Horizon Fellowship 2026

Applications for the Horizon Fellowship 2026 are now open! This prestigious fellowship places experts in AI, biotechnology, and other emerging technologies in federal agencies, congressional offices, 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 over 85 fellows and alumni to launch their careers in public service.

📖 About Horizon Fellowship

Emerging technologies like AI and biotechnology are rapidly reshaping domains such as healthcare, science, national security, and the economy. The US government plays a critical role in developing and governing these technologies but often struggles to find and retain the requisite technical expertise.

Horizon Fellows help bridge this gap by bringing subject-matter knowledge and experience to these pressing issues. As a fellow, you'll join a community of dedicated professionals working on these challenges, allowing you to apply your expertise to real-world policy issues and launch a career in public service.

Opportunity Details

• Date Published: July 30, 2025
• Application Deadline: August 28, 2025
• Category: Fellowship
• Opportunity Location: United States
• Eligible Locations: United States

🏛️ Program Structure

The fellowship consists of three phases: Training, Matching, and Placement.

1. Training (January–March 2026):

   • Part-time, work-compatible remote training on US federal government operations, applied skills (e.g., policy memo writing), and AI and biosecurity policy debates.
   • Culminates in an immersive in-person weekend in Washington, DC, where fellows connect with emerging technology experts.
   • Designed to prepare fellows for high-impact placements and high-quality work during their fellowship.

2. Matching (April–May 2026):

   • Individualized matching process with prospective host organizations (executive branch agencies, congressional offices, committees, or think tanks).
   • Fellows typically receive multiple offers and choose placements that best fit their goals.
   • Horizon boasts a 100% placement rate.

3. Placement (Spring/Summer 2026 onward):

   • Fellows work with their chosen host organization to finalize a start date (typically during summer).
   • Horizon provides full-time salary and benefits once placement begins.
   • Fellows' work is supervised and directed by their host organization.

💰 Benefits of Horizon Fellowship

• Stipend:
  • Fellows: $113,000/year
  • Junior Fellows: $75,000/year
• Health Care Support: $15,000/year
• Professional Development Stipend: $3,000
• Relocation Support: Up to $3,000 (if needed)

✅ Eligibility Criteria

• Must be eligible to work in the United States and willing to live in the Washington, DC area for the duration of the placement.
  • Note: Horizon cannot sponsor US employment visas. US permanent residents (green card holders) are eligible to apply, but non-US citizens may be ineligible for placements requiring security clearance.
• Demonstrated subject-matter expertise in an emerging technology area of focus (e.g., paper, internship, work project, relevant undergraduate degree, or coursework).
• Competitive applicants should be able to explain concepts in their subject area to nontechnical experts.
• Strongly encourages applications from underrepresented groups in science and technology policy, such as women, veterans, and people of color.

📝 Application Process

Initial Application Requirements:

• CV or Resume: Maximum 2 pages.
• Short Answer Questions: Motivations and experiences (≤ 200 words).

Selection Process:

• Short work test and a series of interviews.
• Evidence-based best practices are used to promote diversity and merit-based selection, including blind grading and compensating applicants for time spent on work tests.

📅 Application Deadline

August 28, 2025

🌐 Application Portal

• View details of the Horizon Fellowship.
• Apply for the Horizon Fellowship.

🏢 Sponsor Organization

Horizon Institute for Public Service

This fellowship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to public service while advancing your career in emerging technologies. Don't miss the chance to be part of this transformative program!

• Fellows receive a stipend of $113,000/year and junior fellows receive $75,000/year equivalent, plus $15,000 in health care support.
• Additionally, all fellows and junior fellows can access a $3,000 professional development stipend and up to $3,000 for relocation to DC (if needed).