: UNESCO and Microsoft
Duration: Six months
Format: Virtual programming and mentorship, with one in-person convening opportunity
Cohort: 5–6 data commons initiatives
Application Deadline: 14 August 2026 at 23:59 ET
About the New Commons Incubator 2026
The New Commons Incubator aims to help participants turn early-stage data commons ideas into actionable and fundable initiatives.
Data commons are collaboratively governed data ecosystems that pool and provide responsible access to diverse, high-quality datasets. Within the Incubator, participants develop approaches that can support public-interest AI while considering responsible data governance and community interests.
The programme combines capacity building with practical guidance. Participants work on the governance, technical, organisational, and funding dimensions needed to move a data commons concept toward implementation.
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What the Incubator Offers
The six-month programme provides structured support for teams developing data commons initiatives.
Confirmed programme features include:
✓ Training and expert-led guidance
✓ Mentorship
✓ Peer learning
✓ Technical guidance
✓ Networking opportunities
✓ Support for developing accountable data governance frameworks
✓ Guidance on preparing datasets for integration into AI systems
✓ Access to insights from practitioners
✓ Opportunities to present concepts to relevant funders
✓ Proposal development and review
The programme also includes one in-person opportunity for participants to collaborate and build community.
The Incubator does not provide direct financial backing. Instead, it helps participants develop viable proposals and creates opportunities to connect with potential funders.
Programme Focus
The Incubator supports participants in developing several important components of a data commons.
Governance by Design
Participants work on accountable and context-specific governance frameworks. For the current Indigenous Languages and Cultures cohort, the programme places particular emphasis on Indigenous data sovereignty and responsible community governance.
Making Data AI-Ready
The programme helps participants consider how datasets can be prepared for integration into AI systems while prioritising community consent and social licence.
Global Expertise and Support
Participants gain access to expertise and insights from practitioners working on related data, governance, and AI issues.
Community and Funding Pathways
Teams can develop their concepts alongside peers and present their work to relevant potential funders.
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Who Can Apply?
The current Incubator is intended for individuals or teams who identify as Indigenous or who work in close partnership with Indigenous communities.
Applicants who do not identify as Indigenous should be able to demonstrate:
• A clear, trusted, and ongoing relationship with an Indigenous community
• Community awareness, participation, or endorsement of the proposed initiative
• Evidence supporting the relationship and the community’s support for the initiative
The lead applicant must participate in the full Incubator programme if selected.
Required Application Materials
Applicants must provide information about themselves and their team and submit supporting materials through the application form.
Required materials include:
• General information about the lead applicant and team members
• A two-page statement describing the proposed data commons idea
• An institutional letter confirming support for participation in the Incubator and continued development of the initiative
Applicants may also provide additional evidence explaining their relationship with and support from an Indigenous community.
Applications without the required institutional letter of support will not be considered.
Selection Process
Proposals are reviewed by Indigenous data experts and representatives selected through the programme’s steering structure.
The review considers whether proposals meet the programme’s requirements and whether applicants have an appropriate relationship with the Indigenous community they intend to serve.
Top-scoring applicants may also undergo due diligence to confirm community relationships and support before final cohort selection.
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Key Dates
• Applications opened: 19 June 2026
• Application deadline: 14 August 2026 at 23:59 ET
• Cohort selection: Late August 2026
• Kickoff: Mid-September 2026
• Virtual programming: October 2026–April 2027
• Final showcase: April 2027
Application Deadline
Applications for the New Commons Incubator for Indigenous Languages and Cultures must be submitted by:
14 August 2026 at 23:59 ET
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official application form below.
Apply for the New Commons Incubator for Indigenous Languages and Cultures
