Mozilla Foundation’s Human-Scale AI Incubator offers up to US$500,000 per project over three years to support purpose-built artificial intelligence innovations. Apply by 20 November 2026.
Background & Funding Description
The Mozilla Foundation is inviting applications for its Human-Scale AI Incubator, a funding initiative supporting artificial intelligence projects designed around specific community needs rather than large, general-purpose systems.
The initiative aims to support developers and project teams building accessible, locally relevant and more responsible AI technologies. Priority areas highlighted by Mozilla include AI that can operate offline on basic phones, smaller models designed for specific tasks, community-owned speech recognition, and systems that protect data privacy and give users greater control.
Mozilla plans to support seven projects, with funding of up to US$500,000 per project over three years. Selected projects will also become part of a wider cohort intended to encourage collaboration and the exchange of ideas across communities and countries.
Applications are open, with the deadline set for 20 November 2026.
Funding Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Mozilla Foundation |
| Funding initiative | Human-Scale AI Incubator |
| Funding type | Project funding |
| Maximum funding | Up to US$500,000 per project |
| Funding duration | Three years |
| Planned cohort | Seven projects |
| Focus area | Purpose-built, human-centred artificial intelligence |
| Application deadline | 20 November 2026 |
| Deadline time | 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (UTC−8) |
| Official call for proposals | Read the application guidelines |
Research and Innovation Priorities
The Human-Scale AI Incubator supports a different approach to AI development by encouraging technology designed for particular problems, communities and environments.
Potential project themes highlighted by Mozilla include:
- Accessible AI: Systems that can operate offline or on basic mobile devices.
- Smaller, specialised models: AI models designed to perform particular tasks efficiently.
- Community-owned technology: Speech recognition and other tools developed for and governed by the communities using them.
- Data privacy and control: Systems that allow information to remain with the people or communities it belongs to.
- Locally relevant solutions: AI addressing overlooked languages, underserved communities and needs that large systems may not adequately serve.
- Transparent and adaptable systems: Technologies that users can inspect, modify and govern.
The initiative is intended to help promising ideas develop into sustainable projects while encouraging knowledge exchange across different contexts.
Qualifications and Eligibility
The supplied programme description does not provide the complete eligibility requirements or specify all eligible applicant categories.
Interested applicants should review the official call for proposals to confirm who can apply, which project types qualify, any geographic restrictions, application requirements and the assessment criteria.
Applicants should ensure that their proposals align with the incubator’s focus on purpose-built AI that addresses real problems and supports the needs of its intended users.
Additional Information
Applications for the Mozilla Foundation Human-Scale AI Incubator are open. The application deadline is Friday, 20 November 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (UTC−8).
The initiative plans to support seven projects with grants of up to US$500,000 each over three years. The maximum amount should not be interpreted as a guaranteed award for every applicant.
How to apply: Visit the official Human-Scale AI call for proposals. Read the full guidelines, verify your eligibility and follow the instructions for submitting a proposal.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Mozilla Human-Scale AI Incubator?
It is a Mozilla Foundation funding initiative supporting AI projects designed to solve specific problems and respond to the needs of particular communities.
2. How much funding is available?
Selected projects can receive up to US$500,000 each over three years.
3. How many projects will Mozilla support?
The programme description states that the incubator will support seven projects.
4. What types of AI projects are encouraged?
The initiative highlights smaller, purpose-built and accessible AI systems, including offline tools, community-owned speech technologies, privacy-focused systems and technology designed for underserved languages or communities.
5. How long does the funding last?
The advertised funding period is three years.
6. When is the application deadline?
Applications close on 20 November 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (UTC−8).
7. Who can apply?
The supplied programme overview does not contain the complete eligibility criteria. Applicants should consult the official call for proposals for confirmation.
8. How can I apply?
Read the official Mozilla Foundation call for proposals and follow its application instructions.
Opportunities Feed Assessment
The Mozilla Human-Scale AI Incubator may interest organisations, research teams and AI innovators developing practical solutions for specific communities. Its focus on accessibility, privacy, local relevance and community control makes it particularly relevant to projects that address needs overlooked by large-scale AI systems.
Applicants should review the official guidelines carefully before preparing a proposal, particularly the eligibility criteria and funding conditions.
Disclaimer: Opportunities Feed shares funding and development opportunities for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with the Mozilla Foundation and does not award or administer grants. Applicants should confirm all requirements and application details through Mozilla’s official website.
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