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Artificial Intelligence: Policy, Innovation, and Security | Germany & Sweden

From September 23-27, 2025, Global Ties San Francisco hosted nine senior government officials, policy advisors, researchers, and cybersecurity leaders from Germany and Sweden for a U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) project on artificial intelligence (AI) policy, innovation and security.

Throughout the program, the participants and their U.S. interlocutors were united by expertise in AI and digital governance, cybersecurity, and the responsible use of data and emerging technologies to strengthen democratic institutions, public sector innovation, and resilience against malign influence. Building on this shared foundation, the program strengthened transatlantic collaboration on a responsible and innovative AI ecosystem by examining U.S. approaches to innovation and risk-based regulation and aligning strategies for secure digital infrastructure.

Starting in Washington, DC, the group traveled to Minneapolis, Phoenix, and Sacramento, engaging with local leaders and innovators to examine how these issues vary across the nation. The program concluded in the San Francisco Bay Area, the world’s premier hub for innovation, where participants focused on the region’s startup ecosystem and its role in advancing next-generation AI systems. Our local city stop also highlighted the development of sustainable and ethical AI models, human-centered design practices, and strategies for fostering economic growth through early-stage investment.

Key Conversations

World Economic Forum – Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR)

Under the fog-shrouded Golden Gate Bridge, the group met with the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR), a platform for “multistakeholder dialogue and concrete cooperation on governance challenges and opportunities presented by advanced technologies.” Here, WEF stays closely connected to the Bay Area’s influential ecosystem of startups, investors, and tech giants that steer the global economy’s most important innovations and decisions. Meeting with AI and data governance leaders, the visitors examined how C4IR advances public-private cooperation on emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), AI, and blockchain, with a focus on developing policy frameworks that enable responsible and widespread use. They outlined key WEF initiatives such as those focused on AI agents and AGI, offering insights the visitors could bring back with them from a region that has long set the pace in cutting-edge technology.

Plug and Play Tech Center

At the entrance to Plug and Play Tech Center, a large Persian carpet — a nod to the founders’ beginnings — set the stage for the group’s second meeting of the day. The delegation toured the tech center, examining its origin story and mission as a leading Silicon Valley startup accelerator and corporate innovation platform that connects tech-focused startups with global corporations, investors, and public sector partners. The visitors also met with enterprise and AI ventures leaders to discuss the dynamics of the Silicon Valley startup landscape, and how Plug and Play helps startups scale by facilitating strategic connections, mentorship, and investment. The conversation touched on access to venture capital, mentorship networks, and the key factors that influence startup growth in one of the world’s most competitive markets.

Stanford University – Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI)

The delegation started the next morning at Stanford University’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI), a global leader in interdisciplinary research focused on ensuring that AI is developed and used in ways that benefit humanity. Grounded in the belief that AI should be collaborative, augmentative, and aligned with human values, HAI explores the societal impact of AI across three core areas: human impact, augment human capabilities, and intelligence. A discussion on HAI’s vision for the future allowed the visitors to examine how artificial intelligence interacts with individuals and key institutions, and to reflect on policy and governance strategies that support responsible and human-centered AI development.

500 Global

The group rounded out the Silicon Valley tour at 500 Global, which backs founders of high-growth technology companies around the world and helps startups scale. Here, discussion centered on how 500 Global cultivates startup ecosystems, drives AI-enabled innovation, and fosters cross-border collaboration among entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers.

Tying it All Together: Facilitated Synthesis Session

We also incorporated one of our signature offerings: a Reflection and Synthesis Session led by an award-winning commercial attorney, mediator, and facilitator, as well as a non-profit leader, entrepreneur, and change agent, with a strong focus on responsible AI. The session provided structured time for participants to reflect on their three-week IVLP experience, distill key insights, and map out concrete next steps.

Through facilitated exercises, the visitors identified and shared core takeaways from the project, explored how U.S. approaches and best practices could be adapted to their own professional contexts, and assessed related challenges and opportunities. The session concluded with dedicated time for participants to begin outlining actionable plans to implement upon their return home.

Exploring the Bay Area Beyond AI

With days fluctuating between classic San Francisco fog and sunny afternoons with crystal-clear views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the visitors thoroughly enjoyed their free time. They explored Fisherman’s Wharf, took a Bay cruise, attended a hockey game, and had lunch in the charming waterfront town of Sausalito.

Final Reflections

By demonstrating the U.S. approach toward innovation and AI legislation, this project sought to leverage AI’s promise in both Germany and the United States while also addressing possible dangers. In reflecting on their journey, delegates recognized that each encounter revealed not just how the U.S. leads in innovation, but how that leadership thrives through openness, collaboration, and the courage to experiment. The experience inspired them to translate those lessons into their own national contexts, strengthening transatlantic ties, and shaping a more connected, human-centered approach to AI and technology.

Authors: Giovanna Basso & Alannah Crandall

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Venture Capital Investment and Regulation: An IVLP Project for Slovenia

From December 7-11, 2024, Global Ties San Francisco hosted the Venture Capital Investment and Regulation: Learning from the U.S. Model delegation of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Meridian International Center.

