US State Department Launches Freedom Tech Program With Bitcoin Policy Institute as Founding Partner

The US State Department has named the Bitcoin Policy Institute a founding partner in a new talent-exchange program with private technology companies and research institutions.

The Block reported on July 25 that the department is launching the Freedom Tech Excellence Program, or FTEP. Other founding partners are Palantir Technologies, defense startup Anduril Industries, and the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.

Under the program, private-sector employees will be temporarily assigned to the State Department to participate in diplomatic work aimed at advancing digital freedom and freedom of expression. The department said participants will gain direct exposure to foreign policy and development work while contributing expertise in emerging fields where it lacks sufficient in-house capacity.

The Bitcoin Policy Institute wrote on X that FTEP will send private experts such as BPI to the State Department to support diplomatic work on issues including online freedom of expression, privacy-enhancing technologies, countering digital surveillance, and responsible AI governance.

Founded in 2021, the Bitcoin Policy Institute is a nonprofit think tank that promotes sound Bitcoin policy through research, education and direct engagement with policymakers.