The Mozilla Foundation has announced the Democracy x AI Cohort 2026, an exciting opportunity for technologists and innovators who are building AI systems designed to strengthen democratic practices globally. This initiative seeks to support projects that leverage artificial intelligence not just as a tool, but as a force to enhance transparency, civic engagement, and shared understanding in democratic societies. Why the Democracy x AI Cohort Matters Throughout history, technology has reshaped democracy. The printing press democratized information, telegraphs and radio enabled fast communication across distances, and the Internet opened up new avenues for participation and discourse. Yet, technology is a double-edged sword. Today, AI is being misused to spread disinformation, automate surveillance, and manipulate online engagement, challenging the very foundations of democracy. The Mozilla Foundation believes that AI can be a force for good, helping to protect democratic systems rather than undermine them. The Democracy x AI Cohort aims to support working technologies that demonstrate how AI can improve civic participation, transparency, and institutional accountability. What the Cohort Offers Selected projects will receive $50,000 in funding and 12 months of intensive support. Beyond financial assistance, participants gain access to a rich ecosystem of mentorship, peer collaboration, and professional development opportunities. Benefits include: Monthly cohort calls to share experiences and insights with peers Expert mentorship from technologists, civic leaders, and AI specialists Skills workshops tailored to cohort needs, covering topics like impact measurement, pitch development, and sustainable business models Network access to Mozilla’s global community of technologists, activists, and funders Opportunities to showcase your project at the Mozilla Festival Participants who excel may be invited to a Sustain Track, receiving up to $250,000 in follow-on funding to scale their initiatives further. Focus Areas of the Democracy x AI Cohort Mozilla is looking for projects in three key categories: 1. Enable Better Information Democracy relies on shared facts and access to reliable information. Projects in this area may include: Platforms that diversify information flows and amplify trustworthy sources AI-powered tools for fact verification across languages and contexts Systems that reveal algorithmic influence on content visibility Spaces for deliberation and consensus-building that counter polarization Success in this area means communities have access to verified, diverse, and transparent information, enabling citizens to make informed decisions. 2. Build Institutional Transparency and Accountability To strengthen democratic governance, AI technologies should make institutions more visible and accountable. Mozilla seeks: Tools that track government decision-making and make it understandable to the public Public data infrastructure for analysis and advocacy Participatory platforms allowing communities to influence policy Systems translating public input into actionable insights Successful projects empower citizens to hold governments accountable, access machine-readable public data, and participate meaningfully in policymaking. 3. Protect and Expand Civic Space Democracy requires safe spaces for organizing and civic engagement. Projects should focus on: Privacy-preserving coordination tools for activists Technologies that reduce harassment and protect freedom of expression Infrastructure for resisting disinformation and authoritarian control Tools that provide marginalized communities with resources for civic participation Success here ensures safe, accessible civic spaces, even in hostile environments, and empowers communities to organize without fear of repression. Who Should Apply Mozilla is seeking technologists with working AI projects that have traction. Eligible applicants should have: A functional technology, beyond prototypes or wireframes A committed team capable of executing a 12-month plan A commitment to openness, such as open-source code, shared datasets, or transparent practices Legal ability to receive funds from a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization Applications must be submitted in English, and translation tools are allowed. Mozilla evaluates projects not by language quality but by potential democratic impact and technical viability. How Applications Are Evaluated Projects are assessed based on six criteria: Technical viability: Is the technology functional and scalable? Problem/community clarity: Is there a clear understanding of the challenge and target users? Impact potential: Can the project create measurable democratic improvements? Values alignment: Does the project embody transparency, openness, and accountability? Sustainability potential: Is there a plausible path to long-term viability? Theme fit: Does the project improve civic participation, information quality, or institutional accountability? Mozilla also considers geographic diversity and technical approach to ensure a balanced cohort. Timeline and Application Process The application process is divided into two stages: Initial Project Proposal: February 12 – March 16, 2026 Final Proposals for Shortlisted Applicants: Due April 15, 2026 Cohort Start: June 2026 Applicants are encouraged to attend an info session on March 5, 2026, to clarify details about the call for proposals. Why Mozilla Is Investing in AI for Democracy Mozilla has a long history of defending an open, participatory, and pluralistic Internet. By funding AI projects that strengthen democracy, Mozilla is working to ensure technology empowers people rather than concentrating power. This cohort is part of Mozilla’s broader commitment to building a future where AI serves democratic principles and civic engagement thrives globally. LEARN MORE & APPLY HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.