Monday, June 1, 2026 – Washington, D.C. – After completing AIP's multi-week training curriculum on emerging technologies, including crypto, decentralized AI, and broader digital assets policy, Hugo Swangstu and Jacob Smagula have officially begun their year-long placements on Capitol Hill. Hugo joins the office of Representative Shomari Figures (D-AL-02), and Jacob joins the office of Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY-15).

"The AIP Fellowship was created to bring talented, curious minds to Capitol Hill and ensure that Congressional offices have staffers who understand and are engaged on emerging technologies and digital assets policy," said Allie Page, AIP's Executive Director. "We're so proud to have Hugo and Jacob representing this program as our inaugural fellows."

The fellows enter their placements having spent months training with industry experts, policymakers, advocates, and stakeholders across the emerging tech policy spectrum. Both say they're ready to put that foundation to work.

"This fellowship has given me an amazing opportunity to meet an incredible range of experts on tech policy," said Hugo Swangstu. "I am eager to bring these experiences to Congress."

"The fellowship has provided us an amazing opportunity to meet advocates and stakeholders across the emerging tech policy spectrum," added Jacob Smagula. "I can't wait to apply what I've learned during my year in Congress."

We at AIP couldn't be prouder to see the first cohort of AIP Policy Innovation Fellows step into this role. The work ahead will help shape our country, and Hugo and Jacob are ready for it.