New Nonprofit Aims to Shape Washington’s View on Blockchain & AI

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A new nonprofit backed by some of the most prominent players in the crypto asset space has launched with the goal of improving how US lawmakers engage with emerging technologies.

The American Innovation Project (AIP), supported by Coinbase, Uniswap Labs, Kraken, Paradigm, and the Digital Currency Group (DCG), officially began operations this week.

The organization was formed to serve as a conduit between policymakers and the technology industry at a time when regulation of digital assets and artificial intelligence is moving to the forefront of US economic policy.

According to its mission statement, AIP aims to create forums where lawmakers, industry leaders, and researchers can engage directly to better understand the implications of blockchain, AI, and related innovations.

Mission and Structure of the American Innovation Project

Kristin Smith, president of the Solana Policy Institute, will lead AIP as president. In a statement, Smith explained that the nonprofit’s objective is to provide legislators with “the knowledge, context, and tools they need as they consider timely rules and regulations that meet the moment.”

She emphasized that the group intends to promote bipartisan dialogue, bridging political divides to ensure regulatory decisions keep pace with rapid technological change.

AIP plans to host a series of events, including workshops and roundtable discussions, designed to translate complex technological developments into accessible policy discussions.

These gatherings will cover a broad range of topics, from the regulatory treatment of stablecoins to the implications of AI in financial services and national competitiveness. By engaging experts across sectors, AIP hopes to position itself as a central resource for government officials.

The organization has secured seed funding from the Cedar Innovation Foundation, along with a $1 million contribution from Digital Currency Group.

Mark Murphy, president of DCG, highlighted the initiative’s importance, stating that “the future of the U.S. economy will be shaped by the choices we make today in developing emerging technologies.”

Policy Context and Industry Backing

The launch of AIP comes at a moment of heightened activity in Washington regarding digital asset regulation. In recent months, lawmakers have advanced significant bills addressing cryptocurrency oversight.

Last month, President Donald signed legislation establishing a federal framework for stablecoins, while the House of Representatives passed a comprehensive measure to regulate the crypto industry more broadly.

Meanwhile, the US Securities and Exchange Commission has begun “Project Crypto,” an initiative to update the agency’s rules governing custody, trading, and token distributions.

Against this backdrop, AIP’s efforts to improve dialogue between the private sector and policymakers highlight the growing recognition that effective regulation requires technical fluency.

Its founding supporters represent a cross-section of the digital asset ecosystem, from exchanges like Coinbase and Kraken to venture firms such as Paradigm, as well as associations like the National Cryptocurrency Association.

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