The Mozilla Foundation Fellowship 2027–2028 is inviting applications from visionary technology builders, innovators, researchers, founders, artists, and change-makers who want to shape a more open, inclusive, trustworthy, and people-centered digital future. Through this international fellowship programme, Mozilla Foundation will award 10 fellowships for the 2027–2028 cohort, supporting individuals developing ambitious ideas and practical solutions that challenge existing approaches to technology and place greater power in the hands of the people and communities technology affects.

Selected fellows can receive up to US$125,000 in total support, depending on the fellowship track, alongside a 12-month programme and access to a global network of more than 200 former fellows. The programme is designed for people working on emerging technologies and the systems surrounding them, particularly ideas that may be too early, unconventional, ambitious, or challenging for traditional funding opportunities.

The fellowship seeks individuals who are not merely interested in discussing the future of technology but are ready to build it. Mozilla Foundation is looking for people who can develop practical tools, working systems, alternative business models, community-led infrastructure, and other innovations that help ensure technology serves the public interest.

The 2027–2028 cohort will focus on areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, neurotechnology, quantum computing, digital infrastructure, open and sovereign AI, online business models, security for small organizations, and creative advocacy. Applicants whose work does not fit neatly into the listed focus areas may also apply through the Wildcard category.

For individuals with ambitious ideas about how technology should work, who should control it, and how its benefits can be shared more fairly, the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship offers an opportunity to turn those ideas into practical, field-shaping projects.

1. Overview of the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship 2027–2028

The Mozilla Foundation Fellowship is a programme designed to support people developing innovative technology projects and advancing a more open, equitable, and human-centered digital future.

For the 2027–2028 period, Mozilla Foundation plans to select 10 fellows whose work addresses emerging technological challenges and opportunities. The programme emphasizes practical implementation, community participation, responsible innovation, and the development of alternatives to existing technology systems.

Rather than concentrating exclusively on established technology products or conventional approaches to innovation, the fellowship seeks ambitious projects that question current assumptions about how technology is built, funded, governed, and used.

The programme recognizes that the future of technology is still being shaped. Decisions about artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, online communities, data ownership, and technological governance will influence how individuals and communities participate in society for years to come. Mozilla Foundation wants to support people who are prepared to influence these developments through meaningful projects.

Key details of the Mozilla Fellowship 2027–2028

• Opportunity name: Mozilla Foundation Fellowship 2027–2028.

• Host organization: Mozilla Foundation.

• Opportunity category: Fellowship.

• Number of fellowships: 10.

• Programme duration: 12 months.

• Fellowship period: June 1, 2027, to May 31, 2028.

• Maximum total support: US$125,000 for Independent Fellows.

• Embedded Fellowship support: US$100,000 in total.

• Funding structure: A stipend and a project budget, with amounts depending on the selected track.

• Application process: Multi-stage selection beginning with a Letter of Intent.

• Letter of Intent deadline: December 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

• Full application invitation: February 16, 2027.

• Full application deadline: March 12, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

• Final applicant notifications: April 30, 2027.

Applicants should review the official request for proposals (RFP) and frequently asked questions before submitting their applications. These resources provide additional information about the programme’s focus areas, fellowship tracks, host organizations, and application requirements.

2. What Is the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship?

The Mozilla Foundation Fellowship supports people working to create technology that is more open, accountable, accessible, and beneficial to society.

The programme is particularly interested in individuals who are building new tools and systems while also challenging the structures that determine how technology affects people’s lives. This includes questioning who controls technological infrastructure, who benefits from artificial intelligence, how digital communities govern themselves, and whether smaller organizations and underserved communities can access safe and trustworthy technology.

Mozilla Foundation describes its fellows as builders first. This means that the programme is interested in individuals who can turn ideas into tangible outcomes, rather than focusing exclusively on theoretical discussions about technology.

Potential outcomes may include:

• New technological tools and products.

• Open-source software and infrastructure.

• Community-owned digital systems.

• Alternative business and funding models.

• Technology governance approaches that give communities greater influence.

• Systems that make security testing and auditing more accessible.

• Artificial intelligence applications designed to improve people’s lives.

• Creative advocacy projects that challenge assumptions about technology.

• Research and practical innovations that contribute to a more open and equitable digital environment.

The fellowship also recognizes that successful technological innovation requires more than technical expertise. It may involve working with communities, influencing public debates, developing new organizational models, building partnerships, and creating systems that can continue operating beyond the initial project period.

