Gates Foundation AI Fellows Program 2026 – Apply Now for a 12-Month Fellowship

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty, disease, and inequity. Founded on the belief that everyone, regardless of identity or circumstance, should have the chance to live a healthy, productive life, the Foundation works across health, development, agriculture, and education to advance equity and opportunity.

As an employer, the Foundation provides:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums
• Generous paid leave and regional holidays
• Foundation-paid retirement contributions
• Paid family leave and employee resource communities

 The AI Fellows Program

The AI Fellows Program is a 12-month, limited-term fellowship designed to accelerate the responsible use of artificial intelligence for public good. Each fellow joins a prestigious cohort applying AI to address pressing challenges in global health, education, agriculture, and development, with a strong emphasis on equity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

• Deadline to apply: September 19, 2025 (EOD)
• Start date: November 2025 cohort
• Duration: 12 months (non-extendable)
• Eligibility: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the host country (visa sponsorship not available)

 What Fellows Will Do

Problem Identification & Scoping

• Collaborate with program teams to frame challenges rooted in local realities and user needs.

Prototyping & Rapid Experimentation

• Build lightweight demos using large language models (LLMs).
• Conduct rapid A/B testing and generate actionable insights.

AI Solutions Design

• Develop and validate prediction models, diagnostics, and chatbots.
• Manage datasets responsibly—ensuring fairness, security, and bias mitigation.
• Integrate AI tools into flagship Foundation workflows.

Teaching & Capacity Building

• Create guides, workshops, and playbooks to help staff and partners adopt AI.
• Mentor program teams and local institutions in applying AI responsibly.

Collaboration & Responsible AI

• Work across global teams, translating research into real-world solutions.
• Embed equity, transparency, and privacy into all approaches.
• Share thought leadership on responsible and ethical AI adoption.

 Why Apply?

By joining the Gates AI Fellows Program, you’ll:

• Work on high-priority global challenges in health, education, and agriculture
• Gain exposure to senior leadership and access Gates’ powerful network
• Build career-defining expertise in AI for social impact
• Contribute to ensuring AI is ethical, inclusive, and equitable for LMICs

Application Details

• Deadline: September 19, 2025 (End of Day)
• Program Start: November 2025
• Length: 12 months (non-renewable)
• Location: Positions based in select Gates Foundation offices (country-specific)

👉 Apply directly via the official portal: Gates Foundation AI Fellows Application