AIP Policy Innovation Fellowship

Building the Next Generation of Tech-Fluent Policy Professionals

Explore the Program

The AIP Policy Innovation Fellowship is a program designed to provide educational opportunities by embedding tech-literate recent graduates in the policymaking process.

The Fellowship is a two-part program: online learning, and hands-on experience in a Congressional office. Fellows complete the program with unique expertise at the intersection of emerging tech and policymaking.

2026 AIP Fellows

⁠Jacob Smagula

Jacob Smagula is a graduating senior studying government at Claremont McKenna College from Brookline, MA. Smagula has served as an intern for for Representative Jake Auchincloss and Senator Angus King; worked on the government affairs team at MARA, a publicly traded Bitcoin mining company; and is currently on the policy team at the DeFi Education Fund. Smagula's writing has appeared in The Boston Globe and The Washington Monthly.

Hugo Swangstu

Hugo Swangstu is a 2025 graduate of the University of Washington, where he completed a degree in Political Science with a focus on International Security. Hugo previously interned for Representative Adam Smith, Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, and for Representative Ritchie Torres.

Program Overview

By providing fellows with one-of-a-kind deep dive trainings on timely tech issues, and giving them opportunities to put that in practice through policymaking, the fellowship will develop a new generation of policy professionals who understand both the technical complexities of emerging technologies and the realities of working on Capitol Hill.

Through a multi-week virtual curriculum followed by placements in Member offices, fellows gain the knowledge and experience to help shape informed technology policy in the years ahead.

View Full Program Structure

Fellowship Experience

Intensive
Training

Virtual education covering emerging technologies like crypto, AI, biotech, and defense tech policy fundamentals, regulatory frameworks, Hill mechanics, and best practices for working in congressional offices

Real-World
Policy Work

Placements as congressional staff in offices actively working on technology policy

Expert
Access

Direct engagement with industry innovators, policymakers, subject-matter experts, and bipartisan Hill staff throughout the program

Community
Building

Connection to a cohort of peers passionate about getting tech policy right, direct relationships with policymakers and executives, plus participation in AIP programming including the annual Summit

AIP Innovation Policy Fellowship Impact

Emerging technologies are evolving faster than ever, and the policy decisions made today will shape America's economic competitiveness and technological leadership for generations.

Policymakers often face a steep learning curve when it comes to understanding these complex innovations.

The AIP Policy Innovation Fellowship addresses this challenge by investing in the next generation.

Through the AIP Innovation Fellowship, we are creating a community of policy professionals who can translate technical concepts into actionable policy, bridge the gap between builders and legislators, and advance informed dialogue on the technologies defining America's future.

Program Structure

Virtual Training
Spring 2026
Congressional Placement
Summer 2026
AIP Alumni Network
Summer 2026 – Spring 2027

Program Structure

We’re looking for recent graduates ready to shape the future of technology policy.
Public Service
Mindset
Passionate about public service, technology, and policy
Curious
& Analytical
Quick learners with strong analytical and communication skills, and are interested in furthering their education and training
Interested in Emerging Technologies
Interested in crypto, blockchain, AI, biotech, defense tech and other emerging technologies
Open to Washington, D.C.
Those interested in living and working in Washington, D.C.

Join the Next Cohort

Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort are now closed.

Selected fellows receive a competitive stipend, relocation support, and full program funding from AIP.

Stay tuned for updates on future application cycles.

Interested in applying or learning more?

Stay informed about application timelines,
program details, and selection criteria.
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