TECHNOLOGY IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST
Apply: 2026 Challenges
Each year, we engage regional transit agency leadership and staff to develop priority problem statements to improve NYC’s regional transit system. Our proven process has received strong endorsement from both the startups and public servants we work with.
Eligibility Requirements
To be evaluated, applicants must meet these requirements:
Be a growth-stage company with an innovative solution to one of the open challenges
Have technology that is at least in beta version (i.e., working prototype with active users) and successfully deployed with at least one customer.
Subsidiaries of larger companies are not eligible to apply.
Be a corporation, joint venture, partnership, or LLC as defined by Applicable Law and registered to do business in the State of New York (“NYS Registration”)
If you are not yet registered to do business in the State of New York, please do so prior to starting the Proof of Concept phase
Store all agency partner data in the US
Companies may be subject to insurance and cyber reviews prior to beginning proof of concept projects
Accept the Program Terms & Conditions
Timeline
JANUARY 8, 2026
Challenge Announcement
Challenges are announced based on transit agency leadership’s goals and priorities.
JANUARY 8 - FEBRUARY 27, 2026
Open Application
Growth-stage companies apply online, detailing evidence of product-market fit.
MARCH 2026
Evaluation Period
Public and private sector experts from transit and mobility sectors review applications.
MARCH 30 - APRIL 1, 2026 (NYC)
Semi-Finalist Pitch & Demo Day
Select companies are invited to NYC to pitch to a panel of private and public sector evaluators.
Select companies receive an invite to participate in an expo-style Demo Day aimed at exposure to a wider audience at MTA, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and Department of Transportation.
APRIL 2026
Preparation for Proof of Concept
Meet with agency project manager to define scope of work and discuss any administrative items necessary to conduct the proof of concept.
MAY - JUNE, 2026
Proof of Concept Projects
Proofs of concept launch, during which a minimal viable test is conducted with the relevant transit agency.
JULY 8, 2026 (NYC)
Finalist Presentations
Finalists present findings to transit agency leadership in NYC.
NOVEMBER 2026-2027
Pilot Period Begins
Select companies engage in a pilot demonstrating technology at scale.
Information Session
FEBRUARY 5, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
Learn more about the Transit Tech Lab, the application process, and hear from transit agency subject matter experts.
Resources
MTA
MTA Transparency: detailed information about MTA agencies’ performance data; operating and capital budgets; public meetings and hearings; open data resources; bonds, notes, and securities; and revenue information.
MTA Board and committee meeting materials: The materials for each month's meetings contain KPI reports for each department. December 2025's KPI reports are linked below as an example:
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