Programme Thesis
The Mozilla Fellowship Programme funds visionary technologists and advocates who build open, people-centered technology that addresses societal challenges such as privacy, AI accountability, climate justice, and open infrastructure. It exists to support leaders who turn optimism into action by developing tools, platforms, and initiatives that demonstrate a better tech future, with a strong emphasis on open licensing and community impact.
Selection Criteria
- Fit: Experience relevant to the chosen track (Embedded or Independent) and alignment with Mozilla's focus areas (privacy, AI auditing, climate justice, open infrastructure, etc.).
- Project: A clear, realistic 12-month impact plan with tangible deliverables (tools, platforms, innovations) that are openly licensed.
- Values: Demonstrated commitment to care, openness, and innovation in technology.
- Impact: Potential to serve communities and influence the field, especially in the Global Majority or underserved regions.
- Leadership: Ability to inspire and influence others through speaking, writing, and collaboration.
Past Winners / Cohort Profiles
Over 200 alumni have addressed issues such as AI myths, disinformation campaigns, and responsible tech. Past fellows include embedded technologists working with host organizations like Bellingcat, Baraza Media Lab, and SMEX, as well as independent fellows pursuing field-defining projects. Named examples from the page include host organizations (e.g., Arab Reform Initiative, Open Supply Hub) but no specific individual names are provided.
Ideal Candidate Fingerprint
The platonic ideal applicant is an experienced technologist with a strong record of open-source contributions, a clear vision for a 12-month project that builds a publicly shared tool or platform addressing a pressing societal issue, and a demonstrated commitment to community-centered, ethical technology. They should have leadership experience and the ability to influence policy, media, or future innovators, with a focus on the Global Majority or underserved communities.
Recommended Framing
Eniola should position himself as an independent researcher building open, transparent computational tools that democratize access to drug discovery and neuroscience modeling, directly aligning with Mozilla's focus on open infrastructure and democratizing data. His CCT model and TOPOLOGIX platform can be framed as publicly shared, openly licensed resources that empower African researchers and communities to address addiction and antimicrobial resistance, while his self-hosted infrastructure and open-source ethos exemplify the people-centered technology Mozilla champions.
Watch Out
Eniola's current enrollment in an M.Sc. program may conflict with the full-time commitment expected of a fellowship; he should clarify how he will balance both. The Independent Fellow track requires a strong record of leadership and innovation—his independent research profile is strong, but he should emphasize leadership roles (e.g., National Product Manager) and community impact. The fellowship's broad societal focus may not directly fund his specific pharmacological modeling work, so he must frame it as a tool for public good and open science.