Consequently, the programme seeks people who combine imagination with a commitment to making their ideas work in practice.

A fellowship for ambitious and unconventional ideas

Many promising technological ideas struggle to secure funding because they are too experimental, challenge established business models, or do not fit the priorities of conventional investors and institutions.

The Mozilla Foundation Fellowship aims to support individuals working at these boundaries. Applicants are encouraged to present the most ambitious version of their ideas, particularly projects that question who gets to make decisions about technology and how control can be returned to the people who use it.

This emphasis creates space for unconventional projects, including those that seek to change the infrastructure behind technology rather than simply improve existing products.

Applicants should therefore explain not only what they want to build but also why their proposed work matters, what problem it addresses, who will benefit, and how it could contribute to a better technological future.

3. Fellowship Funding: Receive Up to US$125,000

One of the most important features of the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship 2027–2028 is its financial support.

The programme offers two fellowship tracks, each with a different funding structure. The amount available depends on whether the selected applicant participates as an Embedded Fellow or an Independent Fellow.

Track I: Embedded Fellows funding

Embedded Fellows receive US$100,000 in total support, divided into:

• US$75,000 stipend: Financial support for the fellow during the programme.

• US$25,000 project budget: Funding allocated to support project development and implementation.

This track is designed for people undertaking projects in collaboration with an eligible civil society organization. The host organization provides a working environment, mentorship, and a community through which the fellow can develop and implement the project.

The embedded arrangement allows fellows to combine their technical or creative skills with the experience, relationships, and mission of an established organization.

For example, a fellow working on digital rights, technology governance, or community-centered technological solutions may benefit from collaborating with an organization already working with the communities the project intends to serve.

The project budget can support eligible project activities, subject to the programme’s funding conditions and requirements. Applicants should consult the full RFP for the applicable financial and administrative details.

Track II: Independent Fellows funding

Independent Fellows receive US$125,000 in total support, divided into:

• US$100,000 stipend: Financial support for the fellow.

• US$25,000 project budget: Funding to help develop and implement the proposed project.

This track is intended for people who want to pursue ambitious ideas independently rather than working through one of the designated host organizations.

Independent Fellows have greater freedom to determine how they approach their projects. Their work may involve developing a new platform, creating technological tools, demonstrating an alternative business model, or building systems that allow other technologists to develop better products and services.

This flexibility is especially relevant to applicants whose projects require experimentation or whose ideas do not fit within the operating structure of a conventional organization.

Understanding the difference between the two funding tracks

Applicants should select the track that best matches the structure of their proposed work. The two tracks share a common objective: supporting technology leaders capable of advancing more open, inclusive, and people-centered technological systems.

The advertised amounts represent total support, including both the stipend and project budget. Applicants should not interpret the full amount as a personal stipend.

4. Who Should Apply for the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship?

The Mozilla Foundation Fellowship is intended for people developing ambitious ideas at the intersection of technology, society, and the public interest.

The call uses the language of builders, founders, and agitators to describe the people it wants to support. These terms reflect an interest in applicants who are willing to challenge existing systems, develop alternatives, and translate ideas into practical results.

Potential applicants may include:

• Technology developers and software builders.

• Artificial intelligence researchers and innovators.

• Founders of technology initiatives and organizations.

• Digital rights advocates.

• Open-source contributors.

• Researchers working on emerging technologies.

• People developing community-centered technology infrastructure.

• Entrepreneurs exploring alternative technology business models.

• Artists and creative practitioners using technology-related interventions to influence public debate.

• People working on digital security, auditing, and accountability.

• Innovators seeking to expand public access to technology and technological decision-making.

These are illustrative profiles based on the fellowship’s stated focus areas, not a complete list of formal eligibility categories.

Applicants with practical ideas and a clear vision

The fellowship is especially relevant to applicants who can identify a significant problem and propose a practical way to address it.

A strong project may seek to improve how artificial intelligence serves communities, make technological infrastructure more accessible, support community ownership of data, create affordable security systems, or develop sustainable alternatives to advertising-driven digital platforms.

The programme’s emphasis on builders suggests that applicants should be prepared to explain what they intend to develop and how they will make progress during the 12-month fellowship.

Applicants whose work challenges conventional approaches

Mozilla Foundation is interested in projects that do not simply optimize the status quo. It encourages applicants to question existing assumptions about technology and explore alternatives that give people more control over the systems affecting them.

This may be relevant to individuals developing technologies that prioritize privacy, community governance, open infrastructure, public benefit, or equitable access.

