Innovators, technologists, researchers and founders developing technology that puts people first can apply for the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship 2027–2028, a 12-month programme offering up to US$125,000 to support individuals building solutions for a more open, accessible and accountable digital future.
Mozilla Foundation will select 10 fellows for the 2027–2028 cohort. The programme supports early-stage and ambitious technology projects, including initiatives focused on artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, emerging technologies and the future of the open web.
The fellowship is open to applicants worldwide, including Nigerians. Applications begin with a Letter of Intent, due December 17, 2026.
About the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship
The Mozilla Foundation Fellowship supports people developing technology and approaches that challenge existing systems and give communities greater control over the tools they use.
The programme backs individuals whose work may be too early, unconventional or ambitious to attract traditional funding. Fellows receive financial support, time to develop their projects and access to Mozilla’s global network of more than 200 former fellows.
For the 2027–2028 cohort, Mozilla will award 10 fellowships across two tracks: Embedded Fellows and Independent Fellows.
What Are the Fellowship Benefits?
The funding package depends on the fellowship track.
- Independent Fellows: Receive US$125,000 in total, comprising a US$100,000 stipend and a US$25,000 project budget.
- Embedded Fellows: Receive US$100,000 in total, comprising a US$75,000 stipend and a US$25,000 project budget.
- Mentorship and expert support: Fellows gain access to guidance and a network of people working across technology, research and civil society.
- Project development: Funding supports the development of technical solutions, tools and other innovations.
- Global network: Fellows join a community of more than 200 alumni working on technology and public-interest projects.
The stipend and project budget form part of the total funding package; the full amount is not an unrestricted cash grant.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to individual applicants worldwide who are developing ambitious, primarily technical projects aligned with Mozilla Foundation’s focus areas.
Mozilla is looking for applicants who can demonstrate:
- A clear and original technology idea.
- Evidence of their ability to build, test or advance a project.
- A commitment to developing technology that serves people and communities.
- The capacity to carry out a 12-month project.
- A clear understanding of the problem their work seeks to address.
Applicants may be emerging innovators or established leaders ready to pursue significant work in their fields. The programme funds individuals rather than teams, and successful applicants must be able to receive funding from a US-based 501(c)(3) organisation.
Focus Areas for 2027–2028
Mozilla has identified several areas for the next fellowship cohort
1. Neurotechnology, Biotechnology and Physical AI
This area supports technologies interacting with human bodies, brains and the physical environment. Mozilla is interested in approaches that allow affected communities to influence how these technologies are developed, used and governed.
2. Computing Infrastructure, Energy and Quantum Technology
Projects may focus on the infrastructure underpinning emerging technologies, including computing systems, energy, quantum computing and other advanced technical environments.
3. AI That Delivers Positive Outcomes
Mozilla is interested in AI systems designed to improve people’s lives and broaden access to the benefits of AI, particularly where existing systems concentrate power or restrict participation.
4. Business Models for the Future of the Web
This area supports alternatives to online business models that depend heavily on advertising, attention and restrictive paywalls. Projects may explore ways to ensure creators and communities benefit economically from the open web.
5. Security and Auditing Infrastructure for Small Organisations
Projects can develop affordable tools that help small organisations assess, test and improve the security of the technology they depend on
6. Sovereign AI and Public Technology Infrastructure
This focus area supports AI and digital infrastructure that communities can own, operate and maintain without depending entirely on distant technology providers.
7. Creative Advocacy
One Independent Fellowship position is reserved for a creative advocate, artist or cultural provocateur using unconventional approaches to challenge assumptions about who technology serves.
Applicants whose ideas do not fit neatly into the listed areas may apply under the Wildcard category.
The Two Fellowship Tracks
Track 1: Embedded Fellows
Embedded Fellows work in collaboration with a designated civil society organisation. The host organisation provides a setting for the fellow to develop an independent project aligned with its mission and the needs of the communities it serves.
The 2027–2028 host organisations include:
- BASAibu, Indonesia.
- Fundación Kamanau, Chile.
- LAS Art Foundation, Germany.
- Quantum Village, United States.
- Slum & Rural Health Initiative, Nigeria.
The Nigeria-based host organisation may be particularly relevant to applicants developing technology solutions connected to public health, community needs or digital access. Applicants should consult the official call for the host-specific project requirements
Funding: US$100,000 in total, including the stipend and project budget.
Track 2: Independent Fellows
Independent Fellows develop their own projects and have greater freedom to determine how they will build and test their ideas.
This track is intended for innovators pursuing ambitious work that could produce new tools, working systems, platforms or alternatives to existing technology models.
Funding: US$125,000 in total, comprising a US$100,000 stipend and US$25,000 project budget
Application Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Letter of Intent deadline | December 17, 2026 |
| Invitations for full applications | February 16, 2027 |
| Full application deadline | March 12, 2027 |
| Final applicants notified | April 30, 2027 |
| Fellowship begins | June 1, 2027 |
The fellowship runs for 12 months. All deadlines are based on Pacific Time, and the Letter of Intent must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on December 17, 2026
METHOD OF APPLICATION
application process begins with a Letter of Intent (LOI). Only a small number of applicants will be invited to submit a full application
- Visit the official Mozilla Foundation Fellowship application page.
- Read the full Request for Proposals (RFP) and frequently asked questions.
- Identify the fellowship track and focus area that best fit your project.
- Submit a Letter of Intent explaining your idea, its technical direction and the problem it addresses.
- If shortlisted, complete the full application and participate in the subsequent selection process.
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
Applicants should focus on the originality of their ideas, evidence of their ability to build and the project’s potential to improve the relationship between people and technology
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