Sparrow is a bridge.

A new nonprofit building an institution like Berkeley’s Lighthaven to serve the DC community. We help the people making decisions about emerging technology know and trust each other, so they can work together in times of crisis.

Projects

A two-day convening for forecasters, rationalists, futurists, and optimists.

At the outset of great social change, what does Washington need to know, and how can we help communicate it?

Join us for a weekend of programmed talks, relaxed breakout sessions, and community-driven unconference space — plus intense discussions, crazy shenanigans, and joy. We hope some moonshots come out of this convergence.

A conference on governing ourselves in the age of artificial intelligence.

Takeoff is a nonpartisan conference dedicated to establishing dialogue between elected officials, public servants, and those on the frontier of artificial intelligence. It will bring together AI lab staff, public servants, and other leading voices in a forum designed to encourage debate and exploration, with a focus on the governance questions that each finds most pressing.

Participants are strongly encouraged to bring their own perspectives and priorities, but among the questions one can expect to hear discussed are:

  • What risks or market failures might warrant government action — and, if regulation is warranted, what should it look like?
  • How should we educate our children in a world where they can tap into intelligence on demand?
  • How might public servants use AI to build a government that is more capable and responsive?
  • Should we build increasingly powerful AI — and who should have a say?
  • How might AI capabilities develop, and how should policymakers prepare amid profound uncertainty?

People

  • Takeoff 2026
  • The Overhang

Board

  • Patrick McKenzie
  • Oliver Habryka
  • John Bennett
  • Sam Hammond
  • Abi Olvera

Contact

SeatWashington, DC