Applicants at different career stages

The programme presents two tracks designed around different ways of working: collaboration with a host organization and independent project development. The call also welcomes nominations of both rising innovators ready to expand their impact and senior leaders prepared to undertake field-defining work.

However, the supplied call summary does not specify a universal age requirement, academic qualification, or minimum number of years of professional experience. Applicants should consult the full RFP and official FAQs to confirm the eligibility rules applicable to their circumstances and chosen track.

5. The Seven Focus Areas of the Mozilla Fellowship 2027–2028

The 2027–2028 cohort will focus on emerging technologies and the infrastructure, governance, and business models surrounding them.

The programme identifies several priority areas. Applicants are encouraged to consider how their projects relate to these themes and to explain the potential public benefit of their proposed work.

5.1 Neurotechnology, biotechnology, and physical AI

The first focus area concerns technologies that are moving beyond conventional digital screens and increasingly interacting with people’s brains, bodies, and physical environments.

Neurotechnology, biotechnology, and physical artificial intelligence raise important questions about privacy, control, safety, ownership, and the relationship between technological systems and the communities they affect.

As these technologies develop, decisions about how they are designed and governed can have consequences for individuals, communities, and the environments in which they operate.

Mozilla Foundation is interested in supporting people who want affected communities to have a meaningful role in shaping these technologies.

Potential project directions within this broad theme could include:

• Developing approaches that strengthen community participation in decisions about emerging technologies.

• Creating tools that improve transparency and accountability in technology development.

• Exploring how people and communities can exercise greater control over technologies that interact with their bodies or environments.

• Building governance approaches that address ownership, access, and the distribution of benefits.

These examples illustrate possible directions rather than additional official eligibility requirements.

Applicants working in this area should explain the technology involved, the communities likely to be affected, the problem their project addresses, and how their proposed work could improve the way these technologies are developed or governed.

5.2 Hard infrastructure: Compute, energy, quantum, and extreme environments

Another priority area concerns the physical and technical infrastructure that supports emerging technologies.

Modern technological systems depend on infrastructure such as computing facilities, energy systems, quantum machines, and other specialized environments. Some of this infrastructure is developed and operated behind closed doors, limiting public understanding and participation.

Mozilla Foundation wants to support people working to make this infrastructure more open and accessible, including by helping communities obtain useful data, tools, and a meaningful voice in decisions.

The focus extends beyond software applications to the systems that make those applications possible.

Potential projects may explore:

• Greater transparency in computing and digital infrastructure.

• More accessible tools for understanding technological systems.

• Community participation in infrastructure decisions.

• Open approaches to quantum technology and related technical resources.

• The relationship between energy systems and technological development.

• Ways to improve access to infrastructure information and resources.

For applicants working in this area, the fellowship provides an opportunity to present ideas that address how infrastructure is controlled, who can access it, and how it can be made more responsive to public needs.

5.3 Raising p(bloom): Building AI that helps more people

The fellowship’s third focus area is described as “Raising p(bloom).”

Rather than concentrating exclusively on the possibility that artificial intelligence may go wrong, this theme emphasizes increasing the likelihood that AI produces positive outcomes for people.

The programme is interested in individuals developing AI systems that make life better for a wider range of people while challenging the barriers that prevent communities from participating in the development and use of AI.

The focus also questions how the term “safety” may be used to justify gatekeeping or restrict participation in the development of emerging technologies.

Potential project directions include:

• Developing AI applications that address meaningful social needs.

• Expanding access to the tools and resources needed to build AI systems.

• Supporting more inclusive participation in AI development.

• Exploring practical ways to distribute the benefits of AI more widely.

• Developing alternatives that reduce unnecessary barriers to innovation.

Applicants should show how their proposed work could create positive outcomes, which groups would benefit, and how the project might contribute to a more inclusive AI ecosystem.

The emphasis is not simply on producing another AI tool. It is on helping ensure that AI development leads to tangible benefits for more people.

5.4 Business models for a post-agentic web

The traditional internet has often relied on an exchange in which people access information or services while their attention is monetized through advertising and related business models.

Mozilla Foundation identifies this arrangement as being under pressure from developments involving AI agents, paywalls, and changes in how online information is accessed and distributed.

The fellowship therefore seeks people exploring new ways to sustain the web economically while ensuring that creators, communities, and open digital spaces can continue to benefit.

This focus area is concerned with the financial structures that support online services, information sharing, and creative work.

Possible project directions include:

• Developing alternative business models for online platforms.

