Internet Law and Policy Foundry Fellowship 2026–2028: Fully Detailed Guide to the Prestigious Global Professional Development Opportunity

The Internet Law and Policy Foundry (ILPF) has officially opened applications for its highly competitive 2026–2028 Class 8 Fellowship Program. Designed for emerging leaders working at the intersection of law, technology, policy, governance, and digital innovation, this two-year professional development fellowship provides an exceptional platform for participants to expand their expertise, grow their networks, and contribute meaningfully to conversations shaping the future of the internet.

As governments, companies, civil society organizations, and international institutions continue to grapple with rapidly evolving technological challenges, there is an increasing need for informed professionals who can bridge the gap between technology and public policy. The Internet Law and Policy Foundry Fellowship aims to cultivate exactly this type of leadership.

The fellowship welcomes applications from students, researchers, legal professionals, policy practitioners, academics, advocates, and technology professionals from around the world who are passionate about internet governance, digital rights, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, privacy, online safety, telecommunications, and related fields.

About the Internet Law and Policy Foundry

The Internet Law and Policy Foundry is a professional development organization dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders in internet law and technology policy. Through mentorship, networking opportunities, collaborative projects, events, publications, and committee participation, the Foundry creates an environment where diverse perspectives can engage in constructive dialogue and contribute to solving pressing digital policy challenges.

One of the organization’s core objectives is to identify talented individuals from various professional, academic, and geographic backgrounds and help them develop into influential voices within the broader technology policy ecosystem.

The Foundry actively encourages participation from individuals with diverse experiences, viewpoints, and professional trajectories, recognizing that effective internet governance requires inclusive and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Fellowship Structure

The Foundry Fellowship is a two-year unpaid professional development program.

While the fellowship is largely conducted remotely, participants typically gather in person with other fellows in their region whenever opportunities arise. Fellows may also participate in larger technology policy events and conferences, including opportunities to engage with the wider Foundry community at major industry gatherings such as the State of the Net Conference.

Junior Fellows are expected to contribute approximately 3–5 hours per week toward fellowship activities, programming, and committee responsibilities.

Although there is no residency requirement, applicants should be aware that most Foundry activities occur during North American business hours, particularly Eastern Time (ET). Successful applicants should therefore be prepared to contribute during those time periods.

Committee Opportunities

All applicants are required to rank their preferred committee assignments. These committees play a critical role in advancing the Foundry’s mission and provide fellows with valuable leadership and professional development experiences.

Tech Policy Grind Podcast Committee

This committee manages the Foundry’s podcast production and content development. Members help identify discussion topics, coordinate guest speakers, develop episode concepts, and collaborate on outreach efforts. Participants gain hands-on experience in media production, thought leadership, stakeholder engagement, and policy communications.

Events & Fundraising Committee

The Events & Fundraising Committee is responsible for planning and executing many of the Foundry’s flagship programs and networking opportunities. Members help organize conferences, professional events, hackathons, social gatherings, sponsorship activities, and other initiatives that bring together the technology policy community.

Editorial & Content Committee

This committee develops original written content for publication. Fellows contribute articles, policy analyses, legal commentary, opinion pieces, case summaries, technical handbooks, policy guides, and other thought leadership materials. This committee offers an excellent opportunity for individuals seeking to strengthen their research, writing, and policy communication skills.

Communications & Marketing Committee

Members of this committee support the Foundry’s outreach efforts, newsletter development, branding initiatives, social media engagement, website management, and professional communications. Fellows gain practical experience in strategic communications while helping amplify the work of the Foundry community.

Why Apply?

The Internet Law and Policy Foundry Fellowship offers a unique opportunity to become part of a vibrant network of professionals shaping the future of technology governance.

Benefits include:

• Access to a global network of technology policy professionals
• Professional development and leadership opportunities
• Collaboration with experts across law, government, academia, civil society, and industry
• Opportunities to publish original work
• Participation in technology policy events and conferences
• Development of practical skills in communications, policy analysis, event management, research, and advocacy
• Exposure to emerging issues in internet governance and technology regulation
• Long-term career development support

Areas of Interest

The fellowship is particularly relevant for individuals interested in:

• Artificial Intelligence Governance
• Internet Governance
• Cybersecurity Policy
• Data Privacy and Protection
• Platform Accountability
• Digital Rights
• Telecommunications Policy
• Content Moderation
• Online Safety
• Technology Regulation
• Digital Trade
• Emerging Technology Law

Application Timeline

Applications Open: June 1, 2026

Application Deadline: June 22, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (ET)

Selection Results: Mid-July 2026

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning early submissions are strongly encouraged.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the online application form, submit their resume or CV in PDF format, rank their committee preferences, and respond to several written essay questions focused on technology policy, leadership, diversity, and professional interests.

Applicants will also be asked to discuss how their experiences and perspectives can contribute to the Foundry community and advance diversity and inclusion within the internet law and policy field.

For professionals and students seeking meaningful engagement in technology governance, policy development, and digital innovation, the Internet Law and Policy Foundry Fellowship represents a valuable opportunity to build expertise, expand professional networks, and contribute to shaping the future of the digital world.

Deadline: June 22, 2026

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