NYCEDC Announces Operators of NYC AI Nexus to Advance Applied AI Venture Creation and Equitable AI Adoption Across New York City's Economy
Announcement Builds on New York City’s Role as Number Two Global Tech Ecosystem and the NYC AI Advantage Report to Drive Equitable Advancement and Widespread Adoption of Applied AI Throughout New York City
Selected Operators C10 Labs and Plug and Play Will Support and Facilitate Up to 165 AI Startups and 96 Pilots Through 2029
NYCEDC to Partner with New York Public Library, Queens Public Library, and Brooklyn Public Library to Pilot AI Literacy Program with Day of AI
NEW YORK, NY—New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President & CEO Andrew Kimball today announced the advancement of the “NYC AI Nexus” and AI literacy pilot initiatives. The initiatives, unveiled today at global software investor Insight Partners’ premier AI conference ScaleUp:AI, will support the growth of AI businesses and foster a diverse AI-ready workforce as New York City furthers its role as a global leader in Applied Artificial Intelligence – AI solutions that address real-world problems and improve business outcomes. Following a competitive RFP process, NYCEDC selected C10 Labs and Plug and Play as the two operators of the NYC AI Nexus, leading a comprehensive mix of startup accelerator programs, ecosystem events, community education and training, industry pilots, and more. Additionally, NYCEDC and the city’s three public library systems will partner with global AI literacy organization Day of AI on a pilot program to develop their staff’s ability to use, understand, evaluate, and communicate about AI responsibly with patrons throughout the five boroughs.
The announcement delivers on NYCEDC's commitments made in “New York City’s Artificial Intelligence Advantage: Driving Economic Growth and Technological Transformation,” a report released earlier this year, that establishes New York City's strengths in AI and outlines a series of findings, recommendations, and actions to optimize this growth. As the world's #2 tech ecosystem – home to Big Tech and over 25,000 startups – and supported by one of the strongest talent pools with over 100 higher education institutions, New York City is uniquely positioned to lead the equitable adoption and commercialization of AI.
“From medicine to manufacturing, artificial intelligence is redefining industries and creating new jobs every single day. Our administration is making sure that New Yorkers are prepared to capture those jobs with historic investments, bold plans, and new programs like NYC AI Nexus,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “We're not only shattering the record for the most jobs in city history today; we're helping secure and support the jobs of tomorrow for New Yorkers through AI as well and setting our city up for success in the decades to come.”
“As AI continues to rapidly transform New York City's economy, it is essential that all New Yorkers and local startups are supported and equipped to benefit from this growth,” said NYCEDC President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “With New York City as the global leader in Applied AI, NYCEDC is proud to select two innovative operators of the NYC AI Nexus to equitably accelerate startup growth, and to also partner with the city's library systems to improve AI literacy throughout the five boroughs.”
“AI is fundamentally changing how companies are built and scaled. At C10 Labs, we assemble world-class engineers and scientists who turn breakthrough research into working solutions,” said C10 Labs Managing Partner & CEO Shahid Azim. “Our AI Nexus in New York, developed with NYCEDC, creates an activated ecosystem where researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors collaborate to build the next generation of AI companies. We start with healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and robotics—the sectors where AI transforms entire systems, not just user interfaces.”
“At Plug and Play, our mission has always been to connect the world’s most innovative startups with the industries and communities that need them most,” said Plug and Play Partner and CRO Michael Olmstead. “Through the NYC AI Nexus, we’re excited to bring our global network and expertise to New York City’s legacy industries—helping SMEs embrace applied AI solutions that drive real business impact while ensuring equitable access to this technology across the city’s economy.”
“New York City’s three library systems are committed to ensuring that every New Yorker has the tools to navigate the opportunities and challenges that come with rapid technological change,” said New York Public Library President & CEO Anthony W. Marx, Brooklyn Public Library President & CEO Linda E. Johnson, and Queens Public Library Preisdent & CEO Dennis M. Walcott. “AI is reshaping the ways people work, learn, and communicate, and libraries have a vital role to play in making sure this transformation is accessible, equitable, and grounded in critical understanding and veracity. We look forward to preparing our staff to help patrons to not only use AI tools, but also evaluate them and understand their implications- ensuring that AI literacy is not a privilege for the few, but a resource for all New Yorkers.”
“At Day of AI, we believe every New Yorker deserves the tools to understand, question, and shape how artificial intelligence impacts their lives,” said Day of AI Co-Founder Ethan Berman. “By partnering with the city’s libraries, we are ensuring AI literacy is not limited to classrooms or offices, but is available in every neighborhood. Together with NYCEDC, Brooklyn Public Library, New York Public Library, and Queens Public Library, we’re building pathways for staff and patrons alike to use AI responsibly, creatively, and confidently.
