Gates Foundation India AI Fellows Program 2026 Applications Open
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation India office has opened applications for its first AI Fellows Program 2026. This 12-month fellowship lets selected candidates use artificial intelligence to tackle real challenges in health, agriculture, and development. Five fellows will join high-impact projects with mentorship from experts.
About the Program
Fellows will work inside Strategic Initiatives or Programmatic Strategy Teams. They will help with priority projects that solve key development issues. The program offers structured mentorship and chances to team up across different fields. Each fellow gets hands-on experience building AI tools that make a difference.
Fellowship Focus Areas
The program picks five fellows for specific AI projects. Here are the roles:
AI Fellow #1: Maternal & Fetal Health Risk Stratification
This fellow will use pregnancy data over time to boost maternal and fetal health. The work includes creating AI models to spot risks like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia early. They will build prototype tools to help frontline health workers make better decisions.
AI Fellow #2: AI Agricultural Advisory
This role combines weather data, satellite images, and farm knowledge into tools for farmers. Fellows will design voice and text chat AI for small farmers to use easily. The focus also covers predicting climate risks and giving crop advice.
AI Fellow #3: AI for Immunization Coverage
Here, AI and machine learning will find kids who miss vaccines, like zero-dose or dropout cases. Fellows will create algorithms and dashboards to target outreach better. The goal is to improve vaccine delivery and tracking at the last mile.
AI Fellow #4: AI for Drug Discovery
This fellow will apply AI to find drug targets, design molecules, and screen options. They will work with data from genomics and clinical trials. Collaboration with research groups will build stronger AI pipelines for discoveries.
AI Fellow #5: Rapid Prototyping of Applied AI Solutions
This position involves making quick AI prototypes for health, education, and agriculture. Tools like chatbots and knowledge graphs will be key. Fellows will push for responsible AI use and create internal guides and resources.
Benefits
Participants gain real-world experience on AI projects. They receive guidance from foundation experts. The fellowship exposes them to global issues and team work across sectors. Fellows can create tools that scale up for big impact. Plus, they build a strong network for future careers.
Why This Opportunity Matters
This program turns AI skills into action for better health systems, food security, and jobs. It suits people who want their work to reach millions. Beyond classroom learning, fellows directly shape solutions for tough problems.
How to Apply
Applications are open now for this first cohort. Check the Opportunities for Youth site for the direct link to apply. Select candidates will start on high-impact projects soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation India AI Fellows Program?
It’s a 12-month fellowship where five selected candidates use AI to solve real challenges in health, agriculture, and development with expert mentorship.
What are the five focus areas for the AI Fellows?
The roles cover maternal health risk stratification, AI agricultural advisory, immunization coverage, drug discovery, and rapid prototyping of AI solutions.
What benefits do fellows get from the program?
Fellows gain hands-on experience, expert guidance, cross-sector teamwork, and a strong network while building impactful AI tools.
How do I apply for the AI Fellows Program 2026?
Applications are open now; visit the Opportunities for Youth site for the direct link to apply and join high-impact projects.