Rackner AI Innovation Fellowship (Startup Accelerator Internship)

Rackner•College Park, MD

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Rackner AI Innovation Fellowship is a hands-on research and development program designed to explore and build next-generation solutions using artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and emerging technologies. This fellowship offers a unique opportunity for students and early-career technologists to work in a startup-like environment while gaining real-world experience developing impactful solutions aligned with Rackner’s mission. The program runs year-round, with: Part-time participation during the academic year Full-time engagement during the summer Fellows will work in collaborative teams (ideally groups of 2–3 participants) to take ideas from concept to prototype, focusing on real-world applications, scalability, and measurable impact. Teams that already have strong working relationships are encouraged to apply together. Each team will receive funding for cloud infrastructure and AI tools to support development. At the conclusion of the program, teams will present their solutions, findings, and working prototypes to Rackner leadership.

Requirements

Must reside in a HUBZone (Verify eligibility: https://maps.certify.sba.gov/hubzone/map)
Ability to participate in a hybrid model (~50% in-person in College Park)
Currently enrolled student or recent graduate in a relevant field

Nice To Haves

Background in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, or Business
Strong preference for candidates with software development experience
Experience with programming languages such as Python, JavaScript, or Java
Familiarity with AI/ML tools (TensorFlow, PyTorch, HuggingFace)
Knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
Understanding of APIs, microservices, or distributed systems

Responsibilities

Collaborate in small teams to design, develop, and prototype innovative AI/ML and cloud-based solutions
Conduct research on emerging technologies, including LLMs, cloud platforms, and cybersecurity frameworks
Build and deploy applications using modern cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
Develop proof-of-concept solutions with measurable impact
Apply software engineering best practices (version control, testing, documentation)
Analyze technical feasibility and potential business value of solutions
Present findings, demos, and final prototypes to leadership
Manage project timelines and contribute to team-based innovation