Applications are open for the Tech Policy Press Fellowship Program 2026. Since its launch in 2023, the fellowship program has supported 15 fellows from seven countries across two cohorts, who have written on pressing topics such as the governance of artificial intelligence, tech regulation, digital rights, and the entanglement of state and corporate power.
For 2026, they intend to support a new cohort of fellows to pursue independent reporting and analysis projects that explore urgent questions at the intersection of technology and democracy. The year-long, part-time fellowship is designed to support journalists, researchers, and public policy professionals. They welcome a wide range of contributions, from original reporting to policy analysis.
Applicants should come prepared with a clear area of focus and a sense of how their work will contribute to informing both the public and decision-makers. They are particularly interested in projects that center communities and regions often excluded from global tech policy conversations.
Benefits
- Each fellow will receive a $10,000 stipend to support their work.
- In addition, fellows will join an international cohort for regular feedback and exchange of ideas, receive ongoing editorial guidance, and participate in monthly sessions designed to support and strengthen their work.
Eligibility
- Open to journalists, researchers, lawyers, and public policy professionals who are interested in exploring the intersection of technology and democracy.
- They encourage applicants from the Global Majority and underrepresented communities in media.
- Candidates should have a demonstrated interest or background in tech policy, media, or related fields, and be committed to producing high-quality, public-interest work during the fellowship.
Expectations
Applicants should have a strong background or expertise in a specific tech policy area or issue, a particular geography, or, more generally, technology and its impact on democracy or society. All fellows will work remotely as independent contractors.
All fellows will be expected to:
- Contribute (on at least a monthly basis) analysis or reporting on issues related to technology and democracy. (While topics can change after the fellowship commences, each fellow should clearly articulate a topic and why they are a good fit to cover it.)
- Attend a mandatory hour-long monthly cohort meeting.
- Attend a monthly check-in meeting with Tech Policy Press’s editorial team to evaluate progress and discuss next steps.
- Collaborate with other fellows and the Tech Policy Press masthead as appropriate.
- Meet all agreed-upon deadlines for outputs.
- Disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
Application
If you would like to apply for the fellowship, complete this form by 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 15, 2025.
Required documents include:
- A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
- Cover letter (no more than two pages) that conveys what you hope to accomplish
- Links to prior publications.
