Crypto Industry Turns to Education to Influence U.S. Policy

A new nonprofit advocacy group, the American Innovation Project (AIP), was launched on Tuesday with the goal of educating U.S. policymakers on the implications of emerging technologies, particularly in the crypto and artificial intelligence sectors. AIP is a 501(c)(3) organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., and it aims to foster dialogue between policymakers, industry leaders, and subject-matter experts to bridge gaps in understanding about rapidly evolving technological landscapes. The organization will host events, including roundtables and workshops, designed to translate complex developments in blockchain and AI into actionable insights for decision-makers [2].

The initiative is backed by a coalition of major players in the crypto industry, including Kraken, Coinbase, Paradigm, the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), the Solana Policy Institute, and the Digital Currency Group (DCG). AIP received initial funding from the Cedar Innovation Foundation and a $1 million contribution from DCG, according to its statement [2]. Kristin Smith, AIP president and president of the Solana Policy Institute, emphasized the group’s bipartisan approach, stating that its mission is to equip U.S. leaders with the necessary knowledge and tools to develop regulations that keep pace with technological advancements [1].

The launch of AIP coincides with an active period of regulatory development in Washington, D.C. In recent months, lawmakers have advanced several bills to establish frameworks for stablecoins and broader crypto regulations. Notably, a federal framework for stablecoins was signed into law by President Donald Trump, and the House passed the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act with bipartisan support. Meanwhile, the Securities and Exchange Commission has launched "Project Crypto," a multi-faceted initiative to update its rules on crypto custody, trading, and distributions [1].

AIP’s activities align with broader efforts to shape crypto policy, particularly following the 2024 elections that saw an influx of lawmakers supportive of the industry. The nonprofit joins a growing list of advocacy groups formed over the past nine months, including the NCA and the DeFi Education Foundation [2]. AIP will also host an “off-record” summit at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium in Jackson Hole, where key industry figures and policymakers will convene alongside Federal Reserve officials. The event coincides with the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium, highlighting the growing intersection between crypto and mainstream financial policy [2].

The timing of AIP’s launch also reflects the broader strategic positioning of the crypto industry ahead of pivotal regulatory decisions. As federal agencies and lawmakers continue to draft and implement policy, the American Innovation Project seeks to play a key role in shaping the discourse around the future of digital assets. The group’s emphasis on education and cross-industry collaboration suggests a shift toward a more structured and policy-driven approach to integrating crypto into the broader financial framework [1].

Source: [1] Nonprofit American Innovation Project backed by Coinbase ... (https://www.theblock.co/post/367303/nonprofit-american-innovation-project-backed-by-coinbase-uniswap-others-launches-to-educate-us-lawmakers-on-crypto) [2] New crypto advocacy group debuts at Wyoming summit (https://cointelegraph.com/news/crypto-policy-group-launch-wyoming-summit)