Accelerating innovation in building construction, safety, and sustainability in New York City.

Accelerating innovation in building construction, safety, and sustainability in New York City.

The Buildings Tech Lab is a collaboration between the NYC Department of Buildings and the Partnership Fund for New York City.

The Buildings Tech Lab is a collaboration between the NYC Department of Buildings and the Partnership Fund for New York City.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Over One Million Buildings

Over One Million Buildings

Over One Million Buildings

From skyscrapers to single-family homes, the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) is responsible for ensuring the safe and lawful use of over one million buildings and construction sites throughout the five boroughs of New York City.

To help shape the future of how New York City regulates construction and development throughout the five boroughs, the DOB and Partnership Fund for New York City have launched the Buildings Tech Lab to identify innovative solutions from the global tech sector to address complex DOB priorities as it works to ensure the overall safety, compliance, and quality of the city's built environment.

Why Buildings Tech Lab?

Why Buildings Tech Lab?

Why Buildings Tech Lab?

Real-World Piloting with NYC Department of Buildings:

Get the rare opportunity to test your technology with the world’s largest and most complex building regulator—overseeing over 1.1 million buildings across New York City. The BTL process is not theoretical, but designed for real implementation, helping companies move beyond pitch decks and into city systems.

Direct access to relevant decision makers and subject matter experts:

Receive a dedicated agency project manager and work closely with NYC DOB operators and leadership. This hands-on collaboration offers ongoing feedback from technical experts and helps companies tailor their technology to real-world needs.

Structured 6-month Pilot:

Through scoping, midpoint check-ins, and final presentations, each pilot follows a customized evaluation plan with clear go/no-go decision points set by DOB leadership. Throughout the process, companies have the opportunity to work directly with key stakeholders and present to DOB leadership.

De-Risked Entry into NYC Government:

BTL provides guidance through key NYC public-sector requirements—such as insurance, cybersecurity, and scoping—making it easier to enter one of the most challenging yet rewarding markets.  

How it works

Challenge Identification

We work with senior leaders at DOB to identify tangible, real-world challenges that could be solved with new technologies.

Challenge Identification

We work with senior leaders at DOB to identify tangible, real-world challenges that could be solved with new technologies.

Challenge Identification

We work with senior leaders at DOB to identify tangible, real-world challenges that could be solved with new technologies.

Global Call for Applications

Companies from around the world are invited to apply to our open challenges, detailing evidence of product-market fit.

Global Call for Applications

Companies from around the world are invited to apply to our open challenges, detailing evidence of product-market fit.

Global Call for Applications

Companies from around the world are invited to apply to our open challenges, detailing evidence of product-market fit.

Evaluation Period

Experts from water and sustainability sectors review applications, and semi-finalists are invited to New York City to pitch to a panel of DEP and private sector evaluators. Challenge Finalists are selected to complete a 6-month pilot, conducting a minimally viable technology test in close collaboration with DOB.

Evaluation Period

Experts from water and sustainability sectors review applications, and semi-finalists are invited to New York City to pitch to a panel of DEP and private sector evaluators. Challenge Finalists are selected to complete a 6-month pilot, conducting a minimally viable technology test in close collaboration with DOB.

Evaluation Period

Experts from water and sustainability sectors review applications, and semi-finalists are invited to New York City to pitch to a panel of DEP and private sector evaluators. Challenge Finalists are selected to complete a 6-month pilot, conducting a minimally viable technology test in close collaboration with DOB.

Pilot Preparation

Finalists are coached through scoping, contract negotiations, and the City’s cybersecurity process prior to the pilot kickoff. Throughout the process, participants work closely with DOB staff to scope a minimally viable technology test that can demonstrate commercial value and viability.

Pilot Preparation

Finalists are coached through scoping, contract negotiations, and the City’s cybersecurity process prior to the pilot kickoff. Throughout the process, participants work closely with DOB staff to scope a minimally viable technology test that can demonstrate commercial value and viability.

Pilot Preparation

Finalists are coached through scoping, contract negotiations, and the City’s cybersecurity process prior to the pilot kickoff. Throughout the process, participants work closely with DOB staff to scope a minimally viable technology test that can demonstrate commercial value and viability.

6-Month Pilot

Phase 1: Technology Validation (3 months) - Companies conduct a minimally viable technology test in close collaboration with DOB.

Midpoint Presentation: Companies present their findings from Phase 1 to DOB Leadership. DOB makes a go/no-go decision to determine if additional testing is necessary.

Phase 2: Cost Validation (3 months) – Companies work closely with DOB operational staff to demonstrate the economic value of the technology and identify a pathway to scale

Final Presentation: At the end of the 6 month pilot, companies are invited to present their findings to DOB leadership

6-Month Pilot

Phase 1: Technology Validation (3 months) - Companies conduct a minimally viable technology test in close collaboration with DOB.

Midpoint Presentation: Companies present their findings from Phase 1 to DOB Leadership. DOB makes a go/no-go decision to determine if additional testing is necessary.

Phase 2: Cost Validation (3 months) – Companies work closely with DOB operational staff to demonstrate the economic value of the technology and identify a pathway to scale

Final Presentation: At the end of the 6 month pilot, companies are invited to present their findings to DOB leadership

6-Month Pilot

Phase 1: Technology Validation (3 months) - Companies conduct a minimally viable technology test in close collaboration with DOB.

Midpoint Presentation: Companies present their findings from Phase 1 to DOB Leadership. DOB makes a go/no-go decision to determine if additional testing is necessary.

Phase 2: Cost Validation (3 months) – Companies work closely with DOB operational staff to demonstrate the economic value of the technology and identify a pathway to scale

Final Presentation: At the end of the 6 month pilot, companies are invited to present their findings to DOB leadership

Sign Up

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

The Buildings Tech Lab is funded by
© 2025 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
© 2025 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
© 2025 Buildings Tech Lab & New York City Partnership Foundation