Columbia Global Innovation Awards Fund Early Concept Projects Redefining AI's Role in Society
Newly awarded AI initiatives are bridging the gap between research and systemic change in New York City and globally.
How can we turn bold ideas about AI and society into real-world change across disciplines and complex fields? Nine research projects awarded through the 2026 Columbia Global Innovation Awards will pursue this question, translating innovative research about artificial intelligence and society into impact.
This year’s early concept investments support nine research teams — including Columbia faculty, researchers, students, and partners — set to work in New York City, and in partnership with four Columbia Global Centers in Mumbai, Amman, Paris, and Beijing. These projects aim to drive innovation across the fields of education, healthcare, mental health, agriculture, and more.
The Columbia Global Innovation Awards offer a dynamic, three-tiered pathway to impact, kicking off with the Tier 1: Early Concept and Convening Awards that will support early-stage idea exploration, initial research and project activities, convenings and workshops, and partnership development. Announcements about Tier 2 and Tier 3 projects — larger awards meant to adapt and scale pilots — will be made in the fall.
