Mozilla Foundation is accepting applications for its 2027–2028 Fellowship Programme, offering 10 fellowships worth up to US$125,000 each to individuals developing technologies that advance the public interest.
The 12-month programme, beginning in June 2027, supports emerging and established technology leaders working on new approaches to artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, online security, community-owned technologies and other areas of technological innovation.
About the Mozilla Foundation Fellowships
Mozilla Foundation supports individuals developing technologies that give people and communities greater control over the digital systems they use.
Since 2011, the foundation has supported more than 200 Fellows across 37 countries. Its fellowship programme combines financial support with mentorship, technical expertise and access to an international network of technology practitioners.
The 2027–2028 cohort will comprise 10 Fellows selected through two tracks: Embedded and Independent.
Fellowship Tracks and Funding
Track I: Embedded Fellows
This track is intended for mid-career technology practitioners who will collaborate with a civil society organisation on a project aligned with its mission.
Selected Fellows receive a total package of US$100,000, comprising:
- US$75,000 fellowship stipend.
- US$25,000 project budget.
- Mentorship and collaboration with a host organisation.
- Access to Mozilla Foundation’s wider technical and professional network.
The 2027 host organisations are based in Indonesia, Chile, Germany, the United States and Nigeria. The Nigerian host, Slum & Rural Health Initiative, focuses on community governance, consent and benefit-sharing in mental health data.
Applicants must be based in a compatible location or be able to work remotely across the host organisation’s preferred time zones.
Track II: Independent Fellows
This track is intended for established technology leaders pursuing ambitious independent projects with the potential to influence their fields.
Selected Fellows receive a total package of US$125,000, comprising:
- 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.
Both tracks run for 12 months, beginning June 1, 2027.
Areas of Interest
Mozilla Foundation is particularly interested in projects addressing:
- Neurotechnology, biotechnology and physical AI: Technologies that strengthen community control, access and governance.
- Computing and digital infrastructure: Open approaches to computing, energy systems, quantum technologies and related infrastructure.
- Public-interest AI: Tools and approaches that broaden the benefits of artificial intelligence and enable independent scrutiny.
- New internet business models: Alternatives that support creators, communities and the open web.
- Digital security and auditing: Affordable security and accountability tools for small organisations.
- Sovereign AI and public infrastructure: Technologies and infrastructure that communities can own, operate and maintain.
- Creative advocacy: Artistic or cultural interventions that challenge assumptions about technology and its social consequences.
A Wildcard category is also available for unconventional proposals that do not fit the listed areas.
Additional Fellowship Benefits
Beyond the financial package, selected Fellows receive:
- Access to a global network of more than 200 Mozilla Foundation Fellows.
- Technical guidance and professional development support.
- Opportunities to collaborate with other innovators and community organisations.
- Covered travel expenses for designated Mozilla Foundation fellowship events.
- Support to develop work that can be shared, adopted or built upon by others.
The fellowship is primarily remote, although participation in selected in-person activities is expected.
Eligibility Criteria
The programme welcomes individuals from different professional backgrounds and sectors who are developing technology with a clear public benefit.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Relevant technical expertise and the ability to deliver a proposed project.
- Experience developing, deploying or leading meaningful technology initiatives.
- A 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 12-month fellowship.
Applications must be submitted in English.
The fellowship supports individuals rather than teams. Embedded Fellowship applicants must also satisfy their proposed host organisation’s location or time-zone requirements.
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 their previous work, such as a prototype, repository, dataset, research publication or deployed technology.
Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit a full application.
Key dates:
- December 17, 2026: Letter of Intent deadline, 11:59 PM Pacific Time (UTC−8).
- February 16, 2027: Invitations to submit full applications.
- March 12, 2027: Full application deadline for shortlisted candidates.
- April 30, 2027: Final selection notifications.
- June 1, 2027: Fellowship begins.
Mozilla Foundation permits limited use of AI tools for brainstorming, language clarification and translation, but submitted responses must reflect applicants’ original ideas and work.
