How might we improve DEP’s infrastructure performance, capital planning, and day-to-day operations by using AI, integrated data, and advanced sensing technologies?
Applications due August 8, 2025
Technologies may include but are not limited to solving the following use cases
Operations & Maintenance of Existing Infrastructure
Technology to inspect deep infrastructure (e.g., 200 ft deep siphons)
Tools to assist in maintenance and monitoring of water meters, including detection of tampering and predictive analytics for leak detection.
Power quality management tools at the feeder level, including voltage regulation and booster/transformer controls
Field-based data collection tools (e.g., surveying, project completion) to document and assess construction progress
Digital scheduling and workforce management tools that help operations comply with city staffing rules (e.g., sick leave, overtime)
Tools to capture and transfer institutional knowledge
AI & Analytics for Compliance and Insight
AI- powered video analytics to support air and noise pollution monitoring
AI tools (e.g., large language models) to automate review of thousands of annual chemical safety reports submitted by NYC businesses to help improve Right to Know Act compliance
AI training data governance tools to manage what data flows into AI models, ensuring only vetted, structured content is used
Real-time and historical weather data analytics to improve forecasting and assess operational impacts
Advanced sensors for detecting fugitive emissions (e.g., methane, nitrous oxide) and for rapid detection of nitrogen, total organic carbon (TOC), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)
AI-driven monitoring systems to assess and improve driver behavior in real-time
Planning & Future-Proofing Infrastructure
Total cost of ownership tools to weigh long-term infrastructure investment options (e.g., watershed protection vs. infrastructure investment)
Digital twins and platforms integrating sensor, sewer, and rainfall data for planning and situational awareness
Tools to streamline the contract change order process including:
a. Digital tools to define and negotiate change order scope and pricing using historical DEP and industry data
b. AI-assisted contract writing tools that can integrate with Revit and BIM to streamline document creation and reduce legal review times
c. Analytics to identify internal processes that generate the most change orders
GIS platform with standardized project mapping integrated with construction schedules and asset documentation (e.g., hydrants catch basins, sampling stations, etc.)
Design software and structural calculation tools for greater confidence in preliminary decisions
Integration of Building Information Modeling (BIM) clash detection and building code acceptance criteria
AI or geospatial tools to calculate and update impervious areas on properties (e.g., based on LIDAR, NYC Planning datasets)
Learn more about the Environmental Tech Lab, the application process, and hear from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection.
July 10, 1:00pm ET
Timeline
Challenge Announcement
Challenges are announced based on DEP leadership’s goals and priorities.
Open Application
Growth-stage companies apply online, detailing evidence of product-market fit.
Evaluation Period
DEP and private sector experts from water and sustainability sectors review applications.
Semi-Finalist Pitch & Demo Day
Select companies are invited to New York City to pitch to a panel of private sector and DEP evaluators
Select companies receive an invite to participate in an expo-style Demo Day aimed at exposure to a wider audience at DEP
Proofs of Concept
Proof of Concepts are launched, where a minimal viable test is conducted with DEP.
Terms & Conditions
Please review our Terms & Conditions which govern participation in the Environmental Tech Lab.