Institute for Nonpartisan Innovation (INI)

Our Mission

The Institute for Nonpartisan Innovation (INI) is a research and technology think and do-tank launched in collaboration with faculty and programs across the City University of New York system. We operate at the intersection of community storytelling, verified technology, and applied research to close critical civic information gaps across New York City and the United States.

INI functions as a cross-campus collaboration engine, connecting talent, research, and real-world implementation across CUNY’s multi-campus system.

Why it Matters

With just 26% of Americans expressing strong trust in the media and 59% believing they're regularly misled (Gallup & Edelman), INI exists to rebuild trust — one verified civic insight at a time.

The Three Pillars

  1. Nonpartisan Representation

    Elevating verified community voices into systems that shape decisions.

  2. Information Provenance

    Using Vngle’s infrastructure to ensure civic data is traceable, verifiable, and trustworthy.

  3. Responsible Tech & Governance

    Developing ethical frameworks for how civic data is built and used.

The Vngle–CUNY Synergy

Vngle's national creator network and CUNY's academic research engine combine to form a one-of-a-kind civic infrastructure pipeline — where grassroots intelligence meets institutional analysis and policy action.

"INI combines Vngle's real-time grassroots intelligence with CUNY's deep research capacity to create civic innovations that are equitable, verifiable, and scalable." — Douglas Smith, Cybercriminology Professor at John Jay College & Program Manager, TTP at City Tech

Real Stories on INI’s Impact

Engagement Paths

For Partners

Collaborate with INI on applied research, pilot deployments, or infrastructure co-design. Access early data insights and nonpartisan civic intelligence that informs public impact.

For Community Members

Apply to become a Civic Fellow or join your city's verified creator network. Receive training, certification, and support to capture what's really happening on the ground.

For Supporters

Help fund the expansion of verified civic infrastructure across America. Your contribution powers technology, fellowships, and community-driven solutions.

"Your support fuels nonpartisan civic innovation that strengthens democracy — one verified insight at a time."