• Exploring sustainable ways to fund open-web services.

• Creating mechanisms that allow creators to receive fair compensation.

• Supporting community-owned or community-governed online spaces.

• Investigating approaches to digital value exchange that do not depend entirely on attention-based advertising.

Applicants should consider how their proposed model would operate, who would benefit, and how it could support a more sustainable and open internet.

A compelling project in this area would offer a practical alternative to existing arrangements rather than simply describe the problems associated with current internet business models.

5.5 Shared security and audit infrastructure for small organizations

Security testing, auditing, and technology assessment can be expensive. Smaller organizations may struggle to obtain the resources and specialist support necessary to evaluate whether the tools and products they depend on are safe and trustworthy.

Mozilla Foundation wants to support approaches that make these capabilities more affordable and accessible.

The programme compares the desired approach to a public library: a shared resource that many organizations can access without each having to pay for a costly, individualized consultancy.

This focus area is particularly relevant to people working on practical ways to reduce the cost and complexity of technology security.

Potential project directions include:

• Developing shared security testing tools.

• Creating accessible technology auditing resources.

• Building systems that help small organizations assess the products they use.

• Improving access to information about the safety and reliability of digital tools.

• Supporting emerging organizations that lack large security budgets.

• Developing reusable infrastructure that reduces duplicated work across organizations.

The objective is to make technology safety and trust more accessible to organizations that might otherwise lack the necessary financial or technical resources.

Applicants should explain how their approach would work in practice and how it could help smaller organizations make better-informed decisions about the technologies they depend on.

5.6 Sovereign AI, public infrastructure, and maintenance

The sixth focus area addresses the relationship between technological ownership, long-term control, and dependence on external providers.

Mozilla Foundation argues that communities should not have to rent their intelligence from distant cloud providers. Instead, it wants to support AI and infrastructure that communities can own, operate, and maintain over time.

This focus is relevant to applicants interested in technological independence, public-interest infrastructure, and the long-term sustainability of digital systems.

The emphasis on maintenance is particularly important. Building a technological tool is only one part of creating a durable system. Infrastructure must also remain usable, secure, and functional after the initial development phase.

Potential projects could explore:

• AI systems that communities can operate with greater independence.

• Public-interest digital infrastructure.

• Approaches to reducing dependence on a single commercial provider.

• Open systems that can be maintained over the long term.

• Tools that enable local institutions or communities to retain greater control over technological resources.

• Sustainable maintenance models for community-centered infrastructure.

Applicants working in this area should consider not only the initial development of their technology but also how it will be operated, governed, funded, and maintained after the fellowship ends.

5.7 Creative Advocacy: Art, cultural intervention, and technological change

One fellowship position is reserved for Creative Advocacy, an Independent Fellowship opportunity.

This focus area is intended for a culture jammer, prankster, artist-provocateur, or other creative practitioner capable of using cultural interventions to challenge assumptions about technology and encourage public reconsideration of who technology is built for.

The programme recognizes that technological change does not occur solely through engineering, research, or business development. Art, satire, public interventions, and creative campaigns can also influence how people understand technological systems and their consequences.

This reserved position offers a distinctive route for applicants whose work uses creativity to make technology-related issues visible and encourage change.

Potential approaches may include:

• Creative projects that challenge established ideas about technology.

• Public interventions that prompt discussion about digital power.

• Artistic work that questions who benefits from emerging technologies.

• Cultural campaigns that encourage people to reconsider technology ownership and governance.

• Creative strategies designed to turn public attention into collective action.

Applicants should explain how their creative approach could generate meaningful engagement and contribute to the fellowship’s broader mission of building better technological futures.

5.8 Wildcard applications: Bring an idea beyond the listed categories

Applicants whose projects do not fit neatly into the listed focus areas are encouraged to apply through the Wildcard category.

Mozilla Foundation acknowledges that some of the strongest fellowship ideas may be projects the programme has not explicitly anticipated.

The Wildcard category provides room for unconventional proposals that advance the fellowship’s broader objectives but do not align directly with a specific priority theme.

This is particularly useful for applicants working across multiple disciplines or developing new approaches that do not yet fit established technology categories.

Wildcard applicants should still clearly demonstrate how their ideas contribute to a more open, inclusive, and people-centered technological future.

They should explain:

1. The problem they intend to address.

2. Why the problem matters.

3. What they plan to build or change.

4. Who will benefit from the proposed work.

5. How the project could contribute to a better technology ecosystem.

The Wildcard category should not be interpreted as an exemption from the programme’s overall eligibility criteria. Applicants should review the RFP for the full requirements.

