Accelerating Widespread Adoption of Applied AI Across New York City
New York City is a global leader in artificial intelligence, home to an unmatched concentration of talent, investment, startups, academic research, and international companies. The city is also fast becoming the world capital of Applied AI—where AI is used to solve real-world problems and improve business outcomes across diverse industries.
The NYC AI Nexus is NYCEDC’s initiative for accelerating AI innovation across key sectors and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to drive inclusive economic growth and ensure that New Yorkers across the five boroughs benefit from the opportunities of the AI era.
Led by C10 Labs and Plug and Play, the AI Nexus offers cohort-based accelerator programs designed to help AI companies grow and thrive in NYC and ultimately drive the equitable advancement and widespread adoption of Applied AI across NYC’s world-leading industries.
Key objectives of the AI Nexus:
- Support founders in creating and growing sector-specific AI ventures
- Facilitate meaningful collaborations between AI startups and industry partners to implement targeted Applied AI solutions
- Educate industry practitioners, SMEs, and the wider community on AI tools and adoption
- Advance equitable AI integration across NYC’s economy
Operating Partners: Silicon Valley and Cambridge Converge in NYC
NYCEDC selected two partners to operate distinct but complementary programs, together forming a coordinated, citywide AI initiative:
A full-stack Applied AI accelerator, venture studio, and venture fund headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
A global VC firm and innovation platform headquartered in Silicon Valley with 65 locations, 2,000 portfolio companies, and 500+ industry partners worldwide.
Startups: Apply to Join the NYC AI Nexus
NYC-based startups participating in the AI Nexus gain access to coworking space, technical and go-to-market support, curated industry connections for pilots and proofs-of-concept, mentorship, fundraising support, and more.
Applicants must be building (or interested in building) Applied AI solutions for the sectors listed below and either based in New York City or able to relocate to New York City. Strong preference will be given to startups already based in NYC.
NYC AI Nexus Powered by C10 Labs
C10 Labs supports early-stage companies across multiple deep tech-focused industries:
- Healthcare, Biotechnology, & Bioindustrial Manufacturing
- Climate Tech & Sustainability (Energy)
- Robotics & Advanced Manufacturing
NYC AI Nexus Powered by Plug and Play
Plug and Play supports early- and growth-stage ventures in sectors with high concentrations of SMEs across NYC:
- Brand & Retail
- Food & Beverage
- Professional Services (Legal & HR)
- Media & Advertising
- Real Estate
- Travel & Hospitality
Charging Every Corner of the AI Ecosystem
Whether you are a founder, researcher, potential industry partner, or investor, the NYC AI Nexus is your entry point to New York City’s AI ecosystem.
- AI Startups: Explore accelerator and industry connection opportunities.
- AI Researchers: Connect with AI startups, industry partners, and resources.
- Industry Partners: Inform and adopt the Applied AI solutions transforming your business.
- Investors: Partner with the City to shape the future of AI.
Contact Our Team
NYCEDC is leading the way and building a strategy to foster the AI ecosystem in NYC. Want to get involved?
Learn more about NYCEDC’s leadership in advancing Applied AI.
Learn more about NYCEDC’s initiatives to enrich New York City’s tech ecosystem.
