Mozilla Foundation is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Fellowship programme from technologists, researchers, creators, and advocates around the world. The initiative is designed as a strategic intervention to shape a more ethical, inclusive, and people-centred technology future, supporting innovators working at the intersection of technology and society.
The 2026 fellowship offers two distinct tracks: Embedded and Independent Fellows. Embedded Fellows target rising technologists working with civil society organisations to address specific real-world challenges, from surveillance investigations to Artificial Intelligence’ (AI) impact on journalism and open-source quantum computing tools. Each Embedded Fellow receives $100,000 in total support, including a personal stipend and project budget, alongside structured mentorship and institutional collaboration. Independent Fellows, on the other hand, are established innovators with proven leadership who pursue self-defined projects aimed at advancing public-interest technology. These fellows receive $125,000 and greater autonomy to shape research, tools, policy engagement, or creative innovation.
Eligibility for the fellowship is global, with particular emphasis on recruiting candidates from the Global Majority. Fellows are expected to work openly, share knowledge, and ensure outputs remain publicly accessible. The programme also prioritises leadership development, positioning fellows as trusted voices in technology policy, journalism, and civil society.
The nomination period opened in November 2025, with the fellowship set to commence in May 2026. Review criteria will focus on project quality, values alignment, impact potential, and leadership capacity, ensuring that selected fellows can translate technical expertise into meaningful societal impact.
By combining funding, mentorship, global networks, and public platforms, the 2026 Mozilla Fellowship programme aims to empower individuals building practical, people-centred alternatives to dominant technology models, proving that a better technology future is not just a vision, but a reality already being shaped by committed changemakers around the world.
Nominations close January 30, 2026.
For more information and to nominate, please visit https://www.mozillafoundation.org/en/what-we-o/grantmaking/fellowship/2026-nominations-request/.
