Think tank · Policy · Washington, DC · Est. 2014
The Foundation for American Innovation (FAI) is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit think tank that positions itself as a bridge between technologists and policymakers. It describes its mission as championing the technology, talent, and ideas essential to American prosperity, security, and flourishing, and emphasizes tighter coupling between innovators and government to improve the “machinery of governance.”
FAI’s work spans technology and statecraft, artificial intelligence, governance, energy and infrastructure, and science and innovation, and it reports outputs that include research, commentary, legislative engagement, technical tools, convenings, and talent-development programs. FAI also describes itself as operating under an “open voice” posture rather than a single institutional view, while generally relying on staff expertise and judgment rather than speaking with one unified policy position. The organization maintains primary offices in Washington, DC, and was established in Silicon Valley in 2014 as Lincoln Labs (later Lincoln Network) before adopting the current name.
FAI announced that Emmet Penney would serve as Director of its Energy & Infrastructure program, with Thomas Hochman transitioning to non-resident senior fellow status; the post also states Penney will serve as a senior advisor to FAI Action.
Quarterly Update, Q2 2026FAI’s quarterly update describes ongoing program work and states that the organization is preparing for its American Innovation Gala on October 1, 2026, and references the recent Frontier Legal Defense launch.
FAI Launches Frontier Legal Defense ProgramFAI announced the launch of Frontier Legal Defense, described as a rapid-response legal team to defend U.S. technological leadership in emerging technologies amid litigation and government overreach concerns; the announcement states the effort will be led by General Counsel Tim Hwang.
Announcing FAI’s Physical Intelligence ProjectFAI published an announcement introducing a Physical Intelligence Project, framed as work on the counterpart of digital machine intelligence in the physical world.
Amicus Brief in Department of the Air Force v. Prutehi GuahanFAI announced that General Counsel and Senior Fellow Tim Hwang, with Research Fellow Sam Roland, filed an amicus brief in support of the government in Department of the Air Force v. Prutehi Guahan.
Quarterly Update, Q1 2026 (includes staffing growth and FAI Action launch)FAI’s quarterly update reports that it launched FAI Action as a new 501(c)(4) in March (described as advancing energy and AI policy) and summarizes staffing additions and upcoming plans including a gala on October 1, 2026.