Opportunity Type: International Fellowship
Sector: Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation, Cybersecurity
Location: Worldwide
Duration: 12 Months
Funding: Up to US$125,000
Number of Fellowships: 10
Application Deadline: 17 December 2026
Fellowship Start Date: 1 June 2027
Host Organisation: Mozilla Foundation

Opportunity Description

The Mozilla Foundation is inviting applications for its 2027–2028 Fellowship Programme, offering 10 fellowships worth up to US$125,000 each to individuals developing innovative technologies that advance the public interest.

The 12-month programme will support emerging and established technology leaders working on solutions in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, online security, community-owned technologies and other areas of technological innovation.

The fellowship combines financial support, mentorship, technical expertise and access to an international network of technology practitioners. Its goal is to support innovators developing technologies that give individuals and communities greater control over the digital systems they use.

Key Responsibilities / Programme Activities

Selected Fellows will develop and advance technology projects that contribute to the public interest.

Key areas of focus include:

• Neurotechnology, biotechnology and physical AI.
• Computing, digital infrastructure, energy systems and quantum technologies.
• Public-interest artificial intelligence and independent AI accountability.
• New internet business models that support creators, communities and the open web.
• Digital security, auditing and affordable technology accountability tools.
• Sovereign AI and public infrastructure that communities can own and maintain.
• Creative advocacy through artistic and cultural approaches to technology.
• Wildcard projects involving unconventional technology innovations.

The fellowship offers two participation tracks:

1. Embedded Fellows: Work with a civil society organisation on a project aligned with its mission, receiving mentorship and support from a host organisation.

2. Independent Fellows: Develop ambitious independent technology projects with the potential to influence their respective fields.

Eligibility Requirements

The programme welcomes individuals from different professional backgrounds and sectors who are developing technologies with clear public benefits.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Relevant technical expertise and the ability to deliver their proposed project.
• Experience developing, deploying or leading meaningful technology initiatives.
• Commitment to working with communities affected by their work.
• A project aligned with Mozilla Foundation’s charitable mission.
• Legal eligibility to receive funding from Mozilla Foundation.
• Availability to participate in the full 12-month fellowship.

Additional requirements:

• Applications are open to individuals, not teams.
• Embedded Fellowship applicants must meet the location or time-zone requirements of their proposed host organisation.
• Applications must be submitted in English.

Benefits and Support

Embedded Fellows receive US$100,000 in total support:

• US$75,000 fellowship stipend.
• US$25,000 project budget.
• Mentorship and collaboration with a host organisation.
• Access to Mozilla Foundation’s technical and professional network.

The 2027 host organisations are based in Indonesia, Chile, Germany, the United States and Nigeria.

Independent Fellows receive US$125,000 in total support:

• US$100,000 fellowship stipend.
• US$25,000 project budget.
• Access to technical expertise and professional support.
• Connections with Mozilla Foundation’s global fellowship community.

Additional benefits for both tracks include:

• Access to a global network of more than 200 Mozilla Fellows.
• Technical guidance and professional development.
• Collaboration opportunities with innovators and community organisations.
• Covered travel expenses for designated fellowship events.
• Support to develop technologies and solutions that others can adopt and build upon.

The fellowship is primarily remote, although participation in selected in-person activities is expected.

Application Process

Applications begin with an online Letter of Intent (LOI) describing the proposed project, intended beneficiaries, technical approach and expected public benefit.

Applicants are encouraged to provide evidence of previous work, such as prototypes, software repositories, datasets, research publications or deployed technologies.

Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a full application.

Important Dates:

• 17 December 2026: Letter of Intent deadline, 11:59 PM Pacific Time (UTC−8).
• 16 February 2027: Invitations to submit full applications.
• 12 March 2027: Full application deadline for shortlisted candidates.
• 30 April 2027: Final selection notifications.
• 1 June 2027: Fellowship begins.

Official Application Link: https://www.mozillafoundation.org/en/what-we-do/grantmaking/fellowships-program/2027-call-for-applications/

Full Fellowship Guidelines: Available through the official Mozilla Foundation application page.

Enquiries: fellowships@mozillafoundation.org

AI Policy: Mozilla Foundation permits limited AI use for brainstorming, language clarification and translation. However, submitted application responses must reflect applicants’ original ideas and work.

Source: Mozilla Foundation, 2027 Call for Applications.