Horizon Fellowship

Horizon Fellowship

Funder: Horizon Institute for Public Service

Status: The 2026 cohort applications closed on 2025-09-02. Horizon accepts applications annually for new cohorts.

Geographic Scope: Washington, DC (placement location required)

Focus Areas:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy

Biotechnology policy

Emerging technology policy

AI and biosecurity convergence

Related policy areas at federal agencies, congressional offices, and think tanks

Program Overview:
The Horizon Fellowship places experts in emerging technologies in federal agencies, congressional offices and committees, and leading think tanks in Washington, DC for up to two years. Fellows join a community of 85+ other fellows and alumni, receiving comprehensive training, networking opportunities, and financial support to launch careers in public service.

Eligibility:

Passion for making a difference and contributing expertise to emerging technology challenges

Subject-matter expertise in emerging technology (required) — demonstrated through coursework, work experience, research projects, policy writing, or deep self-study

Prior policy experience not required

Open to diverse backgrounds and career stages: recent graduates to mid-career professionals

Welcome interdisciplinary professionals (engineers, data scientists, historians, lawyers, doctors, etc.)

Three tracks available:

- Executive branch track
- Congress track
- Think tank track (includes junior track for recent graduates)

What They Don't Fund:
No specific exclusions stated, but focus is on emerging technology policy expertise.

Award Details:

Fellowship Duration: 6 months for junior fellows, 12 months for fellows (with potential for second term renewal)

Compensation (2026 cohort):

- Fellows: $113,000/year equivalent
- Junior fellows: $75,000/year equivalent
- Plus $15,000 in health care support
- $3,000 professional development stipend
- Up to $3,000 for relocation to DC (if needed)

Start Date: Summer 2026

100% placement success rate historically achieved

Program Outcomes:

More than 90% of alumni transition to full-time roles in policy and government after fellowship

Past placements: State Department, Department of Defense, National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, Senate Commerce Committee, Department of Energy's Office of Critical & Emerging Technologies, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Center for Security and Emerging Technology, House committees

Contact Information:

Website: horizonpublicservice.org

"Become a Fellow" page for more details

"Applicant FAQ" page

Career Interest Form for future notifications

Background:
Horizon is a non-partisan, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded to help the US government navigate rapid technological change by supporting the next generation of emerging technology policy talent. Since launch, they have helped 75+ experts fill roles at top think tanks, congressional offices, and federal agencies.