About Centre for Development of Intellectual Property and Research (CDIPR)
The Centre for Development of Intellectual Property and Research (CDIPR) is a premier institution established as India’s First Non-Governmental Research Organisation dedicated to Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs). Operating under the Naovina Development of Intellectual Property and Research Foundation as a registered Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), CDIPR is dedicated to promoting and protecting Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) within India, thereby fostering a conducive environment for innovation and creativity.
In today’s global landscape, where intellectual property serves as a cornerstone for economic growth, technological advancement and cultural development, CDIPR plays a pivotal role in driving forward-thinking policies, research and education. CDIPR is a community, Connecting 2200+ Members & 12,300+ Global Academicians on Intellectual Property Rights.
About the Fellowship
The AI Policy Research Fellowship, 2026 is one of the most prestigious international research fellowships in South Asia, instituted by the Centre for Development of Intellectual Property and Research (CDIPR), Naovina Development of Intellectual Property and Research Foundation. The Fellowship is organised in collaboration with Google for Education and the Data & Society Research Institute, and is powered by the Community for Academic Research and Development Foundation.
Conceived as a flagship academic and policy initiative, the Fellowship seeks to advance cutting-edge research at the intersection of Artificial Intelligence, Public Policy, Law, Education, and Technological Innovation. It is designed to bring together a diverse cohort of scholars, policymakers, technologists, and professionals from across South Asia and beyond, thereby fostering a truly global and interdisciplinary research ecosystem.
In the contemporary digital era, Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a transformative force influencing governance systems, economic structures, and societal dynamics. While AI presents unprecedented opportunities for innovation and development, it simultaneously raises complex regulatory, ethical, and legal challenges. There exists a pressing need for robust policy frameworks that balance innovation with accountability, inclusivity, and human-centric values.
The AI Policy Research Fellowship, 2026 addresses this critical need by providing a rigorous, research-intensive platform for the development of evidence-based policy solutions and forward-looking regulatory frameworks. The programme enables Fellows to engage deeply with pressing issues such as AI governance, algorithmic accountability, data protection, intellectual property in AI-generated works, and the socio-economic implications of emerging technologies.
Through structured mentorship, collaborative research engagements, and high-impact policy outputs, the Fellowship aims to cultivate a new generation of thought leaders and policy innovators capable of shaping the future of AI governance at both national and international levels.
South Asian Artificial Intelligence (SAAI) Conclave 2026
The AI Policy Research Fellowship, 2026 is being organised as a post-conclave academic and research initiative under the broader framework of the South Asian Artificial Intelligence (SAAI) Conclave, 2026. The SAAI Conclave 2026 is envisioned as a premier international platform dedicated to advancing dialogue on Artificial Intelligence, governance, digital transformation, and sustainable technological development across South Asia and the Global South.
The Conclave seeks to bring together academicians, policymakers, industry leaders, technology experts, international organisations, and research institutions to deliberate upon the opportunities and challenges posed by AI in diverse socio-economic contexts. Building upon the success of previous global and regional initiatives which have witnessed participation from over 65 countries and 120+ institutions worldwide.
Within this broader vision, the AI Policy Research Fellowship, 2026 serves as a foundational academic component, enabling selected Fellows to contribute original research, policy briefs, and actionable recommendations that will be showcased and deliberated during the Conclave.
Objectives of the Fellowship
The Fellowship is designed to achieve the following objectives:
- To promote high-quality, policy-oriented research in Artificial Intelligence
- To bridge the gap between technology, law, governance, and society
- To develop innovative regulatory and policy frameworks for AI
- To encourage comparative and interdisciplinary research approaches
- To strengthen global academic collaboration and policy engagement
- To prepare participants for leadership roles in AI governance, public policy, and digital regulation
Fellowship Duration and Mode
- Duration: Two Months
- Mode: Virtual Programme with policy roundtable/dialogue
- Time Commitment: Approximately 8–10 hours per week
Thematic Areas of Research
Applicants are invited to undertake research in the following indicative areas (non-exhaustive):
1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Machine learning, deep learning, and generative AI
- Natural language processing and computer vision
- Responsible, explainable, and trustworthy AI
- Human–AI interaction and collaborative intelligence
- AI safety and risk mitigation
2. AI, Law, Ethics, and Governance
- Regulation of AI and algorithmic decision-making
- Data protection, privacy, and surveillance concerns
- Bias, discrimination, and fairness in AI systems
- AI liability, accountability, and legal personhood debates