During their visit to the San Francisco Bay Area, our ten Slovenian leaders from governmental, financial, and legal sectors explored venture capital best practices. Meetings arranged offered impactful insights into the U.S. regulatory landscape, taxation models, and investment strategies, cultivating key opportunities for dialogue.

Our Professional Meetings

Clearstone Venture Partners

Kicking off the delegation’s visit, the first meeting featured Vish Mishra of Clearstone Venture Partners, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology startups. Mishra, a seasoned Silicon Valley venture capitalist and entrepreneur, provided insights into the U.S. venture capital landscape and the essential ecosystem required for its success. He emphasized the importance of mentors, investors, and a positive yet realistic mindset, highlighting the key factors that VCs typically consider when evaluating investment opportunities: team, talent, and track record.

The Deep-Tech Community and VC Nest

A subsequent meeting with the Deep-Tech Community and VC Nest further expounded on the life of startup founders in Silicon Valley and the VC ecosystem. Visitors heard from Arjun Subedi with the Deep-Tech Community, a network of researchers, innovators, venture capitalists, and industry experts focused on advancing Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) deep-tech innovation. Alongside him were Lochan Alagh and Badru Valani, co-founders of VC Nest, a VC firm and coworking space focused on fostering the innovation of scalable businesses by building an ecosystem of fund managers. The speakers addressed their important work and potential strategies for Slovenian VCs.

Consulate General of Denmark, Silicon Valley – Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK)

Another impactful meeting with the Consulate General of Denmark in Silicon Valley explored examined the history and role of Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK) — which provides services to educational and research institutions, companies, public stakeholders, and Danish citizens looking to expand innovation through access to Silicon Valley. Consul General Jesper Kamp, Asger Bruhn, and Sweeta Ali highlighted ICDK’s unique model in the United States, addressing topics including tax relief or credits options for investors, and how to kickstart investments and develop a strong track record.

Woodside Capital Partners

Following this, the visitors met with Woodside Capital Partners, a leading corporate finance advisory firm for tech companies in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and financings in the $30M – $500m segment. Managing Partner Rudy Burger and Executive Director Rajesh Shakkarwar led a conversation on M&A trends, emphasizing key differences between European and American companies. They also highlighted challenges such as aligning with founders’ expectations and understanding the gap between a company’s value and the capital it raises. The group appreciated both the candid market insights and the strategic connections offered for future opportunities.

500 Global

Another noteworthy discussion with 500 Global further revealed aspects of the venture capital landscape in Silicon Valley. Recognized as one of the world’s most active early-stage VC firms, 500 Global specializes in backing fast-growing startups across industries. During the session, the team shared an overview of their in-person accelerator program, which enables companies to gain firsthand exposure to the U.S. market without the need to fully relocate to California.

Kumo.AI

A final exceptional session for the visitors was with Kumo.AI, a technology company whose machine learning (ML) infrastructure simplifies the training and deployment of ML models on complex data. CEO Vanja Josifovski touched on what entrepreneurship looks like in Silicon Valley, reflecting that the region is focused and things move quickly. He also shared that the ability to mobilize talent is the key to success. The group appreciated these perspectives, as well as further dialogue on privacy, AI, copyrights, data storage, and more.

Cultural Experiences in San Francisco

Sightseeing

The visitors had an amazing time exploring San Francisco! They had the opportunity to wander through the towering trees of Muir Woods, experience the eclectic vibe of Haight-Ashbury, admire the Palace of Fine Arts, and experience the vibrant culture and colors of Chinatown.

Exchanges Impact

This global exchange program with Slovenia highlighted the significance of building ongoing relationships between Slovenian and U.S. investors. During the visit, the group explored best practices in venture capital regulation, policies and initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, and the importance of collaboration to drive economic growth. The group’s cultural experiences also gave them the opportunity to see firsthand the innovative and driven environment of San Francisco and Silicon Valley, while deepening their perspectives on the U.S. cultures and society.

Author: Valleigh Brechtel, Spring 2025 Intern
Editor: Alannah Crandall

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Career Connections San Francisco

On September 23-24, 2023, Global Ties San Francisco hosted Career Connections San Francisco, a two-day capacity-building and professional development seminar tailored for U.S. alumni of government-sponsored exchange programs. In partnership with Global Ties U.S. and the Office of Alumni Affairs in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, our Technology and Entrepreneurship-themed event provided an unparalleled platform for 51 ExchangeAlumni to leverage their exchange experience and skills and to build their professional and community impact.

Through hands-on sessions on personal branding, entrepreneurship, inclusivity in tech, grant writing, and variations in career pathways, alumni attendees explored how to break into tech careers and translate their international exchange experiences to success in the workplace. Career Connections San Francisco also showcased our community and cultural centers such as San Francisco’s Chinatown — the largest and oldest in the nation — through off-site visits and an evening reception.

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