The AI Safety Policy Entrepreneurship Fellowship 2026 is inviting applications from professionals who want to turn ideas about frontier AI safety into practical policy solutions.
Also, the fellowship is offered by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS). It runs from September 30, 2026, to February 28, 2027, and requires an average commitment of five hours per week.
Selected Fellows will receive a $5,000 stipend, plus additional support for selected travel costs.
For more fellowships and career opportunities, visit OpportunityLab.net.
What is the AI Safety Policy Fellowship?
This fellowship helps participants develop policy ideas and move them toward real-world adoption.
However, instead of focusing only on academic research, the programme emphasizes policy action. Fellows will work with decision-makers, build useful partnerships and develop strategies for putting their ideas into practice.
The cohort will focus on frontier AI safety, including AI governance, risk assessment, cybersecurity, transparency and accountability.
Who is Eligible for the AI Safety Policy Entrepreneurship Fellowship?
The opportunity welcomes applicants from different professional backgrounds.
Furthermore, it is especially suitable for early- to mid-career professionals who have limited direct public policy experience.
Potential applicants may come from:
- AI research
- Academia
- Think tanks
- Civil society
- Technology
- Law
- Cybersecurity
- National security
- Related fields
Applicants should show a strong understanding of an important AI safety or governance challenge. They should also present a practical policy idea with a realistic path toward adoption.
What Country or Region is Eligible?
The information provided does not state a nationality or country restriction.
However, the fellowship includes an in-person retreat in California and a capstone event in Washington, DC. Applicants should therefore be able to meet the programme’s participation requirements.
For more international fellowships, check OpportunityLab.net.
What does the Fellowship Cover?
The fellowship provides support for developing and promoting a policy project.
Fellows will:
- Develop a policy memo.
- Create an advocacy plan.
- Attend policy training sessions.
- Join reading groups.
- Receive mentorship.
- Connect with experts and policy stakeholders.
- Attend a California retreat.
- Attend a Washington, DC capstone event.
Therefore, the fellowship requires an average of 5 hours per week, or about 20 hours per month.
What are the Academic Requirements?
There is no specific degree or academic qualification stated.
Instead, FAS looks for applicants who understand a significant frontier AI safety, security or governance challenge.
Applicants should also demonstrate curiosity, initiative and an interest in turning ideas into practical policy outcomes.
When is the Deadline?
The application deadline is:
September 7, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET.
Therefore, Applicants should submit their forms before the stated deadline.
How do I Apply for the AI Safety Policy Entrepreneurship Fellowship?
First, review the eligibility and selection criteria. Then, prepare your application and policy idea.
Next, apply through the designated FAS application platform. You will need to create an account before submitting your application.
FAS states that it will only accept applications submitted through the linked platform.
Where is the Official Application?
Applications must go through the official FAS application platform.
Apply for the AI Safety Policy Entrepreneurship Fellowship
You can also visit the official Federation of American Scientists fellowship page for additional information.
For more fellowship opportunities, visit OpportunityLab.net.
Benefits of the AI Safety Policy Entrepreneurship Fellowship?
Selected Fellows will receive several benefits, including:
- $5,000 stipend.
- $1,000 additional merit award for the Fellow with the strongest and most actionable policy memo and advocacy plan.
- Additional travel support for the California retreat and Washington, DC event.
- Professional editing of written work.
- Policy entrepreneurship training.
- Access to FAS programmes and policy updates.
- Connections with relevant experts and policy actors.
- Twice-monthly group check-ins.
- Monthly individual meetings with an FAS staff mentor.
- Experience developing a policy memo and advocacy strategy.
- Opportunities to engage with policymakers and other stakeholders.
The AI Safety Policy Entrepreneurship Fellowship 2026 is a strong opportunity for professionals interested in AI governance and policy.
Unlike a traditional academic fellowship, it focuses on turning policy ideas into practical action. Therefore, applicants should have a clear problem to solve and a realistic plan for influencing policy.
