AI Governance Accelerator

Transition into AI policy work through our 12-week intensive program. Learn how frontier AI systems are built, what drives the companies behind them, and how to design governance frameworks that actually work.

Program Structure

The program moves from foundations to application across two phases. You'll start with the fundamentals of AI systems and policy frameworks, then apply what you've learned to real governance challenges facing the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

Build a working understanding of AI systems, risks, and governance through weekly seminars and structured readings. Each session tackles a core question in AI policy, from what drives frontier AI development to how countries like the Philippines can shape global governance.

Week 0: Kickoff and Socials (07 Feb 2026)

Meet your cohort and program mentors.

Week 1: What drives AI progress and why is it hard to steer? (14 Feb 2026)

Understand the incentives behind frontier AI development and why governance is challenging.

Week 2: What are the risks of advanced AI systems? (21 Feb 2026)

Explore misuse risks, alignment challenges, and structural risks from increasingly capable AI.

Week 3: How do AI risks interact with local institutions? (28 Feb 2026)

Examine how AI risks manifest differently in the Philippine context.

Week 4: How is AI governance supposed to work in theory? (07 Mar 2026)

Study governance frameworks, institutional design, and policy mechanisms.

Week 5: How is AI governed in practice today? (14 Mar 2026)

Analyze existing regulatory approaches globally and their effectiveness.

Week 6: What role can non-frontier states play in AI governance? (21 Mar 2026)

Identify leverage points for countries that import rather than build frontier AI.

Week 7: Graduation and Socials (28 Mar 2026)

Present your next steps and celebrate with the cohort.

Fellows join ongoing research projects led by experienced mentors. Work on real governance challenges, contribute to active initiatives, and build your portfolio while learning how AI policy research actually works.

Eligibility: Attend at least 4 out of 6 discussion sessions in Phase 1, then apply to join a project team.

Project Kickoff: 11 Apr 2026

Begin working with your team under mentor guidance.

Demo Day: 16 May 2026

Present your project's findings to the cohort, mentors, and invited stakeholders.

Available projects and mentors will be announced in March 2026.

Why Join the Accelerator?

Understand What's Actually Happening

Learn how frontier AI companies operate, what drives their decisions, and why governance is harder than it looks. No hype, just the real incentives and constraints.

Learn From Experienced Practitioners

Work with mentors from the Philippines, Southeast Asia, and internationally who have experience in AI policy, research, and governance.

Build Something That Matters

Spend the final phase working on governance challenges facing the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Graduate with concrete research for your portfolio.

Connect to the Community

Join a growing network of people working on AI safety in the Philippines. Access opportunities in research, policy, and governance as they emerge.

Ready to Join?

Applications are open to students and early-career professionals. No prior AI experience required, but you should be comfortable reading technical material, meeting weekly deadlines, and committing 5-10 hours per week for 12 weeks.