6. The Two Mozilla Fellowship Tracks Explained

The Mozilla Foundation Fellowship offers two tracks for people who want to develop ambitious technology projects through different working arrangements.

Both tracks share the same central goal: supporting technology leaders who can help build a more open, responsible, and human-centered future.

Track I: Embedded Fellows

Embedded Fellows work on projects in collaboration with and supported by a civil society organization.

Under this arrangement, the host organization offers a working environment, mentorship, and a community within which the fellow can develop their project. In return, the organization gains access to the fellow’s expertise, helping it advance its mission.

This track is designed for people whose work would benefit from being connected to an established organization’s programmes, networks, and communities.

Working within a host organization may allow fellows to better understand the needs of the people their projects are intended to serve. It can also provide opportunities to test ideas in real-world settings, develop partnerships, and connect technical work with organizational priorities.

What Mozilla provides to Embedded Fellows

The total support is US$100,000, divided into a US$75,000 stipend and a US$25,000 project budget.

Applicants should review the RFP for the specific terms, responsibilities, and funding conditions associated with this track.

The full RFP is available here:

https://assets.mofoprod.net/network/documents/PUBLIC_2027_2028_Fellowship_RFP-2.pdf

Track II: Independent Fellows

Independent Fellows have the opportunity to pursue their own ambitious projects in one of the fellowship’s priority areas or through the Wildcard category.

Unlike Embedded Fellows, they are not required by the track description to develop their projects in collaboration with one of the designated host organizations.

The independent model is designed for people who need the flexibility to determine their own approach to building and testing new ideas.

A project might involve developing a new platform, creating a tool that other technologists can use, demonstrating an alternative business model, or building infrastructure that gives communities greater control over technological systems.

What Mozilla provides to Independent Fellows

Independent Fellows receive US$125,000 in total support, divided into a US$100,000 stipend and a US$25,000 project budget.

The larger stipend reflects the funding structure specified for this track. Applicants should consult the RFP for the complete terms and conditions.

How to choose the right track

The choice between Embedded and Independent Fellowships should be guided by the nature of the proposed project and the type of support that would help it succeed.

An Embedded Fellowship may be appropriate for someone whose work would benefit from collaboration with a civil society organization, access to its community, and mentorship from its team.

An Independent Fellowship may be better suited to someone who has a clear project direction and needs the freedom to build, experiment, and develop an alternative approach without relying on a designated host organization.

Applicants should read the descriptions of the available placements and confirm the requirements before choosing a track.

7. What Makes the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship Valuable?

The Mozilla Foundation Fellowship offers more than financial support. Its structure is intended to help fellows turn ambitious ideas into practical work and connect them with a broader community of people working to improve technology.

7.1 Significant financial support

The fellowship provides total support of US$100,000 for Embedded Fellows and US$125,000 for Independent Fellows.

The stipend component can provide financial support during the fellowship, while the project budget is intended to support project development and implementation.

This structure may help selected fellows dedicate time and resources to work that would otherwise be difficult to pursue.

7.2 A 12-month period to develop ambitious projects

The programme runs for 12 months, beginning June 1, 2027.

This provides a defined period in which fellows can develop their projects, test ideas, establish collaborations, and work toward practical outcomes.

Applicants should propose realistic objectives that reflect the programme duration and the resources available.

7.3 Access to a global network of more than 200 former fellows

Mozilla Foundation highlights a global network of more than 200 former fellows.

This community can be valuable for connecting with people who have experience developing technology projects, building organizations, and advancing work that challenges conventional approaches.

The fellowship’s network also reflects a range of ways that fellows can carry their work forward, from launching organizations to contributing to public debates and technological infrastructure.

7.4 Opportunities to develop practical technological solutions

The fellowship emphasizes building tools, systems, and alternatives that can change how technology works.

This focus may benefit applicants who want to move beyond identifying problems and demonstrate a practical approach to addressing them.

7.5 Support for open and community-centered technology

Many of the programme’s focus areas emphasize public access, community ownership, accountability, and inclusive participation.

Selected fellows can work on projects that address who controls technology, who benefits from it, and how communities can have a greater say in its development.

7.6 Opportunities to challenge established technology models

The programme encourages unconventional ideas and supports people working at the boundaries of existing technological systems.

This may be particularly relevant to innovators whose projects do not fit neatly into traditional commercial models or established research priorities.

