The American Innovation Project (AIP), a non-profit advocating for digital assets, has expanded its team with the addition of a crypto policy specialist as it deepens its focus on digital asset legislation.
Jacob Smagula, set to graduate from Claremont McKenna College in 2026, will be joining the staff of Democratic Representative Ritchie Torres (D-NY). AIP announced that Smagula’s experience includes roles at publicly traded bitcoin miner MARA and his current position with the DeFi Education Fund’s policy team. His previous engagements on Capitol Hill include internships with Representative Jake Auchincloss and Senator Angus King.
This appointment is part of AIP’s Policy Innovation Fellowship, a program designed to provide congressional staff direct exposure to emerging technologies along with practical experience in Congress. Additionally, Hugo Swangstu, who will graduate from the University of Washington in 2025, has been named a fellow by AIP. Having interned for Representatives Adam Smith and Ritchie Torres, Swangstu will be working at Representative Shomari Figures’ (D-AL) Washington office.
“The next generation of policymakers must grasp the technologies transforming our economy, national security, and everyday life,” said Torres. Figures emphasized that as technology progresses swiftly, it is crucial for Members of Congress to be well-informed and ready to develop effective tech policies.
According to Allie Page, AIP’s executive director, the organization prioritizes recruiting talent knowledgeable in emerging technologies to aid lawmakers in making pivotal decisions affecting U.S. involvement in AI, crypto, and other sectors.
Founded in August 2025 by Digital Currency Group’s venture capital arm and the Cedar Innovation Foundation—whose funders are undisclosed—the AIP is supported by entities like Coinbase, Kraken, Andreessen Horowitz, the National Cryptocurrency Association, Paradigm, the Solana Policy Institute, Stand With Crypto, and Uniswap Labs.