The Fair Tech Policy Proposal Challenge 2025 aims to crowdsource a wide range of perspectives for regulating and governing artificial intelligence (AI). At a time when AI is rapidly transforming society, it is essential to gather policy input from as many perspectives as possible. Rather than requiring fully comprehensive or technical policy blueprints, this challenge encourages participants to focus on a specific issue, context, or stakeholder group that matters to them. Submissions may explore existing laws and regulatory frameworks or propose new and imaginative policy interventions.
Open to individuals or teams (up to 3 people) of any age or background. The first prize winner will receive £300, publication on our website, an interview feature, the opportunity to join our leadership team, and a certificate. The second prize winner will receive £150 and the same opportunities. The third prize winner will receive £75 and the same opportunities. In addition, seven honourable mentions will receive publication, a certificate, and a leadership invitation.
Competition Process
Participants begin by registering on our website, fairtechpolicylab.org, and selecting one of the provided prompts or designing their own focus area related to AI governance. Submissions should take the form of essays of up to 1,500 words with citations in MLA or Harvard style. Team submissions (up to 3 people) are welcome, and all entries must be in English. All submissions are due by September 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM BST. Winning entries will be notified by mid-October 2025.Judging Criteria
Submissions must:- Be written in English
- Be no more than 1,500 words (excluding citations)
- Include MLA or Harvard-style in-text citations
- Be individual or team-based (maximum 3 people)
- Research Depth: We value submissions grounded in academic rigour and integrity. Whether drawing on law, social sciences, ethics, computer science, or lived experience as a primary resource, strong entries should demonstrate thoughtful analysis supported by well-cited, credible sources. Plagiarism is strictly prohibited, and all work must be original.
- Originality of Thought: In addition to academic credibility and rigour, we prioritise original thinking and underrepresented perspectives. Whether you’re challenging dominant narratives, proposing bold new approaches, or spotlighting communities too often left out of policy conversations, your voice matters. Thoughtful, creative contributions have the power to reshape how AI is governed.
- Clarity and Structure: Effective communication matters. We look for entries with a clear argument, logical flow, and actionable insight. Your writing should be concise and purposeful—every sentence should serve a function. We value depth of content over complexity of language: clarity, precision, and substance are far more powerful than jargon or overly complicated phrasing.
Participate
Website: https://www.fairtechpolicylab.org/essay-competition
Managing Organization: Fair Tech Policy Lab
Eligibility:
Participants may enter individually or in teams of up to 3 people. All submissions must be written in English. The competition is open to all ages.
Participants may enter individually or in teams of up to 3 people. All submissions must be written in English. The competition is open to all ages.
Registration Dates
January 7, 2025
12:01am PST
Registration Opens
September 1, 2025
12:01am PDT