The 2027 Horizon Fellowship is now accepting applications from talented professionals, researchers, students, and technology experts who are passionate about using their expertise to solve some of the world’s most pressing public policy challenges. Hosted by the Horizon Institute for Public Service, this prestigious fellowship provides an exceptional opportunity for individuals with expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology, and other emerging technologies to transition into meaningful public service careers. Successful fellows will be placed in influential policy positions within federal agencies, congressional offices, committees, and leading think tanks in Washington, DC, where they will help shape technology policy that affects healthcare, science, national security, innovation, and economic development.
The fellowship combines comprehensive training, professional mentorship, networking opportunities, competitive salaries, generous benefits, and hands-on policy experience, making it one of the most attractive technology policy fellowships available.
About the Horizon Fellowship
Rapid advances in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, and other emerging fields are transforming societies around the globe.
Governments increasingly require professionals who understand these technologies to help design effective policies, regulations, and strategic initiatives.
The Horizon Fellowship was established to bridge this gap by placing technical experts directly into institutions responsible for developing and implementing technology policy.
Rather than requiring years of prior government experience, the fellowship recognizes that subject-matter expertise is equally valuable. It welcomes professionals from diverse academic and professional backgrounds who want to contribute to public service.
The program prepares fellows for long-term careers in technology policy through structured training, practical work experience, and ongoing professional support.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive an outstanding package of financial and professional benefits.
Competitive Salary
Compensation depends on fellowship level:
- Junior Fellow: $78,000 annual base salary
- Fellow: $130,000 annual base salary
- Senior Fellow: $190,000+ annual base salary
In addition to salary, every fellow receives:
- $17,000 benefits-equivalent stipend
- $3,000 professional development stipend
- Up to $3,000 relocation support for those moving to Washington, DC
- Comprehensive professional training
- Access to a network of more than 100 fellows and alumni
- Career mentoring and networking opportunities
- Individualized placement support
- Hands-on policy experience
- Long-term career development opportunities
Fellowship Location
Successful applicants will be placed in:
Washington, DC, USA
Training during the first phase is conducted remotely before fellows relocate for their placements.
Fellowship Duration
Duration depends on the fellowship category:
- Junior Fellows: 6 months
- Fellows: 12 months
- Senior Fellows: 12 months, with the possibility of renewal for an additional term.
Training begins in January 2027, while placements generally start during Summer 2027.
Where Fellows Work
Participants are matched with organizations based on their expertise, professional interests, and career aspirations.
Previous fellows have worked with organizations such as:
- 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
These placements allow fellows to contribute directly to important national policy initiatives involving emerging technologies.
Career Outcomes
One of the strongest features of the Horizon Fellowship is its proven record of helping fellows transition into long-term public service careers.
According to the Horizon Institute:
- More than 90% of alumni move into permanent policy or government positions after completing the fellowship.
- Alumni have secured positions within the State Department, national security organizations, government agencies, and leading policy institutions.
- Fellows gain practical experience that significantly strengthens their professional profiles.
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship welcomes individuals from a broad range of disciplines.
Examples include:
- Artificial Intelligence specialists
- Machine Learning engineers
- Data scientists
- Software engineers
- Biotechnology professionals
- Medical professionals
- Scientists
- Researchers
- Historians
- Lawyers
- Economists
- Policy researchers
- Academics
- Engineers
- Public health professionals
- Technology entrepreneurs
- Professionals with interdisciplinary expertise
The program values:
- Technical expertise
- Intellectual curiosity
- Problem-solving ability
- Leadership potential
- Commitment to public service
Formal credentials alone are not the determining factor for selection.
Eligibility Requirements
Competitive applicants typically demonstrate expertise through one or more of the following:
- Relevant academic coursework
- Professional work experience
- Independent research
- Technical projects
- Publications
- Policy writing
- Industry experience
- Deep self-directed learning
Importantly:
- Prior government experience is not required.
- Prior policy experience is not required.
Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they are unsure whether they fully meet every qualification.
Fellowship Levels
1. Junior Fellow
Suitable for:
- Current university students
- Recent graduates
- Early-career professionals
- Applicants with less than three years of full-time work experience
- Applicants without a PhD
Junior Fellows are placed exclusively with think tanks.
2. Fellow
Designed for applicants who have:
- Three or more years of relevant professional experience, or
- A PhD in a relevant field.
3. Senior Fellow
This newly introduced category is intended for professionals who possess:
- Approximately 12 or more years of professional experience
- Significant leadership experience
- Experience advising senior decision-makers
- Strong management capabilities
Senior Fellows are typically assigned greater leadership responsibilities.
Fellowship Tracks
Applicants choose one of three placement tracks:
- Executive Branch
- Congress
- Think Tank
Although all participants complete the same training program, placement opportunities differ depending on fellowship level.
Program Structure
The Horizon Fellowship follows a carefully designed three-stage process.
Phase One: Training (January – March 2027)
Participants complete flexible, part-time remote training covering topics such as:
- Federal government processes
- Technology policy
- Policy analysis
- Memo writing
- Professional communication
- Policy research
Training concludes with an in-person networking weekend in Washington, DC.
Phase Two: Matching (April – May 2027)
Following training:
- Fellows identify preferred host organizations.
- Horizon provides personalized career support.
- Participants receive interview coaching.
- Application feedback is provided.
- Professional introductions are facilitated.
The fellowship reports a nearly 100% placement matching rate, with many fellows receiving multiple placement offers.
Phase Three: Placement (Summer 2027)
After securing a placement:
- Fellows begin full-time work with their host organization.
- Salaries and benefits commence.
- Daily work is supervised by the host institution.
- Fellows contribute directly to technology policy initiatives.
Application Process
The selection process includes several stages:
- Online application
- Written application questions
- Interviews
- Reference checks
- Short paid work test
Interested applicants should Apply HERE
Most fellowship offers are expected to be issued by the end of November 2026.
Why You Should Apply
The Horizon Fellowship provides a rare opportunity to combine technical expertise with meaningful public service.
Participants benefit from:
- Competitive compensation
- Extensive professional development
- Direct government and policy experience
- Career mentorship
- High-impact placements
- Exceptional networking opportunities
- Strong long-term employment prospects
To learn more click HERE
Whether you are an engineer, scientist, researcher, AI expert, or professional seeking to influence public policy, the Horizon Fellowship offers an outstanding pathway into one of today’s fastest-growing career fields.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by: August 30, 2026 (11:59 PM Anywhere on Earth).
Late applications are unlikely to be considered, so interested candidates are encouraged to apply well before the deadline.
Conclusion
The 2027 Horizon Fellowship represents an exceptional opportunity for individuals with expertise in emerging technologies to transition into influential public service careers. Through world-class training, personalized mentorship, competitive financial support, and placements within some of the most respected government agencies and policy institutions in the United States, the fellowship equips participants with the knowledge, networks, and practical experience needed to shape the future of technology policy. Whether you are an early-career graduate, an experienced professional, or a senior leader, the program offers a unique platform to apply your expertise where it can have lasting national and global impact.
For more GLOBAL updates on FELLOWSHIPS click HERE
