TechCongress Congressional Innovation Fellowship 2026
- Omran Aburayya
- Jun 6
- 2 min read
If you're a technologist eager to influence U.S. technology policy at the highest levels of government, the TechCongress Congressional Innovation Fellowship offers a unique opportunity. Applications for the January 2026 cohort are now open and will close on July 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET. This fellowship bridges the gap between the tech industry and Congress, placing professionals directly into legislative offices to provide critical expertise on pressing tech issues.
📝 Fellowship Summary
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Host Institution: TechCongress
Level: Fellowship (Early- and Mid-Career Professionals)
Target Group: U.S. Citizens and DACA recipients with technical backgrounds
Fields of Focus: Cybersecurity, AI, Privacy, Data Policy, Climate Tech, Criminal Justice, Space, Digital Service Delivery
Award Value:
Early-Career Fellows: $73,500 annual-equivalent stipend
Mid-Career Fellows: $96,750 annual stipend
Duration:
Early-Career Fellows: January – October 2026
Mid-Career Fellows: January – December 2026, with an optional one-month extension through January 2027
Application Deadline: July 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET
Start Date: January 2026
Eligibility: U.S. Citizens and DACA recipients with relevant technical experience
📚 Fellowship Overview
The Congressional Innovation Fellowship immerses technologists in the legislative process, allowing them to serve as advisors to Members of Congress or Congressional Committees. Fellows apply their technical expertise to inform policy decisions on issues such as encryption, autonomous vehicles, health IT, election security, and more.
🕵🏻 Key Responsibilities:
Collaborate with TechCongress to select a placement in a Congressional office or committee
Conduct research on technology-related policy issues
Educate Members and staff on technical topics
Draft legislation and prepare for committee hearings
Build coalitions with stakeholders and partner organizations
Document and share experiences through writing and presentations
Fellows begin with a comprehensive orientation covering legislative processes, followed by their placement in Congressional offices where they contribute to policymaking activities.
🎁 Fellowship Benefits
Stipend:
Early-Career Fellows: $73,500 annual-equivalent
Mid-Career Fellows: $96,750 annual
Health Insurance Supplement: Up to $425/month
Relocation Support: Up to $2,000 for moving expenses to Washington, D.C.
Housing Allowance: Up to $2,000 for first-month accommodation
Travel Reimbursement: Up to $2,000 for official travel, including visits to the home district of the Congressional office
Professional Attire Allowance: $500
Career Coaching: Up to three sessions with a professional career coach
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen or DACA recipient
Technical Background: Professional experience in technology fields such as engineering, computer science, data analysis, or related areas
Experience Level:
Early-Career Fellows: 2–6 years of professional experience or recent completion of a graduate technical degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) by January 2026
Mid-Career Fellows: Minimum of 8 years of professional experience or postgraduate study
Education: While a formal technical degree is not mandatory, applicants should have substantial experience working with technology and the ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences
Residency: Must be willing to relocate to Washington, D.C., as remote participation is not permitted
📝 Application Procedure
Online Application: Submit your application through the TechCongress website.
Offline Application: An offline version is available for download if needed.
Supporting Documents: Prepare your resume, personal statement, and any other required materials as specified in the application guidelines.
Informational Calls: Attend upcoming informational sessions to gain insights into the fellowship and application process.
Deadline: Ensure all application materials are submitted by July 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM ET.
🔗 OFFICIAL LINK
