The Mozilla Foundation has launched the Human-Scale AI Incubator, offering US$300,000 and 12 months of support to teams building smaller, specialised, community-focused AI, with up to US$200,000 more in follow-on funding. That makes up to US$500,000 over three years, equity-free. Initial proposals are due 20 November 2026.
Mozilla wants alternatives to giant, one-size-fits-all AI: tools that run locally, use less computing power, protect privacy and give communities control. That makes it highly relevant to African builders working on local-language AI, offline tools or community-owned data.
Key Details
- Funder: Mozilla Foundation
- Year 1: US$300,000 + 12 months of intensive support from April 2027
- Follow-on: up to US$200,000 + two more years of support for strong projects
- Total: up to US$500,000, non-dilutive (no equity taken)
- Deadline: 20 November 2026, 11:59 pm PST (08:59 WAT / 10:59 EAT on 21 November)
Benefits
- US$300,000 in year one
- eligibility for up to US$200,000 more based on progress, product-community fit and public benefit
- tailored coaching, workshops, expert connections and one-to-one support from Mozilla staff
- a global cohort of builders, including three “anchor” teams such as Tiles Privacy Technologies and the Distributed AI Research Institute (DAIR)
- a showcase at the Mozilla Festival and access to Mozilla’s network of technologists, activists and funders
What Mozilla Is Looking For
- AI built around a specific purpose, context and community
- systems that can run locally or with far less compute
- technology that protects privacy and gives communities control over data
- strong product-community fit — users, contributors and partners who shape and sustain the tool
Eligibility
- ambitious teams building human-scale AI technology
- a clear plan for technology progress and community engagement over 12 months
- original applications — Mozilla says heavily AI-generated responses may face extra review
Read the funding eligibility section and FAQs on Mozilla’s call page for the full rules on who can receive funds.
How to Apply
- Read the full call on the official Mozilla Human-Scale AI page.
- Join the information webinar on 12 November 2026 at 5 pm UTC (6 pm WAT / 8 pm EAT) — registration details are on the page.
- Submit your Initial Project Proposal — this is the main review stage — by 20 November 2026.
- If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to submit a full application.
Tips
- Describe the community you serve and how they shape the product.
- Show why a smaller or local model is better for your users than a big general one.
- Give evidence of progress: a prototype, users or pilots.
- Write in your own words.
Related Opportunities
- Mozilla Foundation Fellowship 2027–2028 (Up to US$125,000)
- Gates Foundation AI Fellows Program (Africa)
- Learnstar Startup Challenge 2027
Deadline: 20 November 2026, 11:59 pm PST.
