This week a set of 18 advisers helped us select a group of semifinalists for Knight News Challenge: Data. We received 1,065 applications, and we are excited to announce that 46 projects (one entry is private) will move forward as semifinalists.

These projects will have until Monday, Oct. 26, to refine their entries and provide further information for the next set of advisers, who will help us choose the finalists. We will notify finalists on Friday, Nov. 6.

This was Knight Foundation’s second News Challenge on Data. The challenge, which closed Sept. 30, asked the question: How might we make data work for individuals and communities? We received applications from all over the world and believe these projects demonstrate the ambition, dedication and diversity of organizations and individuals concerned about how data can foster a culture of engagement. Several themes emerged among the applications we received, including civic data mobilization, data literacy and education, data visualization, data for anti-discrimination and diversity, tools for journalists, open data for governments, data accessibility and more.

While the majority of the proposals we received won’t be moving forward, our commitment to data projects extends beyond this challenge; we are constantly on the lookout for great ideas. Additionally, during the review process we will identify ideas that align with our Knight Prototype Fund, which provides seed funding for people to test assumptions and refine early-stage projects.

Thanks to everyone who has joined us in making this challenge a success—with a special thanks to our advisers who helped review entries. As we move forward with the refinement stage, we look forward to the review process, learning more about these projects and selecting a group of finalists. Winners, who will share in more than $3 million, will be announced in January. Please follow our progress at knightblog.org, on the challenge platform at newschallenge.org or on Twitter using #newschallenge.

Nina Zenni is a media innovation associate at Knight Foundation. Email her at [email protected].