- Global and regional AI governance frameworks
3. AI for Social Good and Sustainable Development
- AI in healthcare, education, and public welfare
- AI-driven solutions for climate change and sustainability
- Smart agriculture and food security
- Inclusive and accessible AI technologies
- AI in disaster management and resilience
4. Data, Digital Infrastructure, and Platform Governance
- Data governance, ownership, and sharing models
- Platform economies and algorithmic power
- Digital public infrastructure and AI
- Cybersecurity and AI-enabled threats
- Cross-border data flows and digital sovereignty
5. Innovation, Intellectual Property, and AI Economy
- AI and intellectual property rights
- Patents, copyright, and ownership of AI-generated works
- Open-source AI and collaborative innovation
- AI startups, entrepreneurship, and scaling
- Technology transfer and commercialization
6. AI, Society, and the Future of Work
- Automation and labour markets
- Skills, education, and AI literacy
- AI and workplace surveillance
- Gender, diversity, and inclusion in AI ecosystems
- Socio-economic impacts of intelligent automation
7. AI, Democracy, and Digital Constitutionalism
- AI and electoral integrity
- Algorithmic influence on public opinion and speech
- AI, misinformation, and deepfakes
- Constitutional limits on automated governance
- Protecting democratic institutions in the age of AI
8. AI in Education, Research, and Knowledge Systems
- AI-enabled learning platforms and digital classrooms
- Academic integrity, AI tools, and assessment ethics
- AI in legal, scientific, and interdisciplinary research
- Open knowledge, digital libraries, and AI curation
- Capacity-building and AI literacy in the Global South
9. Defence, Security, and Strategic AI
- Autonomous weapons and international humanitarian law
- AI in national security and intelligence analysis
- Cyber warfare, AI-driven threats, and resilience
- Dual-use AI technologies and export controls
- Global norms and treaties on military AI
10. Indigenous Knowledge, Culture, and AI Futures
- AI and protection of traditional knowledge systems
- Cultural bias, language models, and regional identities
- AI for preservation of heritage, languages, and folklore
- Community-centric and participatory AI design
- Decolonising AI and Global South epistemologies
Structure of the Fellowship Programme
The Fellowship is structured into three comprehensive phases:
Phase I: Orientation and Academic Foundation (Week 1)
This phase will introduce Fellows to the core dimensions of AI policy and research methodologies. It will include:
- Inaugural Session and Programme Briefing
- Expert Lectures on AI Governance, Ethics, and Law
- Workshops on Academic Writing, Policy Drafting, and Research Design
- Orientation on comparative policy frameworks and global AI governance models
Phase II: Guided Research and Mentorship (Weeks 2–6)
During this phase, Fellows will undertake intensive research under expert supervision:
- Allocation and refinement of research topics
- Weekly mentorship sessions with academic and industry experts
- Development of research papers or policy briefs
- Participation in peer-review discussions and collaborative research forums
- Periodic submission of drafts and progress reports
Phase III: Policy Output, Review, and Dissemination (Weeks 7–8)
The final phase will focus on the consolidation and presentation of research outputs:
- Submission of final research paper / policy brief
- Expert evaluation and review process
- Presentation before an academic and policy panel
- Participation in a National/International AI Policy Roundtable
- Contribution to an edited volume or policy compendium
Recognition & Awards
Selected contributors will receive:
- Internationally Recognised Fellowship Certificate issued by Google for Educationand theData & Society Research Institute.
- Publication in the International Edited Volume titled, “AI in South Asia: Shaping Intelligence for Inclusive Futures” with ISBN 978-81-998939-1-7. To be published and distributed across 15 nations, with DoI, international editorial and institutional collaboration.
- Top 3 Fellows – Merit Distinction for highest overall performance in the Fellowship.
- Excellence in AI Policy Innovation Award for innovative and forward-thinking policy solutions in AI governance.
- Structured Mentorship Programme under leading academicians, policy experts, legal scholars, and AI practitioners from national and international institutions.
- Global Exposure and Networking Opportunities through direct engagement with an international cohort of researchers, professionals, and policymakers.
- Networking with Global Think Tanks, International Organisations, Academic Institutions, and Technology Leaders.
- Letter of Recommendation from CDIPR for outstanding Fellows, supporting academic and professional advancement.
Application Timeline
- Application Deadline: 30th April, 2026(Submission of the online application form along with Statement of Purpose Max. 100 words and research interests.)
- Screening and Shortlisting of Applicants: 2nd May, 2026(Applications will undergo a rigorous review process based on academic background, research aptitude, and alignment with Fellowship objectives.)
- Notification of Shortlisted Applicants: 3rd May, 2026(Shortlisted Applicants will be notified via email.)
- Declaration of Selected Fellows: 5th May, 2026(Publication of the final list of selected candidates on official platforms, followed by formal onboarding communication.)
- Date of Fellowship Commencement: 18th May, 2026
How to Apply?
Interested candidates can register online via the link given at the end of the post.
Click here to Register.
