Bring us a real AI challenge. Student fellows will help you prototype it.
The program connects Massachusetts organizations with advanced undergraduate and graduate students to explore real-world AI challenges and build practical proofs of concept and prototypes, in partnership with Boston University’s Faculty of Computing and Data Sciences (BU CDS).
Submissions are due Tuesday, December 1.
Program at a Glance
| 11+ Weeks | Minimum anticipated prototyping engagement |
| Up to 10 MA AI Fellows | Advanced undergraduate and graduate students |
| Three - Six Projects | Anticipated number of participating organizations |
| BU CDS Faculty | Guidance and mentorship for every student team |
About the Program
The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), through the Massachusetts AI Hub, is launching the Applied AI Prototyping Program in partnership with Boston University’s Faculty of Computing and Data Sciences (BU CDS). MassTech is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to identify Massachusetts organizations with AI challenges that are ready to explore.
Organizations bring forward a business, operational, technical or product challenge that AI could help address. Selected projects are assigned to a team of MA AI Fellows, managed by BU CDS and guided by BU faculty. Participants can test high-value AI use cases, assess their AI readiness, and gather insights to inform future AI investment, adoption, and workforce planning.
Why Participate
- Explore a priority opportunity: Turn a known challenge into a focused prototyping effort.
- Tap into emerging talent: Work with students skilled in AI, machine learning, statistics and data science.
- Inform future investment: Learn where AI fits and how ready your organization is.
- Build your talent pipeline: Connect with students who may be future hires.
Who Should Respond
We welcome submissions from Massachusetts companies, nonprofits and startups. Strong projects have:
- A clearly defined challenge and desired deliverable (proof of concept, prototype, feasibility study or demonstration)
- An identifiable dataset or data source
- A team ready to work regularly with the fellows
What Participating Organizations Provide
- A defined project scope and appropriate data access
- Testbeds or beta environments, when needed
- A designated project lead or team
- Availability for biweekly meetings, demo days and expos
- Information about available match funding
Selected organizations will also work directly with BU CDS on contractual terms including intellectual property, data security and funding.
How to Submit
Submit a concept paper of up to four pages addressing the components requested in the RFI.
RFI release date: November 3, 2026
Submission deadline: Tuesday, December 1
Download the Applied AI Prototyping Program RFI
Questions? Contact Sabrina Mansur at mansur@masstech.org or the Massachusetts AI Hub at aihub@masstech.org.