Mozilla Fellowship 2026 — Call for Nominations for Internet Freedom & Tech Justice

The Mozilla Fellowship 2026 is an international initiative seeking innovators, advocates, researchers, and technologists who are working to create a more equitable, inclusive, and secure internet. Aligned with Mozilla Foundation’s mission to promote a healthy internet, this fellowship recognises individuals leading impactful work in digital rights, open source, privacy advocacy, community-led technology, and more.

The 2026 nomination cycle is now open, inviting peers, organisations, and community members to nominate outstanding changemakers whose work aligns with Mozilla’s vision of a web that truly works for people everywhere.

What Is the Mozilla Fellowship?

The Mozilla Fellowship is a prestigious recognition programme designed to support leaders who are:

• Advancing internet health
• Defending digital rights and privacy
• Promoting open and decentralised technologies
• Empowering communities through inclusive tech innovation
• Building tools, policy insights, and research that strengthen democratic and human-centred digital futures

Rather than a traditional grant-funded award, the fellowship elevates and amplifies the work of nominated individuals by connecting them to Mozilla’s global network, thought leadership platforms, and collaborative opportunities.

Who Can Be Nominated?

Nominees may include:

• Researchers whose work explores digital rights, ethics, data justice, or emerging tech
• Practitioners and advocates in digital inclusion, accessibility, privacy, and community tech
• Open source contributors building tools for secure, decentralised web ecosystems
• Community organisers who advance tech education, empowerment, and equity
• Journalists and storytellers documenting digital harms and shaping public discourse

Individuals from all regions and backgrounds are encouraged to be nominated, especially those whose work has measurable impact, community support, and potential for broader influence.

Why This Nomination Matters

Being nominated for the Mozilla Fellowship signals recognition within the global internet health and tech justice ecosystem. Nominees and selected fellows gain:

• Visibility and amplification of their work
• Connections with diverse ecosystems including policy, academia, civil society, and open source communities
• Opportunities for collaboration and thought leadership
• A platform to influence digital policy and technology debates
• Membership in a community of past fellows and digital justice leaders

This fellowship celebrates impact and influence, highlighting individuals whose work contributes to healthier digital systems and empowered communities.

What the Nomination Should Highlight

Effective nominations typically emphasise:

• Tangible outcomes achieved by the nominee
• Innovative approaches or methodologies
• Community leadership and engagement
• Contributions to open, inclusive, and ethical technology
• Evidence of influence on policy, practice, or public understanding

Compelling nominations tell a clear story of impact and potential.

Timeline & Process Overview

Each nomination cycle follows a timeline that includes:

• Call for nominations open
• Nomination submission period
• Review and vetting by Mozilla Foundation advisors
• Selection and announcement of fellows for the 2026 cohort

Nomination deadlines generally fall in the early part of the year, with announcements and fellowship activities following later in the year.

Examples of Fellowship Focus Areas

Past fellows and ideal nominees may work in fields such as:

• Digital rights and policy research
• Privacy and data protection advocacy
• Open source tool development for encryption or decentralisation
• Community tech education and inclusion
• Gender equity in tech ecosystems
• Responsible AI and algorithmic accountability

Work that bridges technical innovation and human impact is especially valued.

Who Should Nominate?

Nominations can come from:

• Peers and collaborators
• Institutions and organisations in the tech ecosystem
• Academic or research institutions
• Civil society and advocacy networks

Nominators should be familiar with the nominee’s work and able to articulate their contributions clearly.

The Mozilla Fellowship 2026 nomination call is a powerful opportunity to spotlight leaders shaping a safer, fairer, and more open digital world. Whether you are part of a global civil society organisation, an academic network, or a tech community, nominating changemakers helps expand the spotlight on innovative work that moves the internet toward equity and inclusion.