7.7 An organizational environment for Embedded Fellows

Embedded Fellows gain the opportunity to work with a civil society organization that provides mentorship and a community for their projects.

This arrangement can connect the fellow’s skills with an organization’s mission and help translate technical expertise into community impact.

7.8 Flexibility for Independent Fellows

Independent Fellows can pursue their own ambitious ideas within the programme’s focus areas.

This track offers a suitable structure for people who need flexibility to determine their project approach and develop working systems or other innovations.

7.9 Recognition through a competitive international programme

Selection as a Mozilla Foundation Fellow places a project within a cohort focused on building better technological futures.

The programme’s examples of previous fellows demonstrate that the fellowship can be associated with work spanning nonprofit technology, open-source tools, digital governance, and community data ownership.

However, applicants should understand that participation does not guarantee a particular career outcome, business success, or future funding.

8. Examples of Work by Mozilla Foundation Fellows

Mozilla Foundation highlights the work of previous fellows to illustrate how fellowship projects can develop into practical initiatives with broader influence.

The examples below are drawn from the supplied 2027–2028 call for applications.

Arghya Bhattacharya: Privacy-first AI for India’s courts

Arghya Bhattacharya co-founded Adalat AI, a privacy-first artificial intelligence system for India’s courts.

According to the fellowship announcement, the initiative joined Y Combinator in 2026, becoming the first nonprofit backed by the accelerator in nearly five years.

This example demonstrates how work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, privacy, and public institutions can develop beyond the initial project stage.

Mathys Rennela: Open-source quantum tooling

Mathys Rennela’s open-source quantum tooling has become part of the European Commission’s discussions concerning open and sovereign quantum technology.

This example illustrates how work on technical tools and open infrastructure can contribute to wider conversations about technological independence and access.

Rudy Fraser: Community-governed online spaces

Rudy Fraser is developing permissioned posts for the AT Protocol, with the aim of enabling communities to run online spaces that they govern themselves.

This work relates to questions about digital communities, online governance, and the extent to which people can shape the environments in which they interact.

Violeta Ayala: Indigenous ownership of movement data

Violeta Ayala is developing Paqarina to help Indigenous communities in Bolivia own and license movement data used in embodied artificial intelligence.

This example highlights questions about data ownership, community control, and the rights of people whose information contributes to technological development.

Together, these examples illustrate the range of work represented in Mozilla Foundation’s fellowship community. Projects may focus on technical systems, organizational development, open infrastructure, digital rights, or community ownership.

9. Mozilla Foundation Fellowship 2027–2028 Application Process

The fellowship uses a multi-stage application and selection process.

The Letter of Intent stage is particularly important because it is the primary stage of review. Only a small number of shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a full application in early 2027.

This means that interested applicants should carefully prepare their initial submission rather than treating it as a simple expression of interest.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY 

Step 1: Read the full request for proposals

Before beginning an application, applicants should review the official RFP.

The document provides information about the focus areas, fellowship tracks, host organizations, and programme requirements.

It is available at:

https://assets.mofoprod.net/network/documents/PUBLIC_2027_2028_Fellowship_RFP-2.pdf

Reading the RFP can help applicants determine whether their project aligns with the fellowship’s objectives and which track may be most appropriate.

Step 2: Identify the relevant focus area and fellowship track

Applicants should consider whether their proposed project fits one of the listed focus areas:

1. Neurotechnology, biotechnology, and physical AI.

2. Hard infrastructure, including compute, energy, quantum, and extreme environments.

3. Raising p(bloom), focused on AI that benefits more people.

4. Business models for a post-agentic web.

5. Shared security and audit infrastructure for small organizations.

6. Sovereign AI, public infrastructure, and maintenance.

7. Creative Advocacy.

Applicants whose ideas do not fit these categories may consider applying as a Wildcard.

They should also determine whether the Embedded or Independent Fellowship structure best suits their project.

Step 3: Prepare and submit the Letter of Intent

The Letter of Intent is the first formal stage of the application process.

Because the primary review takes place at this stage, applicants should communicate their project clearly and explain why it matters.

A strong submission should aim to make the proposed work understandable, demonstrate its relevance to the fellowship, and explain what the applicant hopes to build or change.

Applicants should follow the official submission instructions and avoid relying on assumptions about the format or length of the Letter of Intent.

Letter of Intent deadline: December 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (UTC−8).

