Gates Foundation looks to embed AI talent with launch of year-long fellowship program
The Gates Foundation has opened applications for its first AI Fellows cohort, a year-long program placing AI specialists into global health, development, and education teams to build scalable and ethical solutions, according to a LinkedIn post from Trevor Mundel, President of Global Health at the Gates Foundation.
In a LinkedIn post, Trevor Mundel, President of Global Health at the Gates Foundation, confirmed that applications are now open for the first AI Fellows cohort. The foundation is the world’s largest nonprofit focused on tackling poverty, disease, and inequity.
The AI Fellows initiative is a 12-month, full-time fellowship embedding AI talent into foundation teams working on health, development, and education. The first cohort begins in November 2025, with fellows based remotely in the United States or at the Gates Foundation’s Seattle headquarters. Applications close on September 19.
Focus areas for fellows
According to the foundation’s program outline, fellows will work on projects such as AI-powered prediction models for diagnostics, data dashboards, and prototypes including chatbots for pre-field assessments. Each fellow will be embedded within program teams to identify problems, prototype tools, and build scalable solutions, with an emphasis on ethical and inclusive approaches.
Mundel says in the LinkedIn post: “AI holds extraordinary potential to transform health and development outcomes. Fellows will co-design high-impact projects and contribute to inclusive innovation across the foundation. This first cohort will begin work in November 2025 and can be remote within the US or based in our Seattle headquarters. We aspire to have future cohorts work across our global offices. If you’re an AI/ML expert who wants to use your skills to advance public good apply today.”
The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026
The EdTech Innovation Hub Awards celebrate excellence in global education technology, with a particular focus on workforce development, AI integration, and innovative learning solutions across all stages of education.
Now open for entries, the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 recognize the companies, platforms, and individuals driving transformation in the sector, from AI-driven assessment tools and personalized learning systems, to upskilling solutions and digital platforms that connect learners with real-world outcomes.
Submissions are open to organizations across the UK, the Americas, and internationally. Entries should highlight measurable impact, whether in K–12 classrooms, higher education institutions, or lifelong learning settings.
Winners will be announced on 14 January 2026 as part of an online showcase featuring expert commentary on emerging trends and standout innovation. All winners and finalists will also be featured in our first print magazine, to be distributed at BETT 2026.
