AI Safety Policy Entrepreneurship Fellowship 2026

Applications are open for the Federation of American Scientists’ Policy Entrepreneurship Fellowship. This part-time program helps professionals turn policy ideas into action. The current cohort focuses specifically on frontier AI safety challenges. Fellows work as part-time FAS affiliates throughout the program. They engage decision-makers, build coalitions, and pursue real policy impact. The fellowship runs from September 30, 2026, through February 28, 2027.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: Federation of American Scientists
• Format: Part-time, hybrid
• Duration: Five months, September 2026 to February 2027
• Stipend: $5,000, plus a possible $1,000 merit award
• Application Deadline: September 7, 2026, 11:59 PM ET

Program Structure

Fellows spend roughly five hours weekly on program activities. This includes twice-monthly group check-ins with FAS staff. Participants also attend mandatory training sessions and reading groups throughout. These sessions deepen understanding of AI safety and policymaking processes. Additionally, fellows attend two in-person events during the fellowship.

The first is a California retreat scheduled for early November 2026. The second is a Washington, D.C. capstone event in late February 2027. Both gatherings support mentorship, networking, and project development.

Focus Areas

• Technical AI safety, alignment, and system reliability
• AI governance frameworks and regulatory design
• Risk assessment for advanced AI systems
• Transparency and accountability in AI development
• Cybersecurity, compute governance, and model proliferation

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants come from diverse professional backgrounds. Ideal candidates include those from technical AI research or academia. Others may work in think tanks, industry, law, or national security. The program particularly suits early- to mid-career professionals. Applicants should have limited prior experience in formal policymaking roles. Selection focuses on candidates who understand a specific AI safety challenge clearly. They should also propose a concrete, implementation-ready policy idea.

Financial Benefits

Fellows receive a $5,000 stipend for their participation. The most compelling policy memo may earn an additional $1,000 award. FAS also covers select travel costs for both in-person events. Fellows benefit from professional editing support on written materials. They gain access to policy-engagement training and expert networking opportunities. Each fellow also receives monthly one-on-one mentorship from FAS staff.

How to Apply

Candidates must submit materials through FAS’s official platform. Applicants will need to create an account before submitting their application. Questions about the program can be directed to #339966;">#339966;" href="mailto:dayoneproject@fas.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dayoneproject@fas.org.

#339966;">#339966;" href="https://fas.secure-platform.com/site/solicitations/103029/home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click Here to Apply

Conclusion

This fellowship offers a rare, hands-on pathway into AI policy work. It suits professionals eager to move beyond research into direct advocacy. With structured mentorship, national exposure, and modest financial support, it bridges technical expertise and real-world governance. Interested applicants should prepare their policy concept well before the September 7 deadline, since spots are limited and demand for frontier AI safety expertise continues rising quickly.

#008000;">READ MORE