From 2 Blocks to The AI Table

An invitation for Microsoft to co-lead the next chapter

In 2022, Microsoft NERD partnered with Innovators for Purpose (iFp) on 2 Blocks—asking how much difference two blocks from the most innovative square mile on the planet could make. That work revealed the distance between proximity and opportunity.

Now we're seeing this same dynamic exacerbated through AI.

We're inviting Microsoft to partner with us again—this time to ensure young people get to shape the technology shaping their futures.

THE 2 BLOCKS LEGACY

Cambridge is home to MIT, Harvard, and world-leading AI innovation. Yet many local young people remain locked out of those opportunities.

In 2022, Microsoft NERD helped bring our 2 Blocks project to life, exploring how proximity to innovation doesn't guarantee access to it. That partnership demonstrated what's possible when industry leaders invest in authentic community engagement.

The AI Table is 2 Blocks evolved—focused on AI and sustained dialogue rather than a one-time project.

THE GAP WE'RE CLOSING

AI is already shaping students' education, social lives, and future careers. Yet most people—especially young people and community members—have little opportunity to engage with those building it.

Our December 2024 AI Town Hall (175+ attendees, filmed by PBS) made this gap unmistakable: People don't know how to participate in shaping AI's future.

The distance between concern and agency is significant.

INTRODUCING THE AI TABLE

Quarterly, student-led convenings where young people bring together AI users and builders—educators, artists, workers, researchers, engineers, policymakers—for cross-sector dialogue.

Students set the agenda. Students facilitate. Students synthesize insights.

Three quarterly AI Tables throughout the year will engage 375+ stakeholders across education, industry, and community, culminating in students presenting their synthesized findings publicly.

THE LAUNCH MOMENT

The AI Table will debut at iFp's 4th Annual Transforming AI Summit on May 21, 2026—our signature event that has brought together over 600 students, educators, and industry leaders since 2023.

The Summit provides the ideal launch platform: 200+ attendees, student AI showcases, cross-sector dialogue, and a day focused on AI + Agency (this year's theme). Microsoft Founding Sponsors will have premier recognition at this flagship event, with The AI Table positioned as the evolution of iFp's AI work.

From there: Three intimate, quarterly AI Tables (125 participants each) throughout 2026-2027, with students presenting final findings at the May 2027 Summit.

Location: U.S. DOT Volpe Center, Kendall Square

WHY MICROSOFT

We believe Microsoft is uniquely positioned to lead in this space.

As a company at the frontier of AI development, Microsoft has both the credibility and responsibility to help shape not only what AI becomes, but how communities engage with it.

This creates a rare opportunity for Microsoft to lead not only in AI innovation, but in how AI is shaped alongside the communities it impacts—building trust, surfacing early insights, and strengthening long-term relationships in Kendall Square and beyond.

The goal: Position Microsoft as a leader in creating authentic community voice in AI development.

FOUNDING SPONSOR PARTNERSHIP

$25,000-$50,000 | Limited to 2 Companies

A year-long partnership to elevate youth voice in AI conversations.

What's Included:

  • Premier placement and recognition as the founding partner of AI Table

  • Host One AI Table: Your company hosts one of three quarterly convenings at your facility

  • Strategic Insight Access: Receive synthesized student insights from each AI Table before public release

  • On-stage engagement aligned with listening and reflection at AI Summit

  • Demo Floor Presence: Host an interactive table showcasing initiatives, tools, or ideas aligned with ethical AI, education, or social impact

  • Support for 40 student registrations to the AI Summit

  • Year-long partnership with iFp to co-learn, reflect, and steward responsible AI conversations

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR MICROSOFT

Build on 2 Blocks legacy — Continue Microsoft's commitment to local community engagement in Kendall Square

Early signal detection — Understand how AI is impacting education, work, and community before concerns become crises

Authentic relationships — Sustained engagement with educators, policymakers, and emerging talent (not transactional)

Thought leadership — Model what responsible AI community engagement looks like

Trust building — Show that Microsoft shapes AI with communities, not just for them

TIMELINE

Now - April 2026 — Founding Sponsor commitment
May 21, 2026 — AI Table public launch at Transforming AI Summit
October 2026 — AI Table Convening #1 (Microsoft hosts)
December 2026 — AI Table Convening #2
March 2027 — AI Table Convening #3
May 2027 — Students present final findings at Transforming AI Summit