SATOSHI SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The Satoshi Scholars Program is a crash course in the key policy debates surrounding Bitcoin, stablecoins, and AI; designed to empower Congressional staffers to be leaders in these issues. Selected staffers will join a small cohort that will gather weekly for working dinners with subject matter experts and industry leaders. The program culminates in an all-inclusive capstone retreat, where you will develop and present a personal policy proposal on a policy topic of your choosing.
Scholars receive a $1,000 program completion award, dinner at every session, and an invitation to a beautiful offsite retreat.
The origins of Bitcoin — from the cypherpunk movement and early digital cash experiments to the publication of the Bitcoin whitepaper in 2008. No technical background is required; we start from the fundamentals.
Explore BPI's research → A Comprehensive Policy Framework for U.S. Leadership on BitcoinBitcoin and digital assets are increasingly relevant to U.S. foreign policy objectives and national security. This session examines the risks and opportunities presented by these emerging monetary networks.
Explore BPI's research → A Global Economic Reordering: US-China Competition and Bitcoin as a Tool of US StatecraftBitcoin mining and AI have significant power demand. This session explores how these technologies interact with America's grid today and the energy future we need for tomorrow, along with the regulatory bottlenecks that stand in the way.
Explore BPI's research → Bitcoin Mining Reduces Carbon EmissionsThis session examines the tension between law enforcement objectives and constitutional rights — and the policy frameworks needed to protect civil liberties without compromising legitimate security interests.
Explore BPI's research → Privacy in Public: What Privacy Is, and Why It MattersHow Bitcoin interacts with traditional capital markets; the Basel framework and prudential treatment of digital assets; building a regulatory environment that attracts Bitcoin-related financial activity to the United States; dollarization via stablecoins in emerging markets; the Lightning Network as a payments layer; the economic case for de minimis tax treatment; how payments work without correspondent banks.
Explore BPI's research → Basel's 1250% MistakeThe program culminates in a scenic and intellectually engaging two-night retreat. You will present and refine your policy brief alongside your cohort, BPI research staff, and invited experts.
Friday–Sunday, July 17–19, 2026
Develop an understanding on how Bitcoin and emerging technologies work: evaluate bills that cross your desk and brief your office confidently.
Engage with leading voices in energy policy, national security, financial regulation, and civil liberties.
A 3–5 page proposal on a Bitcoin policy topic of your choosing, developed with guidance from mentors available throughout the program. Top briefs may be invited for publication by BPI; publication is voluntary, unpaid, and at the scholar's discretion.
Relationships with other staffers thinking seriously about these issues, as well as ongoing access to BPI's network of subject-matter experts.
Anyone in the DC area with an interest in digital asset policy (i.e. congressional staffers, academics, or other policy professionals).
Plan for about two hours on Tuesday evenings (6:00–8:00 PM dinner and session, plus informal conversation afterward). You may spend an additional hour or two between sessions on short readings or your policy brief, but the program is designed to respect Hill schedules.
None. The program is fully funded by the Bitcoin Policy Institute. Scholars who complete the full program receive a $1,000 educational program award. Congressional staff and other government employees should confirm acceptance with their office's ethics contact, consistent with standard practice for participation in outside educational programs.
No! The curriculum starts from the basics in Session 1 and builds from there. The program is designed for policy professionals.
If selected, we ask that you commit to attending all five sessions and the capstone retreat. If a conflict comes up, reach out to us and we'll work with you.
Click "Apply Here" on this page, or email satoshi@btcpolicy.org with any questions.
Cohort size is limited. Applications are now open.
APPLY HEREQuestions? Contact satoshi@btcpolicy.org