Submit the Letter of Intent through the official application link:

https://mzl.la/fellowshipsLOI

Step 4: Wait for the full-application invitation

Following the Letter of Intent review, a limited number of shortlisted candidates will be invited to submit full applications.

The announced invitation date is February 16, 2027.

Submitting a Letter of Intent does not guarantee an invitation to the next stage. Applicants should ensure that their initial submission clearly presents the project and its alignment with the programme.

Step 5: Submit the full application if invited

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete the full application.

The full application deadline is March 12, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (UTC−8).

Applicants should follow the instructions provided in their invitation and ensure that all required materials are submitted by the deadline.

The supplied announcement does not enumerate every document required for the full application. Applicants should consult the RFP, official application instructions, and invitation materials for the exact requirements.

Step 6: Receive the final decision

Final applicants are scheduled to be notified on April 30, 2027.

Successful candidates will then prepare for the fellowship period, which begins on June 1, 2027, and lasts 12 months.

Applicants should rely on official communications from Mozilla Foundation for confirmation of their individual application status and any subsequent requirements.

10. Important Application Deadlines and Dates

Applicants should keep track of the following dates to avoid missing an important stage of the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship 2027–2028 selection process.

The Letter of Intent deadline is the first date that prospective applicants should prioritize.

Pacific Standard Time is UTC−8. Applicants in other time zones should convert the deadline carefully and submit well before the stated cutoff to reduce the risk of technical or scheduling problems.

For example, the Letter of Intent deadline corresponds to 7:59 a.m. on December 18, 2026, in Zambia, which observes Central Africa Time (UTC+2). Applicants should still use the official deadline and verify the applicable time-zone conversion before submitting.

The full application deadline corresponds to 9:59 a.m. on March 13, 2027, in Zambia.

These local-time conversions are provided for planning purposes; the official Pacific Time deadlines remain controlling.

CLICK HERE for more information on Mozilla Foundation Fellowship 2027–2028

11. How to Prepare a Strong Letter of Intent

Because the Letter of Intent is the primary review stage, applicants should give it careful attention.

The supplied announcement does not provide a complete scoring rubric or exact Letter of Intent format. The following suggestions are therefore general preparation guidance based on the fellowship’s stated priorities, rather than additional official application rules.

Explain the problem clearly

Start by identifying the problem your project is designed to address.

Avoid relying solely on broad claims that technology should be safer, fairer, or more inclusive. Explain the specific challenge, why it matters, and who is affected.

For example, an applicant working on shared security infrastructure might explain why smaller organizations struggle to evaluate the technology they use and how the proposed project could reduce that barrier.

Describe what you intend to build

Mozilla Foundation emphasizes builders and practical outcomes.

Applicants should therefore explain what they intend to develop, whether that is a technological tool, a working system, a platform, an alternative business model, a creative intervention, or another practical innovation.

The proposal should make clear what the project will do and how it differs from existing approaches.

Demonstrate alignment with the fellowship

Explain how the project relates to one of the programme’s focus areas or why it belongs in the Wildcard category.

Applicants should connect their work to the fellowship’s broader objectives, including openness, community participation, technological accountability, and public benefit where relevant.

Identify the people and communities who will benefit

The fellowship places importance on who technology serves and who has control over it.

Applicants should explain which people or communities their projects are intended to support and how those groups may benefit.

Where appropriate, consider whether the project gives people greater access to tools, information, infrastructure, ownership, or decision-making.

Present a realistic plan for the fellowship period

The fellowship lasts 12 months, so applicants should consider what can reasonably be achieved during that period.

A clear plan may distinguish between the initial development phase, testing, community engagement, refinement, and the expected outcome.

The level of detail should follow the official application instructions.

Explain why the fellowship is the right opportunity

Applicants should make a clear connection between the proposed project and the resources offered by Mozilla Foundation.

For example, an Embedded Fellowship may be particularly relevant when collaboration with a civil society organization would strengthen the work. An Independent Fellowship may be more appropriate when the project requires a different working structure.

Applicants should also explain how the funding and programme period would help them advance the proposed work.

Review the application before submitting

Before submitting the Letter of Intent, applicants should verify that their submission follows the official instructions, clearly communicates their idea, and is complete.

They should also confirm the deadline in their own time zone and retain any submission confirmation provided by the application system.

12. Can You Be Nominated for the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship?

Yes. Mozilla Foundation offers a nomination route alongside direct applications.

Anyone can apply directly, and nominations provide an additional way for the organization to identify potential fellows.

The programme invites members of its global community to nominate individuals whose work contributes to better technological futures.

