Applications open for 2027 Horizon Fellowship cohort

The Horizon Fellowship places experts in AI, biotechnology, and other emerging technologies in federal agencies, congressional offices and committees, and leading think tanks in Washington, DC, for up to two years. Fellows receive comprehensive training, networking opportunities, and access to a supportive community of 100+ other fellows and alumni to launch their careers in public service.

Emerging technologies like AI and biotechnology are rapidly reshaping many domains, from healthcare and science to national security and the economy. The US government plays a critical role in developing and governing these technologies, and it needs people who understand them. Horizon fellows supply that understanding across the institutions that shape technology policy. 

Key details

• Start date: Summer 2027 (with part-time, remote training from January to March 2027)
• Location: Washington, DC
• Duration: 6 months for junior fellows, 12 months for fellows and senior fellows (with potential for a second term renewal)
• Compensation: $78,000 base salary for junior fellows, $130,000 for fellows, and $190,000+ for senior fellows. All fellows also receive a $17,000 benefits-equivalent stipend, a $3,000 professional development stipend, and up to $3,000 for relocation to DC, if needed.
  
  

What fellows do

Fellows are placed in full-time policy roles that match their expertise, goals, and interests. Past fellows have placed at dozens of organizations and offices, including:

• Department of Commerce
• Department of State
• DARPA
• Senate Commerce Committee
• House Select Committee on the CCP
• Foundation for American Innovation
• Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

As a fellow, you’ll gain first-hand policy experience and develop the relationships, skills, and track record that form the foundation of a public service career. For most fellows, the Horizon Fellowship is only the beginning of their contributions to emerging technology policy. Over 90% of our alumni have transitioned to full-time roles in policy and government after their fellowship ended, including in roles at the State Department, the Department of War, and the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology.

You can learn more about past fellows’ placements and accomplishments at Meet our Fellows and Fellow Accomplishments.

Eligibility and qualifications

We are looking for people who want to put their expertise to work on the hardest problems in emerging technology policy.

We value attitude, abilities, and knowledge more than formal credentials, and we welcome applicants from diverse and interdisciplinary professional backgrounds. The Horizon Fellowship has helped engineers, data scientists, historians, lawyers, doctors, and many other professionals transition into public service.

Competitive candidates generally have demonstrated subject-matter expertise in their technology area of interest. This could include relevant coursework, work experience, research projects, policy writing, or deep self-study. Prior policy experience is not required.

We support fellows at a range of career stages through three fellowship levels:

• Junior fellow: typically less than 3 years of full-time work experience and no PhD. Current students and recent graduates are welcome to apply.
• Fellow: typically 3+ years of relevant full-time experience or a PhD.
• Senior fellow (new this year): typically 12+ years of full-time experience, including extensive leadership experience. Senior fellows will typically be placed in roles with greater responsibility, such as leading workstreams and advising senior decision-makers.

Fellows apply to one of three tracks: executive branch, Congress, or think tank. All levels and tracks go through the same training and placement process, but junior fellows are only eligible for think tank placements. Learn more about qualifications for each track and level here.

Research shows that great candidates often disqualify themselves too quickly. If you are excited about the program but uncertain about your qualifications, we strongly encourage you to apply.

If you already have government or policy experience and are looking to serve on a faster timeline, you may also be interested in our AI Rapid Response Fellowship, which places experienced professionals in executive branch offices as soon as possible, with applications due July 22.

Program structure

Successful applicants will go through training, matching, and placement phases from January to summer of 2027.

1. Training (January to March 2027): The selected fellowship cohort completes a part-time, work-compatible remote training on policy work, including the mechanics of the federal government and applied skills like memo writing and policy analysis. The training culminates in an in-person weekend in Washington, DC, where fellows connect with dozens of emerging technology experts from across the policy world. The curriculum and networking prepare fellows to secure strong placement offers and perform high-quality work during their fellowship.
2. Matching (April to May 2027): After training, fellows begin an individualized matching process. Fellows decide which host organizations to pursue; Horizon supports them with introductions, application feedback, and interview preparation. Most fellows receive multiple offers and choose the placement that best fits their goals. Horizon has a nearly 100% fellow matching rate.
3. Placement (Spring/Summer 2027 onward): After successfully matching, fellows work with their chosen host organization to finalize a start date (typically during the summer). Horizon provides a full-time salary and benefits once their placement begins. Fellows’ work is fully supervised and directed by their host organization.
   
   

Application process

The fellowship application process consists of written questions, interviews, reference checks, and a short paid work test. We plan to make most offers by the end of November 2026.

See the Become a Fellow and Applicant FAQ pages for more information on the program content, eligibility criteria, application process, and other details. The application deadline is August 30, 2026, at 11:59pm Anywhere on Earth.

About the Horizon Institute for Public Service

The Horizon Institute for Public Service is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that helps the US government navigate our era of rapid technological change by supporting the next generation of emerging technology policy talent. In addition to our flagship fellowship program, Horizon runs a range of programs to support individuals across career stages—from undergraduates starting out in policy to mid-career professionals looking to transition into government. These programs include workshops and events, advising, a comprehensive career resource website, a Career Accelerator program to help individuals jump-start policy careers related to AI, and the AI Rapid Response Fellowship for experienced professionals ready to serve in government now.