{"id":75052,"date":"2024-06-03T09:09:37","date_gmt":"2024-06-03T16:09:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.mozilla.org\/?p=75052"},"modified":"2024-06-03T09:12:42","modified_gmt":"2024-06-03T16:12:42","slug":"mozilla-builders-accelerator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.mozilla.org\/en\/mozilla\/mozilla-builders-accelerator\/","title":{"rendered":"Building open, private AI with the Mozilla Builders Accelerator"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

AI tools are more accessible than ever. Big tech companies have made this possible, but their focus on growth and monetization prioritizes large-scale products. This leaves smaller AI projects in the shadows, despite their potential to better serve individual needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why we\u2019re excited to introduce the Mozilla Builders Accelerator<\/a>. This program is designed to empower independent AI and machine learning engineers with the resources and support they need to thrive. It aims to cultivate a more innovative AI ecosystem, and it\u2019s one of Mozilla\u2019s key initiatives<\/a> to make AI meaningfully impactful \u2014 alongside efforts like Mozilla.ai<\/a>, the Responsible AI Challenge<\/a> and the Rise25 Awards<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Mozilla Builders Accelerator\u2019s inaugural theme is local AI, which involves running AI models and applications directly on personal devices like laptops, smartphones, or edge devices rather than depending on cloud-based services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Up to $100,000 in funding <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Projects selected for the Mozilla Builders Accelerator are eligible to receive up to $100,000 in funding. We\u2019re also creating an environment where independent developers can flourish. So in addition to financial backing, the Mozilla Builders Accelerator will offer mentorship, foster community engagement and provide increased visibility for projects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Participants will engage in a structured 12-week program focused on the design, build and test phases of their projects, followed by an alumni phase for ongoing support. The program will include instructional sessions, guided workshops and practical assignments. Additionally, there will be opportunities to showcase projects through Mozilla\u2019s channels and events, culminating in a demo day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why local AI?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We chose Local AI as the theme for the Accelerator’s first cohort because it aligns with our core values of privacy, user empowerment, and open source innovation. This method offers several benefits including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n