Potential nominees may include emerging innovators who are ready to expand their impact or established leaders who want to pursue work capable of influencing an entire field.

Who can nominate a potential fellow?

The supplied announcement states that anyone can nominate a potential fellow. It also explicitly welcomes self-nominations.

This means that individuals do not need to rely exclusively on another person to bring their work to Mozilla Foundation’s attention.

What happens after a nomination?

Nomination is not the same as selection.

Nominees who meet the eligibility criteria will be contacted with details about how to submit a Letter of Intent.

They must still follow the application process and satisfy the programme’s requirements.

Nomination link

Individuals who know someone whose work aligns with the fellowship’s mission can submit a nomination through the official nomination page:

https://mzl.la/fellowshipsnomination

People considering self-nomination should review the nomination instructions and the direct Letter of Intent process to determine the appropriate route for their circumstances.

13. Frequently Asked Questions About the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship 2027–2028

What is the Mozilla Foundation Fellowship 2027–2028?

It is a 12-month fellowship programme supporting people developing innovative projects that contribute to a more open, inclusive, and people-centered technological future. Mozilla Foundation plans to award 10 fellowships for the 2027–2028 period.

How much funding can fellows receive?

Independent Fellows receive US$125,000 in total support, consisting of a US$100,000 stipend and a US$25,000 project budget.

Embedded Fellows receive US$100,000 in total support, consisting of a US$75,000 stipend and a US$25,000 project budget.

What is the deadline to apply?

The Letter of Intent deadline is December 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (UTC−8).

This is the primary review stage, and only a small number of shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit full applications.

When is the full application deadline?

Shortlisted candidates are scheduled to submit their full applications by March 12, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (UTC−8).

The full application is by invitation following the initial review.

When will applicants be notified?

The announcement states that invitations to submit full applications will be issued on February 16, 2027, and final applicants will be notified on April 30, 2027.

When does the fellowship begin?

The fellowship begins on June 1, 2027, and runs for 12 months.

What is the difference between Embedded and Independent Fellows?

Embedded Fellows collaborate with a civil society organization that provides mentorship and a community for their work. Independent Fellows pursue their projects independently within the fellowship’s objectives.

The Embedded track provides US$100,000 in total support, while the Independent track provides US$125,000.

What are the main fellowship focus areas?

The announced areas include neurotechnology, biotechnology and physical AI; hard infrastructure; AI that benefits more people; business models for a post-agentic web; shared security and audit infrastructure; sovereign AI and public infrastructure; and Creative Advocacy. Applicants whose projects do not fit these themes may apply through the Wildcard category.

Can I apply if my project does not match a listed focus area?

The call explicitly invites applicants to use the Wildcard category if their work does not fit the listed focus areas. The project should still align with the fellowship’s broader mission and satisfy the official eligibility requirements.

Can I nominate myself?

Yes. Mozilla Foundation explicitly welcomes self-nominations. Anyone can also apply directly through the Letter of Intent process.

Are international applicants eligible?

The supplied announcement describes a global fellowship community and invites nominations from its global community. However, the provided information does not specify all formal geographic eligibility conditions. Applicants should check the official RFP and FAQs for confirmation of eligibility in their country or circumstances.

Conclusion

The Mozilla Foundation Fellowship 2027–2028 offers an opportunity for ambitious innovators to develop practical solutions that help shape the future of technology. With 10 fellowships available, total support of up to US$125,000, a 12-month programme, and access to a global network of more than 200 former fellows, the initiative is designed to help people turn unconventional ideas into meaningful projects.

Its focus areas address some of the important questions facing the technology sector: how artificial intelligence can benefit more people, how communities can gain greater control over technological infrastructure, how the internet can support creators and communities sustainably, and how smaller organizations can access affordable security and auditing resources. The programme also creates room for creative advocacy and Wildcard projects that challenge established assumptions about technology.

Applicants can pursue the Embedded Fellowship, which combines funding with collaboration through a civil society organization, or the Independent Fellowship, which offers greater freedom to develop an ambitious project independently. Both tracks are intended to support practical work that advances a more open, inclusive, and people-centered technological future.

Interested candidates should carefully review the official request for proposals, identify the focus area and fellowship track that best match their work, and prepare a compelling Letter of Intent.

The most important deadline is December 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. Since the Letter of Intent is the primary review stage, applicants should begin preparing early rather than waiting until the final hours.

Discover more global fellowship opportunities on opportunities for youth (OFY) HERE.