Data Utilization

How can NYC Department of Buildings better utilize existing data to automate operations and increase staff capacity?

Technologies may include but are not limited to solving the following use cases:

  • Tools to identify, validate, and communicate with building owners directly or through DOB NOW

  • Data validation/verification tools to ensure square footage of various occupancies and carbon emissions data reports are accurate

  • Risk-based inspection tools that can identify buildings at the highest risk of a catastrophic event, develop risk profiles of various facade types

  • Tools to flag bad actors (e.g., owners/architects/engineers/contractors, etc.) with a history of violations for the attention of the licensing/risk group

  • Tools to automatically identify high risk applications, and automatically generate alerts when new building permits are filed near vulnerable buildings to prevent damage from big excavations.

  • API creation tool to transfer data across various systems, reducing the need to download/upload manual excel sheets to streamline and ensure accuracy of LL97 reporting data.

  • A tool that can automatically generate important information about the surroundings of a building in the event of an emergency (similar to FDNY’s response package)

  • Data management tool to help generate analytics from multiple data sources

  • Tools to digitize documents, read multiple PDF formats & automatically enter key information into DOB’s electric property profile

Information Session

Recorded on August 15, 2024.

Discover the benefits of joining the Lab, understand evaluation criteria and resources during the Lab, learn directly from DOB experts to guide your application.

How the Lab Works

How the Lab Works

How the Lab Works

The Buildings Tech Lab is a collaboration between the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) and the Partnership Fund for New York City. We provide companies with expedited paths to testing, expert feedback, access to key decision makers from DOB, and an accelerated go/no-go decision.

Companies with exceptional use cases will be selected for a yearlong pilot with the agency.

Timeline

JULY 8, 2024

Challenge Announcement

Challenges are announced based on DOB leadership’s goals and priorities.

JULY 8-SEPTEMBER 20, 2024

Open Application

Growth-stage companies apply online, detailing evidence of product-market fit.

OCTOBER 2024

Evaluation Period

DOB and private sector experts review applications.

November 6-8, 2024 (NYC)

Semi-Finalist Pitch & Demo Day

Select companies are invited to New York City to pitch to a panel of private sector and DOB evaluators.

Select companies receive an invite to participate in an expo-style Demo Day aimed at exposure to a wider audience at DOB. 

NOVEMBER 11-DECEMBER 30, 2024

Preparation for Proof of Concept

Companies prepare and execute Proof of Concept terms and conditions.

JANUARY 6-FEBRUARY 28, 2025

Proof of Concept

Proof of Concepts are launched, where a minimal viable test is conducted with DOB.

MARCH 4-5, 2025 (NYC)

Finalist Presentations

Finalists present findings to DOB Leadership in New York City.

JUNE 2025-2026

Pilots

Select companies engage in a yearlong Pilot demonstrating technology at scale.

Sign Up

Get notified about the Buildings Tech Lab and receive occasional updates.

The Buildings Tech Lab is funded by
© 2024 Buildings Tech Lab & New York City Partnership Foundation

Sign Up

Get notified about the Buildings Tech Lab and receive occasional updates.

The Buildings Tech Lab is funded by
© 2024 Buildings Tech Lab & New York City Partnership Foundation

Sign Up

Get notified about the Buildings Tech Lab and receive occasional updates.

The Buildings Tech Lab is funded by
© 2024 Buildings Tech Lab & New York City Partnership Foundation