The 2026 Mozilla Fellows Program by the Mozilla Foundation is a premier opportunity for technologists, researchers, creators, and advocates worldwide to shape the future of technology. For over a decade, Mozilla Fellows have been at the forefront of critical conversations on technology and society—from challenging AI misconceptions to exposing disinformation campaigns. This Fellowship supports changemakers who believe a better tech future is possible and are committed to building it.
Through this Fellowship, Mozilla seeks up to 10 visionary leaders who are not only imagining better technology futures but actively creating them. Fellows are empowered to develop projects that serve communities, advance ethical innovation, and influence the next generation of tech leaders.
About the 2026 Mozilla Fellowship
The Mozilla Fellowship is designed around a shared commitment to building better technology futures. Fellows receive financial support, professional development, mentorship, and access to a global network of technology leaders, policymakers, and advocates. Additionally, Mozilla provides platforms such as Mozilla Festival, Mozilla Education, and Nothing Personal to amplify Fellows’ impact.
In return, Fellows commit to:
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Leading impactful projects that demonstrate better technology futures through tools, platforms, creative works, or innovations.
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Actively participating in a global cohort and engaging with workshops, professional development, and Mozilla’s broader community.
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Sharing knowledge through writing, speaking, and collaboration, inspiring others to build technology that prioritizes people and ethical design.
Fellowship Focus Areas
Mozilla Fellows address challenges at the intersection of technology and society. Key focus areas include:
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Protecting User Privacy – Strengthening encryption, creating privacy tools, and promoting community-focused security practices.
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Auditing AI Systems – Ensuring AI systems are transparent, accountable, and ethical through auditing, policy frameworks, and education.
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Advancing Climate Justice – Developing digital tools and advocacy strategies to reduce technology’s environmental impact and support community climate initiatives.
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Protecting Creators – Safeguarding creative ownership, attribution, and compensation through technical systems, advocacy, and creative solutions.
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Democratizing Data – Empowering communities with AI and data tools, small language models, and frameworks that redistribute power from corporations.
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Building Open Infrastructure – Creating interoperable, accessible internet systems, protocols, and educational resources.
Mozilla also welcomes nominations for candidates pursuing impactful work outside these areas, as long as it aligns with the vision of a better, people-centered technology future.
Fellowship Tracks
The 2026 Mozilla Fellowship offers two tracks, tailored to the career stage and experience of applicants:
Track I: Embedded Fellows
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Who should apply: Rising technologists with technical excellence and meaningful projects, but without broad field recognition.
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Support provided: $100,000 total investment, including a $75,000 stipend and $25,000 project budget.
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Focus: Collaborating with civil society host organizations to address community-specific challenges.
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Host organizations include:
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Arab Reform Initiative (EU/MENA; Arabic proficiency helpful)
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Baraza Media Lab (Kenya)
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Bellingcat (EU, Kenya, UK, US, South Africa)
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Instituto Fogo Cruzado (Brazil; Spanish/Portuguese proficiency helpful)
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Open Supply Hub (MENA, Kenya, South Africa, UK, EU)
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Social Media Exchange (SMEX) (UK, EU, WANA; Arabic required)
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Unitary Foundation (US, EU, UK, Kenya, South Africa)
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Embedded Fellows design and execute projects that address host organizations’ key challenges, gaining hands-on experience while supporting community impact.
Track II: Independent Fellows
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Who should apply: Established innovators with proven leadership and exceptional technical ability.
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Support provided: $125,000 total investment, including a $100,000 stipend and $25,000 project budget.
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Focus: Pursuing ambitious, field-defining projects independently to advance broader impact across communities.
Eligibility Criteria
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Open to candidates from all countries where Mozilla can legally make grants, with emphasis on the Global Majority.
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Fellows must be able to receive stipends via ACH or wire transfer from the United States.
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Must be legally able to enter into a grant agreement with Mozilla Foundation, a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organization.
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Track I Embedded Fellows must reside in Kenya, South Africa, Brazil, MENA region, Mexico, UK, US, or the EU.
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Fellows retain copyright and patent ownership of materials produced, while committing to open licensing to maximize public benefit.
Expected Impact
Mozilla Fellows produce tools, platforms, and innovations that serve communities worldwide. Their projects become widely cited, replicated, and expanded upon, demonstrating that technology can be built with care, powered by people, and open by design. Fellows also gain visibility as technology leaders—cited by policymakers, journalists, and the next generation of innovators. The Fellowship connects candidates to a global network of over 200 alumni, continuing the mission of building a better technology future.
Selection Criteria
Applicants are evaluated on:
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Fit: Alignment of experience with the chosen track.
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Project: Strength, feasibility, and relevance of proposed project.
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Values: Embodying technology “built with care, powered by people, fueled by imagination.”
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Impact: Potential to serve communities and influence others.
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Leadership: Ability to inspire the next generation of technology leaders.
Application Process & Important Dates
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Nominations Open: November 9, 2025
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Nominations Close: January 30, 2026
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Letter of Intent Deadline: February 13, 2026
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Full Application Deadline: March 20, 2026
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Fellowship Begins: May 18, 2026
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Fellowship Duration: 12 months
Eligible nominees will receive guidance via email for completing the Letter of Intent and Full Application.
How to Nominate or Self-Nominate
Nominations can come from the global community or through self-nomination. Mozilla seeks candidates actively building a better tech future. To nominate or apply, reach out via fellowships@mozillafoundation.org for inquiries.
The 2026 Mozilla Fellowship is a transformative opportunity for global technology leaders to lead change, innovate responsibly, and impact communities worldwide. With financial support, mentorship, and a global network, Fellows advance technology that is open, ethical, and people-centered. This Fellowship is ideal for both rising technologists seeking growth and established innovators pursuing field-defining work.
Apply Here
