PII x Cyvl
Summer Innovation Program
Behind every public challenge is a data problem waiting to be cracked. Behind every data problem is a person willing to crack it. That person is you.
PII and Cyvl are partnering to drive public-benefit innovation, and this six-week summer experience is where talking about it ends and doing it begins.
Cities are sitting on mountains of data about crumbling infrastructure and aging roads, heat indices, 311 calls, housing and public health challenges, environment and climate, and stretched public budgets. Most of them have no idea what to do with it. Cyvl uses AI, LiDAR sensors, and 360° imagery to give governments a real-time picture of what's falling apart and what to fix first. PII researches and develops tools that governments can use to tackle these challenges. And this summer is an opportunity to be part of figuring out what happens next.
Week one is all about getting participants up to speed: think fast, focused coursework on the tools and frameworks needed, including data and public policy, how to evaluate programs that work (and ones that don't), and the real ethics behind AI in government.
Weeks two through six is where it gets real. Work directly on an innovation project at the intersection of data, AI, and public impact. We're talking genuine challenges that real cities face, with real data, and real stakes. By the end, you'll have something you can point to and say: I built that. I solved that. That matters.
Cyvl will provide participants with access to real-world infrastructure datasets. Throughout the program, students will explore and analyze this data using natural language tools and AI-assisted workflows to better understand how cities can prioritize maintenance, improve safety, and allocate public resources more effectively. Cyvl team members will work directly with participants providing mentorship and a technical workshop.
Structure:
Week One: 1.5 hours in the morning and 1.5 hours in the afternoon (specific times determined via consensus)
Weeks two - six: Weekly check-in for individuals/teams and two hour Friday groups.
This is for you if:
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You're an undergrad, grad student, or recent grad who gets genuinely fired up about cities, data, and the question of who actually benefits from technology
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You want experience that goes on your resume and actually means something, not just another summer of iced coffee and observation
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You're curious about what it looks like when AI meets public infrastructure, equity, and government decision-making
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You don't have everything figured out yet and you're ready to learn fast in a community of people who are just as driven as you are
Spots are limited and the people who get in are the ones who show up ready to dig in.
Come build something that lasts.
Key Information
Applications Open
Applications Close
Program Period
May 8, 2026
June 22 , 2026
July 13 - August 21, 2026
Meet Your Instructors
Khahlil Louisy
Alex Radunsky
Simona Tiribelli
Ethan Moynihan
Phi Bui
Eric Plosky
Why Participate
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Interdisciplinary Expertise: Participate in an immersive 6-week program that blends advanced data analytics, innovation, and public policy design.
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Hands-On Policy Project: Real-world innovation project
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Guidance from Leading Scholars & Practitioners: Learn alongside faculty from top academic institutions and active professionals across sectors.
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Broadened Perspective: Encompass multiple dimensions of social policy, including expanding your policy literacy and impact potential.
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Career & Academic Advancement: Gain advanced skills in data-informed policy design, build a compelling portfolio with tangible outcomes, and position yourself for impactful roles in research, civic innovation, or public leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
This program is open to undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates from anywhere in the world. If you're passionate about innovation, data, and making cities work better for people, this is for you. No specific major required.
Do I have to be based in the U.S.?
Nope. The program is fully virtual, so you can participate from anywhere on the planet. All you need is a solid internet connection and the drive to show up.
Is there an in-person component?
For participants in the Boston and Cambridge areas, there will be opportunities to engage in-person throughout the program. Details will be shared with accepted participants. If you're not local, you won't miss out on the core experience, the program is designed to be fully valuable virtually.
How much does it cost?
Nothing. The program is completely free.
How long is the program and what does it look like?
The program runs for six weeks over the summer. The first week is focused coursework — fast-paced sessions covering the tools, frameworks, and concepts you'll need to hit the ground running. Weeks two through six are dedicated to working on your innovation project in partnership with Cyvl, where you'll apply what you've learned to a real challenge cities are facing right now.
What is Cyvl and why are they involved?
Cyvl is a Boston-area AI and infrastructure intelligence company that works with cities and governments to map and assess public infrastructure — roads, sidewalks, signs, and more — using AI, LiDAR sensors, and 360° imagery. Cities across the U.S. use their platform to make smarter and faster infrastructure decisions. This partnership means you're not just working on a simulation, you're working on problems that matter to actual communities.
What kind of project will I work on?
You'll work on an innovation challenge at the intersection of AI, infrastructure data, and public impact. Think: how do cities prioritize road repairs equitably? How do you turn raw sensor data into policy decisions? The exact project will be scoped with your cohort, but expect something you'll actually want to talk about after the program ends.
Do I need a background in data or technology to apply?
Not necessarily. Curiosity and a genuine interest in public challenges will take you far. That said, some familiarity with data, policy, or civic technology is helpful. If you're willing to learn quickly and collaborate openly, you're the kind of person we're looking for.
How much time should I set aside each week?
You should expect a meaningful time commitment. This isn't a passive experience. During the first week of coursework, plan for daily structured sessions of about 3 hours. During the project weeks, your team will set its own rhythm, but expect regular check-ins, collaboration, and enough engagement to produce work you're proud of.
Will I get a certificate or any formal recognition?
Yes. Participants who complete the program will receive a certificate of achievement. Beyond that, you'll walk away with a real project, a network of peers and practitioners, and experience you can speak to in interviews and applications.
When does the program run and when are applications due?
Program dates are July 13 to August 21. Follow PII on social media or check back at thepii.org to stay up to date.
I still have questions. Who do I contact?
Reach out to us at info@thepii.org, we're happy to help.