Rackner AI Innovation Fellowship (Startup Accelerator Internship)

Rackner is a cloud-native software consultancy delivering innovative solutions for startups, enterprises, and the public sector. We are a fast-growing, mission-driven organization focused on solving complex challenges through cutting-edge technologies.

Our expertise spans end-to-end application development, DevSecOps, AI/ML, and systems architecture, with a strong emphasis on cloud-first and cost-effective innovation. We partner with organizations ranging from early-stage startups to large federal agencies, enabling digital transformation and delivering high-impact, scalable solutions.

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.

• →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

• Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI-enabled applications
• Cloud-native development and distributed systems
• Cybersecurity and secure system design
• B2B platforms and enterprise solutions
• Government and public sector technology

• 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

• 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

• HUBZone candidates strongly encouraged to apply
  (Goal: Build a cohort of at least 9 HUBZone participants, including current interns)
• Team-oriented applicants
• Preference for candidates applying in teams of 2–3
• Teams with prior working relationships or strong collaboration experience are highly encouraged
• Balanced technical + business mindset
• Ideal team composition: 2 technical (software-focused) + 1 business-oriented member
• Candidates with business, product, or entrepreneurial experience are a plus
• High energy and motivation
• Demonstrated strong work ethic
• Passion for innovation, problem-solving, and building new solutions
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous, startup-like environments

Participants will have the opportunity to convert their project into a startup by buying back their intellectual property (IP) in exchange for equity, creating a direct pathway from fellowship to entrepreneurship.