“Insight Partners has called New York City home for 30 years. We have always had strong conviction in the city’s ability to foster and scale global businesses and technologies, including AI,” said Insight Partners Managing Director Deven Parekh. “The AI Nexus program is a crucial next step in positioning NYC as the leading global AI hub—where industry, innovation, and talent intersect to create real-world impact.”
NYC AI Nexus
As AI is rapidly adopted across certain segments of New York City’s economy and large corporations, the NYC AI Nexus will support additional key sectors and small/medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) at higher risk of falling behind on this growth. With direct matching from both selected operators, the NYC AI Nexus will catalyze a minimum of a $12 million investment in AI across industry sectors with NYCEDC investing up to $3 million for each program operation. Over three years of programming, NYCEDC anticipates up to 165 startups supported, up to 96 pilots facilitated between AI startups and industry, up to 90 ecosystem events hosted, and up to 300 SMEs engaged in programming.
C10 Labs is an AI venture studio and fund based in Cambridge, Massachusetts that will focus on the intersection of AI and deep-tech sectors aligned with NYCEDC’s innovation industries including healthcare, life sciences, robotics, climate technology, and more. With an established record in startup growth and academic collaboration, C10 Labs will also work with partners to administer mentoring, co-development of ventures, AI advisory support, and funding for participating founders.
Plug and Play, a global Venture Capital (VC) firm and innovation platform with longstanding industry expertise and a widespread network with 65 locations worldwide, will focus on supporting innovation within New York City’s legacy industries, including those with high concentrations of SMEs. Sector focus includes food and beverage, media and advertising, travel and hospitality, and professional services. Additionally, Plug and Play will support an SME Catalyst subprogram that will facilitate collaboration between startups and SMEs to develop targeted AI solutions for their businesses.
Collectively, these two programs will invest nearly $6 million of private capital into participating startups in the program, further catalyzing NYC’s position as the number two startup ecosystem in the world and a leader in Applied AI. Learn more about the NYC AI Nexus and apply to the program.
AI Literacy Pilot
To further the city’s commitment to foster a diverse AI-ready workforce, NYCEDC is also launching a pilot program to support NYC’s public libraries in upskilling their staff about AI literacy so that staff, in turn, can provide AI literacy training and support to patrons through lessons, modules, and workshops across each system’s digital equity and inclusion work. NYCEDC is partnering with New York Public Library, Brooklyn Public Library, and Queens Public Library (Tri-Li), to work with Day of AI to leverage a “train-the-trainer” model to launch staff-led patron trainings across the five boroughs, ensuring that the strength of the city’s libraries are leveraged to effectively reach New Yorkers in their own neighborhoods.
Improving AI Literacy across the five boroughs will help New Yorkers to: demystify AI and build confidence in using and communicating about it; evaluate the safety and accuracy of AI tools and outputs; recognize ethical considerations and concerns; prepare for an economy where AI is more widely adopted; and strengthen critical and creative thinking as well as open-mindedness toward emerging technologies. Through the initial pilot program, expected to run through June 2026, NYCEDC, Tri-Li, and Day of AI will:
- Train ~100 staff members across all three library systems in Fall 2025 / Winter 2026 through new and existing lessons, modules, and workshops across each system’s digital equity and inclusion work
- Empower staff to educate patrons about AI literacy through new and existing programs
- Launch staff-led patron trainings across the five boroughs in Spring 2026
- Remove barriers to AI literacy, such as computer ownership, internet access, and high costs
“I applaud the New York City Economic Development Corporation, C10 Labs, and Plug and Play for their support of startups and small businesses advancing AI to create value and improve people’s lives. New York’s enduring spirit of innovation, broad and diverse talent base, and dedication to our communities set us apart. As AI shapes the future, there is no better place to build it than New York,” said Assemblymember Alex Bores.
"As technology continues to reshape our economy, it is vital that Bronx residents are not left behind but are empowered to lead,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “Programs like NYC AI Nexus and the AI Literacy Pilot Initiatives are valuable investments in our workforce by helping New Yorkers acquire the skills, knowledge, and confidence to succeed in this emerging industry.”
"Artificial Intelligence is and will continue to transform almost every aspect of our lives,” said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. “Who knows what the future holds? So, we need to do all we can to embrace and to harness it. We appreciate EDC taking a lead in an effort to promote the responsible use of AI, which should make society better, not worse.”
