The Geopolitics of Technology Initiative was founded in 2022 by two undergraduates at William & Mary and Yale University with a mission to help develop the next generation of technology policy leaders. Since then, we’ve conducted in-depth research at the intersection of AI and Governance, Biotechnology and Tech Diffusion, and Clean Energy and Supply Chains - and we’re still only scratching the surface of the questions we hope to explore.

Now, we’re turning to you. Tell us your pitch for how YOU and your team would tackle one of the following big questions!

Selected teams will work with the GeoTech team to conduct a three month deep dive in their chosen topic, resulting in a concise white paper. All teams will be guaranteed opportunities to present and publish their work through GeoTech platforms and events. We will additionally help qualifying teams pursue publication in leading tech policy journals and magazines.

We especially encourage students with little research experience but deep interest in the field of tech policy to apply. We will help support you through every step of the writing, editing, publishing, and presentation process.

This form will be continually updated with new questions, so check back often. Got an idea that’s not on our list? Reach out to us at geotechinitiative@gmail.com!

OPEN PROJECTS:

Medicine as a Risk: U.S. Reliance on Biopharmaceutical Exports from China

The United States has long been a global leader in biopharmaceutical innovation. However, recent analyses indicate emerging vulnerabilities, particularly amidst competition from China's immense investment in the industry and regulation reform (CSIS, 2024). President Trump’s proposal to impose tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, including those from China, has sparked much debate over the U.S.'s heavy reliance on foreign chemical ingredients (NPR, 2025). The National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology (NSCEB)’s final report, for example, warns of scenarios where access to critical medications such as advanced cancer therapies developed in Shanghai could be leveraged for geopolitical influence (NSCEB, 2025).

We’re interested in conducting a risk-assessment related to the relationship of pharmaceutical trade between the U.S. and China. What quantifiable national security concerns persist pertaining to foreign biopharmaceutical innovation and exports? Furthermore, particularly if tariffs are imposed, what opportunities are there for stakeholders to best develop a robust U.S. drug manufacturing industry?

The Past - and Future - Success of the CHIPS and Science Act

Since its passage in 2022, the CHIPS and Science Act has become a cornerstone of U.S. industrial policy, aiming to restore American leadership in semiconductor manufacturing. The bipartisan bill committed nearly $53 billion into semiconductor R&D, STEM education and workforce development, and private sector investment, and was widely celebrated by the Biden administration for successfully creating over 100,000 jobs for Americans (Department of Commerce, 2024). However, the future of this Act has recently been called into question. President Trump widely criticized the legislation (NYT, 2025) and his administration’s establishment of a new office to negotiate investment deals (White House, 2025) has left many uncertain over the future of new or promised funding.

We aim to conduct a data-driven assessment of the CHIPS and Science Act’s performance and identify opportunities for this next phase of industrial investment. Where exactly has CHIPS money generated the greatest returns on investment (by geography, company size, or sector focus)? Are smaller firms and startups receiving enough support to ensure a resilient domestic supply chain, or is investment overly concentrated among a few large players? How effective are university trainings and workforce initiatives at channeling graduates into semiconductor careers, and is this academic pipeline aligned with industry needs?

Nurturing America's Most Valuable Resource: STEM Talent

America’s technological future may depend less on cutting-edge innovations and more on whether it can hold onto its own talent. Despite leading globally in R&D spending, the U.S. underperforms in cultivating and sustaining a STEM workforce sufficient to power our knowledge economy (NSF, 2024). The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted early science and math education, and recent cuts to U.S. graduate programs have limited pathways for many aspiring students (INET, 2025). Left unaddressed, this resulting loss of young talent could seriously undermine the U.S.’s technological competitive edge and long-term economic security.

We aim to assess where the STEM pipeline is strongest - and where it is leaking. Which regions, institutions, or programs are successfully cultivating and retaining domestic STEM talent? What factors shape students’ decisions to stay in research or tech-related fields? What strategies can professional-development organizations implement to grow and support new talent?

The Democratization of Science from Bacon to Biohacking

Science was not always a public endeavor. In the early modern period, Francis Bacon helped articulate a new vision of knowledge as a collective enterprise driven by experimentation, observation, and, crucially, the idea that scientific progress should benefit society as a whole. Today, new movements are once again challenging who gets to do science - and who it’s for. Community biology labs (Stanford + MIT, 2024), open-source tools (FAS, 2024), and citizen science networks (Frontiers, 2023) are creating bottom-up alternatives to traditional institutions.

We imagine this project to address the history of the democratization of science as well as predictions for the future. What happens when complex scientific methods become widely accessible? And how can we shape policy to support a more inclusive research ecosystem while still ensuring safety and accountability?

Apply now!

FAQ

What are we looking for?

We are looking for students passionate about tech policy issues who are dedicated to taking ownership of their work. You do not need prior research experience to apply - in fact, we encourage those wanting to grow their research skills to join. We will help support you through every step of the writing, editing, publishing, and presentation process.

What is the commitment like?

Considering we are a student-run group with such a special opportunity to be funded by grant, it is expected that all GeoTech fellows work at least 5-8 hours a week with an intention of working from the start of the project to the finished final report.

Flexibility in hours worked based on personal situations is guaranteed. The only requirement is that you are able to contribute meaningfully to the report and claim ownership of the final result.

Can I apply as a non-policy person?

The goal of the fellowship is to create interdisciplinary collaboration and thinking. We encourage all majors, not just to be inclusive, but because the creativity in diversity is a necessary part of our goals.

Can I apply as an individual?

While we are looking for assembled student teams, if you are interested in being matched with other students on a project or would like to complete a project on your own, please complete the application form and contact us at geotechinitiative@gmail.com

Interested in Joining Open Call?

Application Deadline: ROLLING

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email geotechinitiative@gmail.com

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