Open Source AI Fellowship 2026: Join the Global Movement Shaping the Future of Open Source Artificial Intelligence

The Open Source Initiative (OSI) has officially launched its Open Source AI Fellowship during UN Open Source Week, marking a significant milestone in global efforts to strengthen collaboration, research, and policymaking around Open Source Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The fellowship is designed to position the Open Source Initiative as a leading international hub for Open Source AI by advancing research, promoting evidence-based policymaking, encouraging stakeholder collaboration, and building global consensus on what it truly means for an AI system to be recognized as “Open Source.”

Grounded in a strategic partnership with Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, this two-year fellowship represents an exciting opportunity for experts, researchers, policymakers, and AI professionals to contribute to the future of open, transparent, and accessible artificial intelligence.

About the Open Source AI Fellowship

Artificial Intelligence is transforming every sector of society, making it increasingly important to establish clear standards, responsible governance, and transparent development practices. The Open Source AI Fellowship has been created to support these objectives by fostering collaboration among academia, governments, civil society organizations, and industry leaders.

The fellowship seeks to strengthen understanding of Open Source AI while encouraging practical solutions that support innovation, openness, and responsible AI development worldwide.

Rather than focusing solely on defining Open Source AI, the fellowship will support broader initiatives that connect research, policy, community engagement, and best practices across the growing AI ecosystem.

Background of the Fellowship

The Open Source Initiative released Version 1.0 of the Open Source AI Definition (OSAID) in October 2024 during the All Things Open Conference in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Following extensive engagement with stakeholders across the Open Source community, OSI recognized the need for a broader initiative that extends beyond the Open Source AI Definition itself. The organization therefore established the Open Source AI Fellowship to build a stronger global ecosystem supporting research, governance, collaboration, and policy development.

The fellowship also builds on OSI’s growing partnerships with leading universities, nonprofit organizations, and technology companies committed to advancing responsible Open Source AI.

Founding Fellow

OSI selected Gabriel Toscano as the Founding Fellow in May 2026 in recognition of his:

• Outstanding academic achievements
• Professional accomplishments
• Interdisciplinary expertise
• Strong commitment to the mission of the Open Source Initiative

His appointment marks the beginning of the fellowship’s long-term vision to strengthen global engagement on Open Source AI.

Fellowship Objectives

The Open Source AI Fellowship aims to achieve several important goals, including:

• Advance global understanding of Open Source AI
• Monitor emerging AI policy developments
• Build international consensus around Open Source AI standards
• Strengthen evidence-based policymaking
• Promote collaboration among governments, academia, civil society, and industry
• Expand public awareness of Open Source AI technologies
• Encourage transparent and responsible AI governance
• Support research that improves access to AI as a digital public good

Fellowship Activities

Participants in the fellowship will contribute to several high-impact initiatives.

1. Organizing Thematic Workshops and Working Sessions

The fellowship will host collaborative workshops involving diverse stakeholders to explore important issues, including:

• Evaluating the impact of the Open Source AI Definition (OSAID)
• Identifying opportunities to improve or update OSAID
• Exploring the role of Open Source software within sovereign technology ecosystems
• Understanding the evolving AI technology stack
• Examining policy implications surrounding Open Source AI
• Promoting greater awareness of Open Source technologies
• Expanding equitable access to AI and digital public goods

These workshops will encourage dialogue among policymakers, researchers, developers, civil society organizations, and industry representatives.

2. Developing a Global Research Agenda

The fellowship will help expand the Open Technology Research Network, established in November 2025.

This initiative builds on partnerships with organizations including:

• Open Forum Europe
• Open Knowledge Foundation
• Digital Infrastructure Insights Fund

Together, these organizations aim to coordinate research efforts that strengthen evidence-based policymaking for Open Source technologies and AI.

3. Policy Monitoring and Research

A major responsibility of the fellowship will be to:

• Monitor global AI policy developments
• Analyze emerging AI governance frameworks
• Compare international policies with Open Source AI principles
• Identify areas of alignment and divergence
• Produce research that informs governments and organizations

Strategic Partnerships

The fellowship is built upon collaboration between multiple institutions dedicated to responsible AI development.

The Open Source Initiative is partnering with:

• Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy
• Academic institutions
• Civil society organizations
• Industry leaders
• International research partners

The initiative also receives launch sponsorship from:

• Red Hat
• AWS
• Google
• Automattic
• Mozilla

These partnerships strengthen the fellowship’s ability to generate meaningful research and influence global AI governance.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Artificial Intelligence continues to reshape economies, education, healthcare, governance, and society.

The Open Source AI Fellowship provides an important platform for ensuring that AI remains:

• Transparent
• Accessible
• Collaborative
• Accountable
• Evidence-based
• Community-driven

By bringing together experts from different sectors, the fellowship supports responsible AI innovation while protecting the fundamental freedoms associated with Open Source software.

Benefits of the Fellowship

Participants and the broader Open Source AI community will benefit through:

• Opportunities to influence international AI policy
• Collaboration with leading researchers and policymakers
• Access to global networks and partnerships
• Participation in international workshops and working groups
• Contribution to globally recognized AI governance frameworks
• Experience in interdisciplinary research and policy development
• Engagement with major technology organizations and academic institutions
• Increased visibility within the global Open Source AI ecosystem

Who Should Be Interested?

This fellowship is particularly valuable for:

• AI researchers
• Public policy professionals
• Technology governance experts
• Open Source contributors
• Software developers
• Legal scholars
• Academics
• Civil society organizations
• Digital rights advocates
• Technology policy professionals

Funding and Support

The fellowship is supported through the collaboration between the Open Source Initiative and Duke University, with launch sponsorship provided by Red Hat, AWS, Google, Automattic, and Mozilla.

Organizations interested in supporting future fellowship activities are encouraged to contact the Open Source Initiative.  Through: fellowship@opensource.org.

Application Deadline

No application deadline has been announced in this fellowship launch announcement.

The announcement introduces the fellowship program and its founding fellow. Interested individuals should monitor the Open Source Initiative’s official website for future fellowship application opportunities.

How to Learn More

Individuals interested in future fellowship opportunities can follow updates from the Open Source Initiative and read the official fellowship press release for additional information about the program and upcoming developments.

For more information, visit the official website

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