“As Chair of the Council’s Technology Committee, I look forward to partnering on initiatives like AI Nexus and the AI literacy pilot,” said NYC Councilmember Gutierrez. “These programs are important steps to ensure New Yorkers—from small businesses to local communities—can access and shape the benefits of AI, not just big corporations.”
“New York’s tech ecosystem thrives because it brings together industry, academia, startups, and talent in the capital of everything,” said Julie Samuels, President and CEO of Tech:NYC. “In this fast-evolving era of AI, New York City must ensure it remains the best place to build and grow a tech company—and that these technologies serve every New Yorker. We’re excited about these new resources for our startups and institutions, and we look forward to seeing their impact on the city’s diverse community.”
“With top-tier academic institutions, a world-class financial hub, and a vibrant tech sector, New York City is in a unique position to lead the future of applied AI,” said Partnership Fund for New York City President & CEO Maria Gotsch. “NYC AI Nexus will build on these strengths to attract and retain top talent, translate this new technology into real economic growth for the city, and ensure that the benefits are shared across all five boroughs.”
“It's great that New York City is taking big steps to harness AI's tremendous potential for well-paying job creation and ensure that New Yorkers from all backgrounds have the tools to benefit from this transformative new technology,” said Center for an Urban Future Executive Director Jonathan Bowles. “Kudos to NYCEDC for launching the innovative AI Nexus and for smartly embracing the city's public libraries to ensure equitable AI adoption.”
With a $2 trillion gross metropolitan product, the largest concentration of Fortune 500 companies in the nation, the nation’s largest academic ecosystem serving as an epicenter for AI talent, and global leadership across finance, healthcare, real estate, media, fashion, and more, NYC offers unrivaled opportunities for AI application and innovation.
Additionally, New York City is the second-largest tech startup ecosystem in the world, employing over 360,000 tech ecosystem employees and is home to over 25,000 tech startups and over 1,200 active venture capital firms. Today, there are over 40,000 workers in the New York metro area with AI skills. This AI boom has already produced over 2,000 AI startups based in New York City and, in 2023 alone, approximately one-third of venture capital raised by city startups was directed to AI.
NYCEDC works with industry stakeholders including investors, innovators, and academics, to strengthen the city's tech ecosystem and drive equitable industry growth across all five boroughs—from providing New Yorkers with pipelines to good-paying jobs in the city’s tech and funding ecosystems through the Startup & VC Internship Programs, to supporting a diverse community of tech entrepreneurs through the Founder Fellowship, and bringing together a diversity-focused coalition of startup investors through the Venture Access Alliance.
The city is committed to investing in deep tech initiatives that harness innovation to deliver transformational impact by solving our most pressing challenges while unlocking new markets. In addition to the AI Nexus, key investments include the creation of BATWorks, a climate innovation hub at the Brooklyn Army Terminal, launching the Greenlight Innovation Fund, the Pilots at BAT program, and the Mount Sinai BioDesign Center for Surgical Devices.
About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that works for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. We take a comprehensive approach, through four main strategies: strengthen confidence in NYC as a great place to do business; grow innovative sectors with a focus on equity; build neighborhoods as places to live, learn, work, and play; and deliver sustainable infrastructure for communities and the city's future economy. To learn more about what we do, visit us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
About Brooklyn Public Library
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. As a leader in developing modern 21st century libraries, we provide resources to support personal advancement, foster civic literacy, and strengthen the fabric of community among the more than 2.7 million individuals who call Brooklyn home. We provide nearly 60,000 free programs a year with writers, thinkers, artists, and educators—from around the corner and around the world. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the joy of a good book.
About The New York Public Library
For over 125 years, The New York Public Library has been a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With over 90 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars. The New York Public Library receives approximately 16 million visits through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at nypl.org. To offer this wide array of free programming, The New York Public Library relies on both public and private funding. Learn more about how to support the Library at nypl.org/give.
About Queens Public Library
Queens Public Library is one of the largest and busiest public library systems in the United States, dedicated to serving the most ethnically and culturally diverse area in the country. An independent, non-profit organization founded in 1896, Queens Public Library offers free access to a collection of more than 5 million books and other materials in 50 languages, technology, and digital resources. Each year, the Library hosts tens of thousands of online and in-person educational, cultural, and civic programs and welcomes millions of visitors through its doors. With a presence in nearly every neighborhood across the borough of Queens, the Library consists of 66 locations, including branch libraries, a Central Library, seven adult learning centers, a technology lab at the Queensbridge public housing complex, a community learning center at the Ravenswood public housing complex, and five teen centers. It also has four bookmobiles and two book bicycles.
