Application Deadline: June 28, 2026

Applications are now open for the Just Tech Fellowship 2027, a highly respected global program designed to support individuals working at the intersection of technology and society. If you are exploring how technology influences governance, public life, or social systems—and you have a bold idea to drive change—this fellowship could be a turning point in your career.

In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, conversations around artificial intelligence, data governance, and digital rights are no longer optional—they are essential. For professionals across Africa and the Global South, the ability to shape these conversations is increasingly critical. Yet, access to funding, networks, and platforms to amplify this work remains limited.

That’s where the Just Tech Fellowship stands out. Backed by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), this program offers not just funding, but a collaborative ecosystem for thinkers, creators, and practitioners who want to build more equitable technological futures.

Whether you are a researcher, artist, technologist, or community advocate, this fellowship offers a unique opportunity to deepen your work, expand your impact, and connect with a global network of change-makers.

About the Just Tech Fellowship 2027

The Just Tech Fellowship is more than a traditional research grant—it is a one-year immersive program that supports innovative, interdisciplinary projects examining how technology shapes society.

The fellowship encourages applicants to go beyond theory and engage with real-world challenges such as digital inequality, algorithmic bias, surveillance, platform governance, and ethical AI. It is particularly interested in work that combines critical thinking with practical solutions.

At its core, the program aims to:

• Expand public understanding of technology’s societal impact
• Support creative and community-driven approaches to tech governance
• Promote inclusive and accountable digital futures

The program runs from January to December 2027, bringing together a diverse cohort of fellows from across disciplines. Participants collaborate, share ideas, and contribute to a broader global conversation about the future of technology.

For African professionals and Global South applicants, this fellowship offers a rare opportunity to bring local perspectives into global tech debates, ensuring that innovation reflects diverse realities—not just dominant narratives.

Benefits of the Just Tech Fellowship

Selected fellows receive a strong combination of financial support, mentorship, and global exposure.

What You Will Receive:

• Up to $60,000 in unrestricted funding
• A 12-month fellowship (January – December 2027)
• Monthly virtual cohort sessions for collaboration and learning
• One in-person workshop with other fellows
• Personalized mentorship from experts in the field
• Access to the Just Tech global network
• Opportunity to apply for additional seed funding for collaborative projects

Unlike many structured programs, the Just Tech Fellowship offers flexibility, allowing fellows to focus deeply on their projects without rigid deliverables.

Eligibility Criteria

The fellowship is intentionally inclusive, welcoming applicants from a wide range of professional and academic backgrounds.

You are eligible if you:

• Are from any country worldwide
• Can reside in the United States during the fellowship period
• Are not enrolled as a full-time student
• Have demonstrated experience or engagement in relevant work
• Do not require formal academic qualifications to apply

This open approach makes the program especially appealing to non-traditional applicants—including activists, creatives, and practitioners working outside academia.

Important Note:
The fellowship does not provide visa sponsorship, so applicants must independently secure the right to stay in the U.S.

Application Process and Key Dates

Applying for the Just Tech Fellowship requires careful preparation, as the selection process is highly competitive.

Key Dates:

• Application Opens: April 27, 2026
• Deadline: June 28, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
• Notification: November 2026
• Fellowship Period: January – December 2027

Required Application Materials:

Applicants must submit:

• A 2-page CV or résumé
• A personal statement (up to 1,000 words or 5-minute video)
• A detailed project proposal (up to 3,000 words or 10-slide deck)
• Two work samples with descriptions

What Your Proposal Should Cover:

• Core idea and research question
• Engagement with technology (design, critique, or governance)
• Methodology and approach
• Feasibility and expected challenges
• Public impact and dissemination plan

Tips for a Strong Application

Standing out in a competitive fellowship like this requires more than meeting the basic requirements. Here’s how you can strengthen your application:

1. Focus on Real-World Impact

The fellowship prioritizes projects that go beyond theory. Show how your work will create tangible change, especially in underserved communities.

2. Be Clear and Original

Avoid overly complex language. Instead, present your ideas clearly and demonstrate original thinking.

3. Highlight Interdisciplinary Thinking

The Just Tech Fellowship values diversity in approach. If your work connects technology with areas like policy, art, education, or social justice—make that clear.

4. Demonstrate Feasibility

Ambition matters, but so does execution. Outline realistic steps and show that your project can be completed within the fellowship year.

5. Showcase Your Voice

This is not just about your idea—it’s about you. Use your personal statement to explain your journey, motivations, and commitment to shaping better technological futures.

Why You Should Apply

The Just Tech Fellowship 2027 is not just another funding opportunity—it’s a platform to shape the future of technology and society.

For African innovators, researchers, and creatives, this fellowship offers a powerful chance to:

• Bring local insights into global conversations
• Build international networks
• Gain visibility for impactful work
• Influence policy and public discourse

In a world where technology is rapidly reshaping economies and societies, programs like this ensure that diverse voices are not left out of the conversation.

Conclusion

If you are passionate about understanding and shaping how technology impacts society, the Just Tech Fellowship 2027 is an opportunity worth pursuing.

With generous funding, global exposure, and a supportive network, this fellowship can help you take your work to the next level. Start preparing early, refine your ideas, and submit a compelling application before the deadline.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

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